The Director of Enterprise Applications is a strategic technology leader responsible for the vision, delivery, and ongoing performance of the enterprise business applications that run the company. This role owns the strategy, architecture, governance, and roadmap for core insurance systems, including policy administration, claims, billing, document management, integrations, and reporting, and leads the work to embed AI, automation, and modern cloud capabilities throughout the portfolio. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with deep business process understanding within the insurance industry. This leader partners closely with executive leadership, operations, finance, underwriting, claims, compliance, and customer service teams to ensure enterprise systems drive operational excellence, scalability, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation.The Director will lead internal application teams, third-party vendors, and strategic technology initiatives while establishing governance, architecture standards, service delivery expectations, and a long-term enterprise applications roadmap aligned with business objectives.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:Enterprise Applications Strategy & LeadershipDevelop and execute the enterprise applications strategy that enables corporate growth, embeds AI capabilities into core insurance operations, and delivers measurable business outcomesMaintain a multi-year applications roadmap supporting AI adoption, scalability, operational efficiency, automation, analytics, and user experience improvements. Partner with executive leadership and business stakeholders to prioritize technology investments using a capability, value, risk, adoption, and AI-leverage lensServe as the strategic technology partner for capabilities supporting underwriting, claims, finance, customer service, distribution, and regulatory reportingDrive modernization initiatives, including cloud transformation, SaaS optimization, AI-enabled engineering practices, intelligent automation, and API-driven integration on reusable, scalable platformsApplication Portfolio ManagementOversee the administration, support, enhancement, and optimization of enterprise business systems, including policy administration, claims, billing, document management, data integration, and reporting and analytics platformsEmbed AI capabilities into core business systems where they create real value: underwriting assistants, claims automation and triage, intelligent document processing, conversational service, and across business functionsEnsure system reliability, performance, scalability, and security across all application environments, including appropriate oversight and explainability for AI componentsEvaluate and rationalize application portfolio usage, licensing, vendor relationships, and total cost of ownership with attention to each platform's openness to APIs, data access, and AI extensibility. Lead application upgrades, migrations, implementations, and decommissioning effortsInsurance Operations & Business PartnershipCollaborate with underwriting, actuarial, claims, compliance, finance, and operations leaders to improve business processes and system capabilitiesIdentify and prioritize workflows where AI and intelligent automation can drive measurable improvement in cycle time, accuracy, customer experience, and costTranslate business needs into scalable technical solutions that support regulatory compliance and operational excellenceEnsure systems and AI use support NAIC compliance, state regulatory requirements, audit standards, data retention policies, and cybersecurity mandatesSupport business continuity planning and disaster recovery initiatives for mission-critical platformsTechnology Governance & ArchitectureEstablish governance processes for application development, change management, release management, testing, and production support progressively automated through CI/CD and observabilityDefine enterprise application standards, integration strategies, and architectural principles that favor APIs, composability, and extensibility for AIEstablish AI governance practices covering approved tools, model and vendor selection, data handling, human oversight, monitoring, and incident responseOversee vendor management, contract negotiations, SLA performance, and third-party application support relationshipsPartner with infrastructure, cybersecurity, data, and enterprise architecture teams to ensure cohesive technology solutions and compliance with IT controls, audit requirements, SOX (if applicable), and cybersecurity frameworksLeadership & Team DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop a high-performing enterprise applications team, including managers, analysts, developers, architects, and support personnel. Build AI fluency across the team so engineers, analysts, and leads use AI tools daily to deliver more and deliver fasterFoster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Manage staffing strategy, succession planning, performance management, and professional development, with hiring and development aligned to AI-augmented ways of workingBuild strong cross-functional relationships between IT and business stakeholdersProject & Program DeliveryLead complex enterprise technology initiatives from planning through implementation and stabilizationOversee project budgets, timelines, resource planning, and risk management activities. Drive Agile and iterative delivery methodologies, applying AI tools across the SDLC to accelerate deliveryEnsure successful user adoption through training, communication, and change management programsMeasure and communicate project outcomes, operational KPIs, business value, and AI leverageQUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:Required Education & ExperienceBachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field10+ years of progressive IT leadership experience5+ years leading enterprise applications teams in the insurance or financial services industryExperience managing large-scale enterprise business systems and integrationsProven experience leading enterprise application modernization, digital transformation initiatives and AI or intelligent automation initiativesStrong experience managing third-party vendors, system integrations, and SaaS providersMust be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorshipReliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the positionPreferred:Experience in application development and managing multiple major project delivery of med-large scale projects/programsExperience leading SaaS implementations and modernization of core business platforms, including policy, claims, or billing systemsExperience with cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS, operating systems, databases and development languages Knowledge of ITIL, COBIT, Agile, DevOps, and enterprise architecture frameworksTechnical CompetenciesEnterprise Applications Management Insurance Core Systems Systems Integration & APIs Cloud & SaaS Platforms AI & Intelligent AutomationData Governance & Reporting IT Governance & Compliance Vendor & Contract Management Cybersecurity & Risk Awareness Project & Portfolio Management Change Management Budget & Financial ManagementLeadership CompetenciesStrategic Thinking Executive Communication Cross-Functional Collaboration Organizational Influence Team Development & Coaching Decision-Making & Problem Solving Operational Excellence Innovation & Continuous Improvement Comfort with Ambiguity and Change Curiosity and Learning OrientationKey Performance Indicators (KPIs)Application uptime and system reliability Project delivery success rate Business stakeholder satisfaction Operational efficiency improvements Reduction in manual processes IT budget adherence Vendor SLA performance Audit and compliance outcomes User adoption and training effectiveness AI and automation adoption across business workflows Reduction in cycle time and manual effort through automation Realized business value from AI and automation initiativesIdeal Candidate ProfileThe successful candidate is a business-minded technology executive who understands the operational complexity of the insurance industry and is energized by the opportunity to embed AI and intelligent automation into the systems that run the business. This leader excels in both transformation initiatives and operational execution, balancing innovation with stability, governance, and regulatory compliance.Top of FormPreferred Risk Insurance Services provides a competitive benefits package to all full- time employees. Following are some of the perks Preferred Risk Insurance Services employees receive:Competitive SalariesCommitment to your Training & DevelopmentMedical and DentalShort Term Disability/Long Term DisabilityLife InsuranceFlexible Spending AccountTelemedicine Benefit401k with a generous company matchPaid Time Off and Paid HolidaysTuition Reimbursement Training ProgramsWellness ProgramFun company sponsored eventsAnd so much more!]Estimated Compensation Range: $150,000/year-$180,000/year**Published ranges are estimates. Offered compensation will be based on experience, skills, education, certifications, and geographic location. In addition, starting salary may vary by position depending on whether the position is in-office, hybrid or remote.
Job Posted by ApplicantPro