Principal Business Architect

Principal Business Architect

New York, NY I Stamford, CT I USA

Reporting to Head of Business Architecture, as part of the Global Transformation and Change Delivery team, you will be supporting the development and implementation of this capability.   Acting as a core member and representative of the Global Business Architecture capability you will be focusing on the development and deployment of the enterprise Business Architecture function, ways of working and collaboration across the organization.

DISCOVER your opportunity

What will your essential responsibilities include?

Delivery / Activities

• Support development of the baseline Business Architecture reference models.  Working with the business, operations and technology teams to create agreed enterprise views to represent ‘what’ the business does; covering the value chains, capabilities, value streams, information and organization 
• Acquire a detailed understanding of business strategy, objectives and outcomes.  Deploy Business Architecture models to support impact analysis and prioritization of strategic transition states and horizons
• Assess strategic objectives and impact to existing capabilities and Target Operating Model across multiple domains including process, people, data and technology
• Develop a detailed understanding of existing architecture landscape, across multiple domains
• Design enterprise level visualizations and build an integrated view of the business using a repeatable approach, a consistent end to end framework and language.
• Supporting Strategic Transformation Portfolios and Programs, providing Business Architecture insights and strategic alignment assurance.   Act as a key member of the Design Authority Board
• Understand customer, partner and employee journeys, associated pain points and challenges, identify key opportunities and areas for improvement across the business and at an enterprise level.
• Support and identify ways to improve governance and prioritization by embedding Business Architecture models into business decision making as ‘practical’ reference points
• Challenge and validate the scope of initiatives and demands together with the business to ensure that the business can take the right prioritization decisions

Collaboration

• Work across business and technology teams including Strategy, Global Operations, Regional Operation Teams and Technology stakeholders to embed Business Architecture as a key component of transformation and ways of working
• Collaborate with existing teams, business SMEs and experienced stakeholders to create Business Architecture views and models and enhance sense of ownership and to test ‘usability’ and application
• Develop robust network and relationships with strategy, business, operations and technology teams.   
• Act as an advocate of the Business Architecture capability and value proposition. Identify opportunities for demonstrating ‘usefulness’ and ‘practical applications’ to solve real and active challenges
• Work with communication and change management capabilities to ensure insightful playback of achieved outcomes and objectives from a business perspective
• Align and work with AXA Group Business Architecture function to align and ensure consistency in strategies and approaches
• Develop and maintain a Business Architecture knowledge base to have up-to-date models and blueprints to use at anytime

You will report to the Head of Business Architecture. 

SHARE your talent

We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Proven track record in similar role developing and implementing Business Architecture capabilities in a large organization, preferably in the insurance and/or financial services sectors.  From either in-house transformation or consulting role background.
• Exceptional relationship management skills, with an ability to think strategically, manage complexity, significant change and multiple key priorities
• In depth IT / Operations knowledge and understanding of related transformation disciplines (e.g. strategic planning, enterprise architecture, portfolio management, process optimization and change management)
• Experience of contributing to portfolios, programs and projects at a strategic level and being able to see the big picture; both within a Scaled Agile and Waterfall delivery context
• Able to establish and maintain relationships with senior business stakeholders
• Team player able to work effectively at all levels of our organization with the ability to influence others to move toward consensus

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• Used to working within a matrix organization structure, across global cross-functional teams with a focus on proactive communication and management of multiple stakeholders
• A member of the Business Architecture Guild and Certified Business Architect (CBA), with experience of other methodologies such as TOGAF (move to desired)
• Communication, persuasion and advocacy with excellent listening, spoken and written messaging appropriate for all levels of the organization.  Having the ability to simplify complex concepts
• Excellent analytical, logical and interpretive ability at a management level to interpret scenarios, express concepts or models and make the decisions required to maintain consistency across a broad scope

Attitude / Behaviors

• Having a passion for driving change and promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement
• Open-minded, humble and trustworthy
• Business outcome and results driven mindset
• Can work with autonomy and demonstrating the drive and courage required to take the initiative and challenge ambiguity and tradition
• Willing to serve the overall objective of enterprise-wide consistency above any local goals

AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid-sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it.

How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data-driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business − property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty.

With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.

Learn more at axaxl.com

Inclusion & Diversity

AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. 

At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce enable business growth and are critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most diverse workforce possible, and create an inclusive culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and can reach their highest potential. It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed.

• Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 Chapters around the globe
• Robust support for Flexible Working Arrangements
• Enhanced family friendly leave benefits
• Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index
• Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter

Learn more at axaxl.com/about-us/inclusion-and-diversity.  AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sustainability 

At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience,” focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations. 

Our Pillars:

• Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
• Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions.
• Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
• AXA Hearts in Action:  We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day – the Global Day of Giving. 

For more information, please see Sustainability at AXA XL.

The U.S. pay range for this position is $95,000 – $186,500. Actual pay will be determined based upon the individual’s skills, experience, and location. We strive for market alignment and internal equity with our colleagues’ pay.

At AXA XL, we know how important physical, mental, and financial health are to our employees, which is why we are proud to offer benefits such as a competitive retirement savings plan, health and wellness programs, and many other benefits.  Wealsobelieve in fostering our colleagues' development and offer a wide range of learning opportunities for colleagues to hone their professional skills and to position themselves for the next step of their careers.  For more details aboutAXA XL’s benefits offerings, please visit US-Benefits-at-a-Glance_2023_US.pdf (myaxaxlbenefits.com).