AVP, API Enablement Technology Lead

AVP IT Engineering - IE05AE
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AVP, API Enablement Technology Lead will be accountable for technical stewardship and leadership of The Hartford's API Platform Modernization, specifically architecting and directing the transformation of API gateway infrastructure-including MCP Gateway and AI Gateway implementations. This leader will drive the execution of a modernization strategy that leverages advanced gateway technologies to deliver high-performance and secure solutions. The role requires mastery in API gateway migration, modernization, agile infrastructure design, and the integration of MCP and AI gateway solutions. The AVP must excel at navigating complex technical discussions, formulating partnerships, and influencing senior leadership to achieve successful modernization outcomes.

Technical Leadership Responsibilities:

• Establishing and executing a multi-year technical strategy for API gateway modernization, including oversight of MCP Gateway and AI Gateway technology adoption.
• Providing technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams responsible for API gateway migration, integration, and modernization across diverse portfolios.
• Collaborating with executive leadership-including SVP, CIO, and VPs-to ensure technical alignment and successful delivery of gateway modernization initiatives.
• Co-leading the transformation of technology organizations, optimizing readiness and operational effectiveness post-API gateway upgrades.
• Building strong technical partnerships with business units, Enterprise Architecture, and CISO to ensure compliance, security, and functional requirements are met for modernized API gateways.
• Leading CIO program leaders in managing all technical aspects of development, QA, production, and staging environments supporting hybrid, multi-cloud API gateway solutions.

• Demonstrated technical leadership and influencing skills at the senior management level, with a track record of successful API gateway modernization.
• Builds trusted technical partnerships and fosters collaboration with business leaders and IT teams to drive gateway strategy.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, adept at articulating complex API gateway strategies to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strategic technical mindset with strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities relevant to API gateway modernization.
• Forward-thinking technical leader who leverages creative approaches and challenges conventional gateway architecture paradigms.
• Demonstrates accountability and a results-driven approach to delivering high-quality, technically sound gateway solutions within budget and timelines.
• Operates consistently within Agile frameworks, driving technical innovation and API gateway modernization.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of technical leadership in API gateway modernization projects.
• 15+ years of professional experience in Information Technology with specialization in API platforms.
• 10+ years of program management experience leading large-scale technical transformation initiatives, cross-functional engineering teams, and engaging senior leaders.
• Hands-on software engineering experience in enterprise API development, deployment, and operational management.
• Expertise in modern API gateway technologies, including MCP Gateway and AI Gateway platforms.
• Deep knowledge of software engineering practices, code migration, release management, and configuration tools relevant to API platforms.
• Experience leading Agile teams and working within Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban) to deliver API gateway solutions.
• Experience shaping API platform strategy, technical architecture, and leading technology discussions with enterprise stakeholders.
• Extensive knowledge of IaaS/PaaS/SaaS, Public/Private/Hybrid cloud environments, and gateway services.
• Experience designing, deploying, and supporting enterprise API gateway workloads.
• Subject matter expertise in Cloud Native technologies-microservices, containerization, orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes), service meshes, serverless, and progressive delivery for API gateway platforms.
• Expertise in infrastructure-as-code tools for automated API gateway deployment.
• Strong proficiency in DevOps practices, creating CI/CT/CD pipelines for API gateway solutions.
• Experience integrating automation workflow tools with configuration management for API gateway platforms.
• Superior oral and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and partner with stakeholders to ensure technical alignment, mitigate risks, manage priorities, and allocate resources for API gateway modernization.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, and performance in large-scale API gateway projects.
• Comprehensive understanding of IT operations and system development lifecycles in complex enterprise environments, with emphasis on API gateway platforms.