VP - Application Refactoring & Mainframe (ARM).

Experience - 20 - 25 years
AXA Global Business Services is a subsidiary of AXA Group, one of the leading insurance brands in the world. We embody the essence of a diverse, global team, uniting talents from around the world to create a seamless, supportive network for all AXA entities. Our story is one of collaboration and growth, deeply rooted in our mission and vision, guiding every step we take.
Our Mission: Together with entities, we deliver advanced services and shape solutions that drive operational excellence.
In the heart of AXA, our role is multi-layered. From insurance operations to corporate functions, we leverage data, technology, and diverse capabilities to enhance our partners' performance in a streamlined, efficient manner.
Our Vision: Building on unique capabilities and expertise, our teams dare to open new doors for AXA.
We are not just about today; we are shaping tomorrow. Our vision is to continuously develop new skills and solutions, opening doors to fresh opportunities. This means committing to the highest service and quality levels, embracing continuous improvement, and fostering courage and boldness within our team.
For over 25 years, our operations have spanned across five delivery centres in India and Morocco, serving more than 35 AXA entities. Our 3,800+ strong workforce is the heartbeat of our organisation, moving forward in a culture of trust, empowerment, and care. Driven by our values, we are a cohesive global team, quick to adapt to market dynamics, united by the desire to excel.
Our Centres of Excellence (COEs) offer advanced services, shaping tailor-made solutions for our partners in the Tech, Security, Data, Insurance Ops and Corporate function Ops domain.
The AXAllence strategic plan for 2024-26 charts our future course, focusing on operational efficiency, employee retention and skill enhancement, and delivering unparalleled value to our partners. These pillars, supported by our vision and mission, are the foundation of our commitment to AXA.
In essence, while our heritage lies in delivering value in BPO services, our innovative spirit thrives in the IT domain, all in support of the overarching AXA Group strategy. At AXA Global Business Services, we are not just preparing for the future; we are actively creating it.
At AXA Global Business Services, the future is brimming with opportunities. Join us on this exciting journey Together, we will continue to open new doors for AXA.
3. POSITION PURPOSE
The Lead Application Refactoring & Mainframe (ARM) at AXA GBS holds a pivotal leadership role, entrusted with the strategic oversight and management of one of the organization's new flagship services.. With teams located in India, Morocco, and potential additional locations, this role carries the significant responsibility of developing one of the most critical services within the AGBS. This service is critical for the success of AXA’s Tech Data and Operations Strategy.
AXA has the ambition to move from the Mainframe platforms, that support over 60% of our current Gross Written Premium, by 2030. To this end, AXA Global Services is working to develop a new Service Area, that is focused on both running and refactoring AXA’s critical Mainframe applications to cloud native platforms, using cutting edge technologies, including GenAI, and best-in-class methods.
The Lead Application Refactoring & Mainframe (ARM) is responsible for setting the strategy of the department, including shaping the services that AXA GBS delivers in alignment with the Group Strategy, and those of the respective functions. They spearhead initiatives that will optimize application maintenance and refactoring efforts, ultimately contributing to substantial advancements in technical capabilities and operational efficiency for diverse AXA Entities and AXA Group.
The Lead of ARM will manage relationships with key CXO stakeholders and drivie impactful change within the application maintenance and refactoring domain. Their exceptional interpersonal skills are instrumental in extensive interactions within and outside the organization, ensuring that they represent AXA GBS in high-level negotiations and engagements, cultivating strong relationships and strategic partnerships that have a profound impact on the organization's external presence and collaborative efforts.
Adept in complex analysis, transformation, innovation, and strategic decision-making to address critical technical issues, the Lead Application Refactoring & Mainframe (ARM) is end-to-end accountable for the services within their portfolio, including business development, building the team, KPIs and steering, growth. Furthermore, they are responsible for the implementation of streamlined resource allocation and budgeting processes, leading to improved cost efficiency and technical resource utilization. These strategic enhancements directly shape the organization's strategic direction and operational effectiveness, positioning it for sustained technical growth and resilience in dynamic market conditions.
4. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
With a proven track record of executive leadership and transformative impacts in the areas of Investment Services, Actuarial Services, HR Operations, and extensive business acumen beyond theoretical knowledge, the Head of Application Maintenance & Refactoring Department is responsible for driving strategic and operational success in the following key areas:
Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for maintenance of the legacy systems and their modernization within the Application Refactoring & Maintenance Department, aligning it with broader organizational objectives and business priorities, including the development of services in line with the Group Strategy
Proactively engage and manage relationships with key CXO stakeholders, fostering collaboration and alignment of efforts
Accountable for the department's financial performance and budget, ensuring effective resource allocation and cost management
Build and Lead a team of 300-400 full-time employees (FTE), fostering a high-performance culture and leveraging technical expertise
Collaborate closely with CXO stakeholders to co-develop and improvise the existing service and build migration/modernization strategies, ensuring alignment with business objectives and the delivery of exceptional value
Extensive knowledge of Cobol / JCL stack and experience in modernizing the said tech stack
Drive transformative changes in application refactoring, resulting in optimized technical capabilities, operational efficiency, and cost savings
Develop and implement advanced technologies and methodologies to provide the organization with deeper insights into its application portfolio performance and facilitate more accurate strategic decision-making
Lead initiatives that streamline resource allocation and budgeting processes, leading to improved cost efficiency and technical resource utilization
Contribute significantly to the cost arbitrage achieved for AXA Group through strategic and operational initiatives driving efficiency and financial excellence, ultimately aligning with the organization's financial goals and enhancing its competitive position within the market.
5. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Experience
A master's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
Industry-recognized certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), or relevant certifications in application development and modernization could enhance the candidate's expertise and credibility in the specific areas of application maintenance and refactoring.
Deep and broad technical expertise across application maintenance and refactoring services, including experience with modernization, refactoring best practices, and emerging technologies.
Extensive business knowledge and a profound understanding of AXA GBS and AXA’s entire business, with a strong understanding of the insurance industry and market dynamics and ability to align mainframes operations within the broader business strategies and priorities
Proven executive leadership capabilities, including the ability to inspire and guide teams at an executive level and drive impactful change within the application maintenance and refactoring domain.
Advanced problem-solving abilities, encompassing complex analysis, transformation, innovation, and strategic decision-making to address critical technical issues and drive transformative changes within the organization.
High level of accountability and substantial influence on strategic direction and decision-making, with a direct impact felt across AXA Group, AXA GBS, and various divisions, regions, and teams, underscoring the critical nature of the role within the organization.

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