09 Oct
Direct Line Group
London
Job description
At Direct Line Group, insurance is just the start. Combining decades of industry experience with talented people in every field from data, technology, customer care and auto repair, to HR, finance, and procurement, we’re a customer-obsessed market powerhouse.
And we all work together to be brilliant for customers, every single day.
Our vision is to create a world where insurance is personal, inclusive and a force for good. Our purpose is to help people carry in with their lives, giving them peace of mind now and in the future.
We have ambitions for growth and driving change at pace aspiring to be the UK’s largest insurer.
We’ve now welcomed our new CEO, Adam Winslow,
and are at the start of an exciting period of change for DLG. With ambitious plans for large-scale transformation, we’re going to see a refreshed strategy to drive value for our customers, colleagues and shareholders.
To support our incoming Chief Operating Officer (COO), Hugh Hessing, we’re recruiting for a Business Management executive.
The Chief Operating Office is made up of Customer Operations, First Line Controls, Procurement, and our Transformation activity across DLG - ensuring there is a strong customer focus.
Acting as a strategic partner to the COO, this role is multifaceted, focusing on aligning business operations with the company’s strategic objectives, whilst overseeing key projects.
This role requires a proactive leader with strong business acumen, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
What you’ll be doing :
We truly believe this role will play a critical part in our growth and success providing strategic support to our Chief Operating Officer.
You will have your finger on the pulse of the operations - drawing key insights, making recommendations and ensuring the COO office delivers on time, within budget, and is in full alignment to DLG strategic plans.
By building strong relationships across the business, you’ll help ensure alignment, accountability, and transparency!
- Strategic Planning and Execution : Work with the COO and his Leadership Team to formulate and implement strategies and initiatives for the Chief Operating Office that are aligned with improving customer satisfaction and retentionCoordinate COO-wide initiatives to ensure cohesion, simplicity, and eliminating any obstaclesStay informed of industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitor activities to 'bring the outside in'
- Operational Excellence : Monitor key performance indicators relating to COO (financial, trading, customer, risk and control)Assist the COO in preparing and managing budgets, forecasting financial performance, and ensuring that financial goals are met - working closely with FinanceManage the COO’s cost centres, payroll, and procurement expenses and monitor alignment with budgetLead key COO projects, from initiation through to completion, ensuring timely delivery and quality outcomesIdentify inefficiencies in current operations and suggest improvements that can streamline processes, reduce costs,
and enhance service deliveryWork with the Controls Office team to help identify potential operational risks and develop mitigation strategiesDevelop a sound network across DLG, maintaining a pulse on daily operations to understand trends, risks and opportunities and help COO Leadership pivot as required quickly and proactively
- COO Support and Communication : Act as a bridge between different departments to ensure cohesive implementation of strategic plans and smooth day-to-day operationsEnsure the COO is fully briefed and prepared for meetings at all levels within the Group and represent the COO at internal / external meetings as requiredPrepare and coordinate content for reports, briefings and position papers, Board Papers, Strategy and Prioritisation events etc.
Monitor actions on behalf of the COO ensuring issues are resolved to maintain paceWork with COO Leadership to deliver excellent communication across the functionDevelop key messages (internally and externally) on behalf of the COOOversee the smooth running of all matters connected with the COO LT Meetings and co-ordinate functional events
Leadership : Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture across COO.Overseeing initiatives with the COO LT to improve employee engagement and satisfaction.
What we’re looking for :
Experience in financial management and budget planning for a large function
Knowledge of (or curiosity) about the insurance industry
Experience in working across an organisation - across organisational boundaries as a key member, providing guidance whilst bringing empathy and energy - working upto ExCo level
Significant experience working within a commercial environment - understanding financial levers
Experience of working within a co-source / outsource environment
High level of independent judgement and problem solving, being able to influence where needed.
Evidence of managing communications, establishing priorities, and meeting deadlines, exercising exceptional organisational skills
Understanding of strategic planning and experience of managing business performance including forecasting and budgeting
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate and present information to a wide range of senior internal and external contacts and prepare materials for such audiences
Ways of Working
Here at Direct Line Group, we recognise the importance of flexibility,
not only in our personal lives but also in the way we work.
Our mixed model way of working offers a best of both worlds’ approach combining the best parts of home and office-working.
This role will be based in central London minutes away from Bank Station, with an expectation to be office-based c.3 days per week.
Benefits
We wouldn’t be where we are today without our people and the wide variety of perspectives and life experiences they bring.
That’s why we offer excellent benefits to suit your lifestyle. Our core benefits include :
- Flexible and generous annual leave. You also have the option to buy or sell up to 5 days each year too to suit you the way you want it to!
- 9% employer contribution into your pension regardless of whether or not you pay into the pension plan. You can also opt to take this is a cash benefit instead.
- Annual bonus - dependent on personal and company performance
- Free private medical cover for you!
- 50% off home, motor and pet insurance
- Free travel insurance and free Green Flag breakdown cover
- Life assurance
- Income protection
- Access to company car and cycle to work schemes
- Retail discounts to your everyday shopping needs!
Being yourself
There’s no-one else like you. No-one with the exact same mix of strengths, quirks, skills and thoughts. That’s why you could belong here.
As part of a team of brilliant individuals, in a place that empowers you to be the best you can be. We’re proud of who we are, of what we do, and what every single one of us brings.
Every person, team, Squad, Tribe, and Chapter, across every business that makes our Group. And we’re happy to say we’re customer obsessed.
Join us. Help us keep innovating and putting customers at the heart of everything. To be an insurance company of the future.
When we work together, we can all achieve great things. Inspiring, challenging, and supporting each other to aim higher.
Together, we're one of a kind.
LI-Hybrid
LI-RM1
▶️ Business Manager to Chief Operating Officer (ExCo)
🖊️ Direct Line Group
📍 London