Product Owner - Technology & Innovation

Job Type: Permanent

Build a brilliant future with Hiscox

Position: Product Owner – Technology and Innovation

Reporting to: Group CTO

Location: London/York

Type: Permanent Position

Band: Band II

Enterprise Architecture and Engineering at Hiscox

The Enterprise Architecture and Engineering (EA) team at Hiscox Group is responsible for supporting our geographically dispersed Business Units (BUs). The aim of the team is to minimise technology risk, cost, and complexity through strategic planning, reuse and good design practices. This is primarily achieved by working closely with our BU (Business Unit) aligned lead architects to shape and govern architecture strategy and standards.

The Role

Join us as a Product Owner – Technology and Innovation to assist with the day-to-day coordination of EA activities, support key EA initiatives, and facilitate effective communication and collaboration across Hiscox.

Responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating across teams at all levels: Build strong relationships and act as a trusted partner with stakeholders across the organisation. Facilitate engagement with business units to ensure their needs are captured, triaged, and prioritised in line with EA goals.
• Driving strategic communications: Proactively manage outward communications across Hiscox. Ensure the value and objectives of EA are understood and supported at every level.
• Supporting EA processes: Assist with the selection and management of tools to support EA processes ensuring that business and technical architecture are well documented.
• Stakeholder management: Maintain EA artefacts through regular engagement with stakeholders.
• Project support: Ensure EA alignment with Group project and portfolio management, providing support for strategic initiatives and roadmaps.
• Governance: Support EA governance processes, aiding in group risk and compliance efforts.
• Research and advisory: Collaborate with the Group Chief Technology Officers and Lead Architects to research and advise on technology trends and optimal solutions.
• Facilitating ideation and driving innovation: Lead mind mapping and ideation sessions to explore new concepts and innovative solutions that align with the Hiscox technology strategy.

This role offers significant growth potential, with opportunities to evolve into senior leadership positions within Enterprise Architecture or broader technology and strategy functions.

Skills and Experience

Must have:

• Strong foundational understanding of IT and related concepts.
• Experience working as a Product Owner in a technical team.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, capable of conveying complex topics in an accessible manner.
• Strong presentation skills and experience in delivering information to diverse audiences.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think independently.
• Experience working in project environments, with exposure to Waterfall and Agile methodologies.
• Proficiency with productivity tools, such as Microsoft Excel and SharePoint.

Nice to have:

• Experience in a business/IT partner role, supporting various departments and enabling cross-functional collaboration.
• Enthusiasm for learning and staying updated on industry trends.
• Ability to path-find, navigating and identifying key stakeholders and resources to achieve objectives.
• Experience with project management and collaboration tools, such as Jira, for managing workflows and Kanban boards.

The Person

This role would suit someone seeking:

• An exciting, diverse role which will develop both technology leadership and analytical skills.
• Opportunities to learn more about technology and architecture through exposure to senior experts.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly developing EA function.
• A supportive network of knowledgeable colleagues.
• A company that values personal development, career progression and work-life balance.

Rewards

On top of a competitive salary, we also offer a wide range of benefits.

• 25 days annual leave plus two Hiscox days.
• 4-week paid sabbatical after every 5 years of service.
• Company and personal performance related bonus.
• Contributory pension.

Other benefits include:

• Money towards gym membership.
• Christmas gift.
• 4 x life insurance.

About us

At Hiscox we care about our people. We hire the best people for the job, and we are committed to diversity and creating a truly inclusive culture, which we believe drives success.

As an international specialist insurer, we are far removed from the world of mass insurance products, selectively focusing on key areas of expertise and strength, all of which is underpinned by a culture that encourages us to challenge convention and always look for a better way.