Head, IT Core Platforms

The Opportunity

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.

If you have experience in leading the transformation of core platforms, including the migration from legacy systems to modern, cloud-based solutions, with a focus on Guidewire and other SaaS applications and you are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Zurich Canada is currently looking for a Head, IT Core Platforms to to lead the strategy, development, and execution of our core insurance platforms. This critical leadership role will be instrumental in driving our technology modernization efforts, ensuring the scalability, efficiency, and agility of our core systems.

Reporting to the Head of IT, you will lead a talented team and collaborate closely with business stakeholders to translate strategic objectives into tangible technology solutions.

This is a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters.

This is a hybrid role.

What you will do -

• Develop and execute a comprehensive vision and strategy for our core insurance platforms, aligning with overall business goals and technology roadmaps.
• Lead the transformation of our core platforms, including the migration from legacy systems to modern, cloud-based solutions, with a focus on Guidewire and other SaaS applications.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the implementation, configuration, and integration of Guidewire PolicyCentre, and ClaimCentre, as well as other relevant insurance systems in the ecosystem.
• Drive transformational initiatives from initial concept and business case development through successful delivery and adoption.
• Partner with business leaders across Underwriting, Claims, Policy Administration, and other functions to understand their needs and translate them into robust and scalable platform capabilities.
• Lead and mentor a team of platform engineers, and business systems analysts, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure the effective delivery of services and solutions from external partners.
• Oversee the development and adherence to platform standards, best practices, and security protocols.
• Ensure the performance, reliability, and scalability of core platforms, implementing proactive monitoring and optimization strategies.
• Manage the platform budget and ensure cost-effective delivery of solutions.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies in the insurance and platform space, identifying opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.

Job Qualifications

What you bring to the table:

Required:

• Bachelors Degree and 10 or more years of experience in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.

AND

• 5 or more years of leadership experience
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in IT leadership roles within the Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance industry.
• Deep understanding of both Commercial and Personal Lines insurance processes and data models.
• Extensive experience with Guidewire platform implementation, configuration, and integration (PolicyCenter, BillingCenter and ClaimCenter).
• Proven track record of successfully leading and delivering large-scale technology transformation initiatives, including legacy system modernization and cloud migrations.
• Significant experience with SaaS-based enterprise applications and cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Demonstrated ability to translate business strategy into actionable technology roadmaps and solutions.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a strategic mindset.
• Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships effectively.

Preferred:

• Experience with data migration and integration strategies for complex enterprise systems.
• Knowledge of DevOps and Agile methodologies.
• Familiarity with insurance industry regulations and compliance requirements.

Our Culture

At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DEIB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.

We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact.

We care about our employees' well-being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package.

We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that.

We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion.

We are committed to continuous improvement, and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.

We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources.

We have won numerous awards for our workplace culture. We are proud to be one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers and to have received Insurance Business Canada's 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.

Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi-line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid-sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 500 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in-depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals' first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at www.zurichcanada.com.