Head of Architecture & Engineering

Willis Re•New York, NY

3d•$210,000 - $280,000

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic and adaptable hands-on leader in architecture (cloud and solution) and engineering (digital and data) to champion best practices, develop solutions and support our technology evolution. This role is crucial for enabling the business and delivering a differentiated client and colleague experience in a secure and scalable manner. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in a scale-up environment and delivering innovative, cloud-first solutions. We combine specialist broking with analytics, modeling and research to help insurers optimize risk transfer, strengthen balance sheets and achieve sustainable growth. Our approach is relationship-driven, transparent and outcome-focused. At the heart of Willis Re is a focus on delivering the most cutting-edge analytical solutions to enable more informed, better decision-making for risk selection, portfolio optimization, and capital management. The launch of Willis Re brings a strategic advantage of being unhindered by legacy, an ability to leverage data, statistical models and advanced technologies with the best knowledge and expertise to deliver more efficient and effective reinsurance outcomes. This places Willis Re in a unique position to build a truly analytically driven business, focused on creating solutions for the reinsurance industry that are future led and forward thinking. Willis Re will also leverage recognized technical expertise from WTW’s Insurance Consulting & Technology business including their advanced modeling and analytical capabilities. Alongside this will be WTW’s Research Network, an award-winning business supporting and influencing science to improve the understanding and quantification of risk. We’re hiring people from all walks of life who are curious, collaborative and ambitious. If you want to be part of a team that leads with heart, builds with courage and redefines what’s possible in our industry, then this is your moment. Explore our current open positions, apply and keep track of your progress all in one place, plus keep an eye out for new postings that might interest you. We look forward to hearing from you! If you’re curious, collaborative, and ambitious, you’ll find the opportunity at Willis Re to shape something extraordinary.

Requirements

Expertise in cloud architecture, digital and data engineering using Microsoft technologies.
Currently in a hands-on architecture and engineering role, responsible for designing and developing solutions end-to-end.
Strong experience in full stack software and data engineering using modern cloud technologies.
Proven ability to design and build Data Lakehouses using Microsoft technologies (Data Factory, Data Bricks, Data Lake, PowerBI).
Proficiency in software engineering languages such as Python, Java, C#, JavaScript, and TypeScript.
Deep knowledge of data engineering languages and tools such as SQL, Spark, Scala, and Hadoop.
Strong background in agile and DevOps methodologies, practices, and technologies.
Proficiency with Azure DevOps, including CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and infrastructure as code (IaC) using tools like ARM templates, Terraform, or Bicep.
Extensive experience with Azure services such as Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure Functions, Azure Logic Apps, and Azure API Management.
Strong understanding of microservices architecture, containerisation (Docker), and orchestration (Kubernetes).
Familiarity with architectural practices like microservices, message queues (e.g., RabbitMQ, Kafka), and event-driven architecture.
Ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders across the business, demonstrating the value of proposed designs and rationale for decisions made.
High standards around quality assurance and strong data governance practices.
Capability to define and implement secure systems with multiple complex interfaces and secure data strategies.
Deep understanding of regulatory environments and compliance requirements.

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of (re)insurance processes, systems, and technologies.
Azure certifications preferable.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement the overall architectural strategy for the company, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
Build and lead an architecture and engineering team from the ground up, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Be hands-on and build solutions alongside the wider team.
Oversee the design and implementation of scalable, secure, and high-performance cloud infrastructure, systems, and solutions.
Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
Ensure high-quality deliverables through rigorous testing, code reviews, and adherence to best practices.
Create and enforce a playbook of best practices for engineers, testers, and architects to deliver high-quality solutions.
Ensure integration of new technologies and systems with existing infrastructure.
Provide technical leadership and guidance to the engineering team, promoting best practices and standards.
Manage and optimise the performance, reliability, and security of our technology infrastructure.
Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies, evaluating their potential impact on the business.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, partners, and other external stakeholders.
Provide architectural oversight of the firm’s GenAI strategy.

Benefits

Medical
Dental
Vision
Health Savings Account
Commuter Benefits
Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Accident Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance
Life Insurance
AD&D
Financial wellbeing support
Wellbeing Program and Work/Life Resources (including Employee Assistance Program)
Paid Holidays
Annual Paid Time Off (includes paid state/local paid leave where required)
Short-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability
Other Leaves (e.g., Bereavement, FMLA, ADA, Jury Duty, Military Leave, and Parental and Adoption Leave)
Paid Time Off (Washington State only)
Savings Plan (401k)