Who are we?

Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 18,000 employees spanning over 100 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

Job location: Bedford or London

The Position

We’re looking for a Network Engineer (Data) to join our team and help drive forward some of our most challenging and exciting data initiatives. The Network and Data Architect will design, implement, and maintain robust networking and data management solutions for Howden. The ideal candidate will contribute to the development of our overall network infrastructure and data architecture, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.

Summary of the role

Howden Group is looking for experienced professional to lead the architecture and design of our data services and assist the group with defining and supporting wider data programmes. As the Data and Networking Architect, you will address technical business needs with innovative, efficient data solutions. You will support the definition of technical and data strategies for our data services and actively anticipate potential future risks and act to prevent them or to mitigate their effects.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement enterprise-level network solutions, including LAN, WAN, VPN, and wireless networks, to ensure seamless connectivity and optimal performance.
• Oversee data management and storage systems, including database design, data warehousing, and data governance, to ensure efficient and secure data access and retrieval.
• Analyse network performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement solutions to optimize network efficiency and reliability.
• Develop and implement security protocols and measures to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align network and data strategies with business goals and support advanced analytics and business intelligence initiatives.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies, best practices, and industry trends related to networking and data management, and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Align the architecture approach with the overall Group’s architecture strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field; a master's degree is beneficial.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing complex network and data management solutions in an enterprise environment.
• In-depth knowledge of networking technologies, data management systems, security protocols, and industry best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex network and data-related issues and develop effective solutions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

• Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new
• We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges
• We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

Reasonable adjustments

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.

Permanent