We're a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become The Best and Biggest in the UK market. Over the past few years, we've made significant investments in our data and tech capabilities, particularly within our CIO function. Our CIO team is at the forefront of driving innovation and ensuring our technology infrastructure supports our ambitious goals. We've nurtured our 4Cs culture, fostering collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.

We're proud of the journey we're on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues. The CIO team plays a crucial role in this journey, working on cutting‑edge projects that enhance our digital presence and improve customer engagement.

We provide insurance to over four million customers, but we know there's still bigger opportunity out there. The fact you're now reading this job advert means we've tempted you to find out more about us. We really hope you like what you see, and you'll join us to share in the success of the exciting chapter that lies ahead.

We understand some people may not apply for jobs unless they feel they tick every box. If you are excited about joining us and think you have some of what we are looking for, even if you're not 100% sure, we would love to hear from you. Our CIO team is always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to make a difference and contribute to our success.

Job Responsibilities

• You will be responsible for leading, validating and delivering the definition and description of solutions across the product and change lifecycle.
• You will be working with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders to develop and communicate solutions that address requirements, comply with standards and conventions, regulation, security, quality/non‑functional needs, understand as‑is and to‑be, solve problems and develop decisions where trade‑offs are required.
• Design digital‑oriented solutions across current, transition and target states and develop business, application, information and technology views.
• Embrace re‑use, principles and patterns, use opportunities to create re‑use artefacts.
• Adapt to technical realities that are revealed during implementation and collaboratively solve problems, leading on architecture decisions.
• Establish a trusted adviser relationship with the business by influencing and negotiating with stakeholders on the flexible facets of the solution.

Skills we would love you to have

• Proficiency in cloud native technology Microsoft Azure
• Essential experience in the design and consumption of APIs using a range of protocols
• Previous experience with enterprise integration patterns and microservice architectures
• Experience leveraging CI/CD, DevOps, infrastructure as code

What we offer

Reward

Salary: Attractive salary based on experience + car allowance (pay reviews also completed each year).

Flexible Working

We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach. Please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail, including days in the office and at home.

Competitive Bonus Scheme

All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus, which is usually paid in March. The scheme is based on Hastings' performance against our business goals and your own personal performance.

Physical Wellbeing

As a Band 4 colleague, Hastings pays for you to receive private medical insurance (PMI). This gives you flexibility and convenience to see a specialist or consultant and allows you to decide when and where you will be seen.

Financial Wellbeing

As well as providing you with 4× your salary with our life assurance cover and income protection at no extra cost, pension contribution match up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an award‑winning package which includes discounts and cashback at everyday retailers and on our own products, fee‑free independent mortgage advice, and free access to financial wellbeing support.

Mental Wellbeing programme

At Hastings Direct we understand that mental health cannot be scheduled, which is why we have a range of support to help you keep yourself well. We offer the Thrive mental health app, our colleague assistance programme available 24/7, in‑house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs.

There's more!

27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your contracted weeks, access to our health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, cycle‑to‑work and tech schemes, discounted and free on‑site facilities, social events throughout the year and much more.

Our 4Cs principles are simple: we believe by creating the right culture for our colleagues and giving them the right tools to do their job, we'll deliver good outcomes for every customer, helping us to grow the company profitably and sustainably and allowing us to invest in the communities we serve.

We deliver good outcomes for our customers every time by providing great products at the right price with our simple and straightforward service. We treat customers like we want to be treated – fairly, respectfully and with their best interests at heart.

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.