Senior Data & API Platform Lead

Responsibilities: We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Data & API Platform Lead to join our team. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the design, delivery, and management of Data Integration, Data Engineering and Data Management solutions across the organization. The ideal candidate will bring approximately 10 years of experience in data solution design, project delivery, and IT leadership, with a solid background in the financial services or insurance industry. This role is critical to driving AXA's Data and AI journey and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, scalable data platforms. Key Responsibilities: Leadership & Stakeholder Management 1. Serve as the lead for design, delivery and manage Data and Data related projects and application support across the organization. 2. Manage and communicate effectively with business stakeholders to align data initiatives with organizational goals. 3. Lead backlog prioritization discussions with business stakeholders and manage cost and resource allocation within the team. 4. Act as the key contact for engagement with vendors to ensure delivery of high-quality solutions. 5. Mentor and guide junior and mid-level team members, ensuring adequate capacity and professional growth. Data Engineering & Architecture 1. Own the overall design of Data Management components including Data Models, ETL/ELT pipelines, Master Data Management (MDM), and data storage systems. 2. Design, develop, and maintain scalable ETL/ELT pipelines on Microsoft Azure, including Azure Data Factory, Databricks, and Azure SQL / Azure SQL Managed Instance to support continues growth of the data platform. 3. Implement and manage CI/CD pipelines and deployment strategies using Azure DevOps (Repos, pipelines, release management). 4. Lead performance tuning efforts across different data technologies to ensure scalability and reliability. Data Analysis & Insights 1. Gather, analyze, and interpret complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and actionable insights that support strategic business decisions. 2. Optimize SQL queries and stored procedures for performance, scalability, and reliability. 3. Collaborate with data modelers to ensure robust data structures, normalization, and data quality standards. 4. Leverage BI tools, Synapse, Databricks, and AI/ML capabilities to manage and enhance data analytics platforms. Delivery & Operations 1. Oversee the full delivery lifecycle including scope, schedule, quality, and cost management. 2. Monitor, troubleshoot, and continuously improve data pipelines; address data quality issues and incidents in a timely manner. 3. Liaise with AXA Group Office on non-production and production infrastructure and environments. 4. Work with vendors and internal teams to plan and execute production implementations. 5. Provide production support for Data Management applications and ensure system stability. Governance & Best Practices 1. Maintain and evolve application domain knowledge for Data Management platforms. 2. Drive the team to stay current with technology trends and adopt best practices in data engineering and management. 3. Participate in Agile ceremonies and leverage collaboration tools such as JIRA, Confluence, and Kanban boards. 4. Coordinate with Group Office tech teams and local IT teams including architects and business analysts. Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in IT, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field. Minimum of 10 years of proven experience in Data Management, Business Intelligence, and IT leadership, preferably in the financial services or insurance industry. Strong hands-on experience with ETL/ELT tooling, Azure Data Factory, Databricks, SQL, and stored procedures. Solid domain knowledge in Insurance is highly preferred. Strong SQL tuning and optimization skills. Experience with Azure SQL or SQL Managed Instance and Azure DevOps (Repos, CI/CD pipelines). Deep understanding of data modeling, normalization, and data quality frameworks. Proven vendor management experience, including coordinating deliverables, tracking SLAs, and engaging vendors for platform needs. Experience with Agile methodologies and collaboration tools (JIRA, Confluence, Kanban). Knowledge of BI tools, Synapse, and AI/ML platforms is a strong advantage. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. About AXA Hong Kong and Macau AXA Hong Kong and Macau is a member of the AXA Group, a leading global insurer with presence in 52 markets and serving 92 million customers worldwide. Our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters. As one of the most diversified insurers in Hong Kong, we offer integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance. We are the largest General Insurance provider and a major Health and Employee Benefits provider. Our aim is to not only be the insurer to provide comprehensive protection to our customers, but also a holistic partner to the individuals, businesses and community we serve. At the core of our service commitment is continuous product & service innovation and customer experience enrichment, which is achieved through actively listening to our customers’ needs and leveraging and investing in technology and digital transformation. We embrace our responsibility to be a driving force against climate change and a force for good to create shared value for our community. We are proud to be the first to address the importance of mental health through different products and services and thought leading iconic research. Our overall Sustainability Strategy, with emphasis on climate strategy and biodiversity commitment, is developed based on TCFD recommendations. We are committed to integrating environmental, social and governance factors across our business and strive to contribute to a sustainable future through 3 distinct roles - as an investor, an insurer and an exemplary company. AXA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to promoting Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) by creating a work environment where all employees are treated with dignity, respect, and where individual differences are valued. We welcome and treasure diverse profiles to join our big family, and to build an inclusive culture together which allows everyone to maximise their personal potential. Our people strategies are designed to enhance employee well-being and professional growth, ultimately empowering them to excel within the company. Click here to learn more about our Benefits (https://www.axa.com.hk/en/benefits), Culture (https://www.axa.com.hk/en/culture-and-values), & Career Development (https://www.axa.com.hk/en/career-development).