Head of IT

Job Description

A property and casualty carrier is seeking a Head of IT. The Head of IT will serve as the senior leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s information technology function, with a focus on tactical execution, operational excellence and strategic alignment with business goals. This role leads a diverse IT team spanning business services, digital solutions and operational services, while managing both in-house talent and offshore consultants to ensure skill needs and project demands are met. The Head of IT will partner closely with business leaders and vendors to define and execute the company’s technology vision and roadmap, ensuring IT initiatives drive organizational value. Key responsibilities include maintaining the stability and efficiency of IT systems, prioritizing infrastructure investments, fostering cross‑functional engagement and collaboration, and overseeing the company’s cybersecurity program to safeguard operations. This is a retained search.

Responsibilities

• Partner with business leaders to align IT strategy with corporate objectives, oversee governance frameworks, and drive digital modernization that enable scalability, integration and long‑term growth.
• Oversee infrastructure, applications, help desk, and core insurance platforms (policy admin, claims, billing) to ensure system stability, modernization, continuous delivery and performance monitoring.
• Lead cybersecurity strategy, incident response and threat mitigation; ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., NAIC, PCI DSS, NACHA, data privacy laws) to safeguard sensitive information and maintain trust.
• Build, coach and develop a high‑performing IT organization; foster collaboration, manage offshore and in‑house resources, and drive engagement across all IT functions.
• Oversee technology vendor relationships, project portfolio delivery, budget adherence, and data governance strategies to ensure data integrity, availability and quality.

Requirements

• Background in IT technical roles (e.g., engineer, developer) with the ability to bridge technical and business needs.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and developing directors.
• Experience in the insurance industry, property and casualty commercial lines (preferred).
• Exposure to both carrier and broker environments (preferred).
• Familiarity with Agile frameworks and transitioning from Waterfall project management.
• Experience managing offshore and in‑house consultants.