Job Description

Open GI is a leading software development company and a trusted partner to the general insurance industry. Based across the UK and Europe, our support and development services make us a truly diverse organization that offers a range of IT solutions to insurance brokers, insurers, and managing general agents.



It is our vision to connect the insurance community through market-leading technology. Our people are placed at the heart of this, and diversity, equity and inclusion are central to everything we do.



We know the key to achieving success is to enable a positive, inclusive, and collaborative working culture, and, as part of our commitment, we have signed up for a number of pledges and programmes designed to support and nurture our people.



No matter where you sit or which team you are a part of, we want you to know that you contribute in helping us to shape where the company will be in the future. We would love for each employee to be able to talk with pride about our company and, most importantly, consider Open GI to be an inclusive, fun and fulfilling place to work.

Position:

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As Head of Data, you will own execution of our data strategy to drive growth and scale the business through faster, safer, lower-cost decisions and new data products. You will turn the target architecture (Azure + Databricks + likely MS Fabric) into a scalable, governed platform with self-serve MI and embedded analytics. This role will also play a pivotal part in modernising our technology stack and ensuring data becomes a first-class citizen that fuels the business and creates measurable value for customers.

Your key responsibilities

Translate the data strategy into quarterly roadmaps, budgets and OKRs, with a clear focus on outcomes not bureaucracy. Own the reference architecture and guardrails for Azure, Databricks and Fabric; enforce standards, security and FinOps. Lead the modernisation of the data stack towards cloud-native, modular, and scalable principles. Run a lightweight and empowering Data Steering Group to support governance, decision-making and alignment across teams. Select and embed MI/analytics tools (ThoughtSpot, Sigma, Power BI/Fabric) to deliver self-service insights and embedded analytics. Establish a governed AI-ready data foundation, enabling MLOps pipelines, feature stores, and AI experimentation with confidence. Build and develop a multidisciplinary team (data engineering, BI/MI, platform, governance, analytics). Transform vast amounts of organisational and customer data into a first-class strategic asset that powers product innovation and customer value.

Requirements:

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Experience

Hands-on experience with modern cloud data platforms and tooling -- Azure, Databricks, and contemporary ETL/ELT patterns -- with a track record of delivering scalable, reliable data pipelines. Led high volume, distributed, enterprise-scale data platforms Medallion Architecture / Lakehouse patterns. Delivering modern self-serve BI/MI solutions and embedded analytics. Deep background in data governance, cataloguing, lineage, data quality, and regulatory compliance (e.g. GDPR). Proven delivery of AI/ML initiatives: standing up MLOps platforms, deploying models into production, measuring business impact. Experience in SaaS or regulated industries (e.g. insurance, financial services) where trust, compliance and resilience are essential. Proven ability to build and scale high-performing data teams -- hiring, mentoring, and developing talent while creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and delivery.

Skills & Aptitudes

Balances vision with pragmatism: delivers quickly while building for scale. Sees governance as an enabler, not a blocker; runs lightweight forums that accelerate decisions. Clear communicator able to translate data concepts into commercial value for execs, clients and teams. FinOps mindset - treats compute and storage like money; ensures cost efficiency and scalability. Champion of AI/ML - understands how to unlock data's potential through applied intelligence. A low ego, humble and collaborative leader who builds trust across Product, Engineering, Sales, CS and Finance. Strong customer empathy -- able to translate business and customer pain points into data solutions that deliver tangible value and improved experiences.

Other information:

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Mission and Values

Our mission is to be both the Technology Partner and Employer of choice for the UK General Insurance Market. Our values are central to this vision, as they represent how we collaborate to continually deliver for our customers:



Accountability: We own our actions and shape our success on the results we deliver Innovation: We tackle challenges with fresh thinking and bold ideas Teamwork: We work together, recognising we can't do this without each other Trust: We build trust on integrity, transparency and mutual respect


We are looking for an individual who embraces our values in their actions, decisions, communications and processes to inspire positivity and, ultimately, exceptional performance.

Benefits package

Competitive salary depending on skills and experience Company car or car allowance Company pension Bonus opportunity Life assurance and critical illness cover Cycle to work scheme Perkbox - an exclusive platform offering a wide range of discounts and benefits Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum, increasing to 26 days per annum after three years of service & a holiday purchase scheme Opportunity for a more flexible approach to start, finish, and lunchtimes to allow you to better manage events outside of work Social clubs - whether you're into your cycling, crafts, or other hobbies, we have a number of groups at Open GI where individuals who enjoy the same pursuits can get together Wellbeing - wills at work scheme, employee assistance programme and mental health first aiders

To apply for this role please fill out the application form and send us your CV.