Global Head of Data Engineering

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a repeatable delivery methodology for developing modern cloud-based data analytics capabilities at scale and with speed to market.
• Drive innovation by evaluating and implementing emerging technologies in cloud computing, data pipelines and AI driven automation.
• Manage the development, support and maintenance of a 90+ application portfolio.
• Maintain and enhance the financial month-end close data processes, ensuring timely, accurate and secure movement of critical financial data.
• Establish and enforce robust reconciliation and control mechanisms for data pipelines to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency of critical data assets, including automated data validation, anomaly detection and remediation of discrepancies.
• Lead and oversee the execution of complex data delivery projects, managing project timelines, stakeholder expectations and cross-functional collaboration across data engineering, IT and business teams.
• Own and manage the fiscal budget for business-as-usual (BAU) professional services and software / platform licensing, ensuring resource optimization.
• Be responsible for and the custodian of the long-term technical strategy including managing and forecasting total cost of ownership of data modernization efforts and legacy data platforms.
• Lead solution architecture/design decisions for data initiatives and overall data technology architecture for AIG.
• Serve as the key lead and point of contact with the broader AIG IT organization, ensuring alignment with broader initiatives and priorities.
• Recommend innovations and improvements to data engineering delivery capabilities.
• Adapt plans and priorities to address resource and operational challenges.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert in Data Engineering for AIG and stakeholders.
• Develop operational plans translating strategy into execution for data initiatives across the enterprise.
• Lead a team of data engineers and managers, fostering collaboration and organizational trust.
• Maintain relationships with executive business and IT partners, as well as key vendor partners.
• Manage a large global team, including recruiting, training, and talent assessment.
• Inspire and motivate the team, demonstrating a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Lead through example with a global mindset and openness to diverse perspectives.

Requirements

• Deep knowledge of modern data architectures, including data lakes, data warehouses, lakehouses and virtualization.
• Extensive experience designing and implementing ELT/ETL data pipelines using AWS Services, Spark, Snowflake, Informatica and Palantir.
• Proven ability to manage global service providers and establish relationships with vendor partners for flexibility and high delivery quality.
• Experience implementing data observability, lineage and reconciliation frameworks to ensure high data reliability and accuracy.
• Experience managing a global data application portfolio and executing legacy modernization initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in forecasting and managing multi-million-dollar IT budgets for data engineering, cloud services, and operational expenses.
• Strong stakeholder management skills to communicate complex technical concepts to business executives.
• Proven ability to negotiate priorities across demands, driving alignment between technical teams and business stakeholders.
• Significant experience leading data integration teams in large, complex insurance, financial or similar companies.
• Proven success leading mid to large size technology organizations, optimizing resources and upskilling talent.
• Working knowledge of data science concepts, master data management, business intelligence, data warehouse design and implementation.
• Experience providing technical expertise and conducting industry and market research on current and emerging technologies.
• Ability to understand both long-term strategic and short-term operational perspectives.
• Effective communication skills and ability to negotiate outcomes balancing speed to market with controls and governance.
• Strong program and project management skills and experience.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• 20+ years of experience in information management/data integration, with at least 10 years in leadership roles focused on data engineering.
• Experience in Property and Casualty insurance or related financial services environments.
• Experience designing and building information assets in cloud-based data platforms (AWS, Azure, Snowflake, Spark).
• Experience implementing data security, governance and compliance frameworks.
• Leadership experience through organizational change, efficiency improvements, cost reduction, or capability integration.
• Experience developing and operationalizing data, technology, and infrastructure strategies.

Nice to Have

• Experience in Property and Casualty insurance or adjacent financial services environments.
• Knowledge of data science concepts, master data management, and business intelligence.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in information management / data integration.
• At least 10 years in progressive leadership roles focused on data engineering.
• Experience in Property and Casualty insurance or similar financial services environments.
• Proven experience designing and building data platforms in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Snowflake, Spark).
• Experience leading large teams and managing multi-million-dollar budgets.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary range of $255,000 - $265,000 plus bonus eligibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance.
• Total Rewards Program focused on health, wellbeing, financial security, and professional development.
• In-person collaboration culture with primarily in-office work.
• Opportunities for travel up to 25%.
• Supportive, inclusive work environment with learning and development opportunities.