Business Partner IUS in London

About us

Since Aspen was founded in 2002, we have become a leading, diversified specialty insurance and reinsurance company. We respond thoughtfully and creatively to find the best outcomes for our clients and business partners through carefully-tailored solutions.

We believe the way we work is just as important as the work we do, and we are guided by our core values of respect, honesty, trust and professionalism.

Aspen is a great place to develop your career offering an exciting and challenging environment where achievement is rewarded.

The role

Responsible for the creation and ongoing maintenance of the Underwriting Services (UWS) reputation within the wider Business. Working with the UWS team, Underwriters and respective Corporate Functions teams’ to ensure SLAs are adhered to, problems resolved and Business relations harmonious.

Required to deliver an excellent and cost-effective service in the following areas:

• To manage and lead the Service Support teams ensuring all UKCPC customer requests, incidents and problems are captured and relayed to the appropriate team for design and execution
• Ensure that SLAs are met and that quality targets are reached and maintained through matrix management of Underwriting Services (UWS) teams
• Troubleshoot and restore operational efficiency by analysing, identifying and diagnosing faults and symptoms using established processes and procedures and provide potential solutions to remedy
• Input into the development of UWS business vision and strategies surrounding continuous operational improvement
• Acts as point of contact for Corporate Functions to facilitate seamless business processes and operational continuity
• Internal cyclical and ad-hoc report design

Demonstrating that these responsibilities have been discharged using performance metrics

Key accountabilities

• Actively assist the International Underwriting Services Manager in the development of the SLAs
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Underwriting Heads (and team), Finance, Corporate Functions, colleagues and any others as appropriate to achieve business objectives
• Interact with external parties including third party business providers, Brokers, Lloyd’s, FCA, peers and others as appropriate to achieving business objectives
• Develop and maintain comprehensive up-to-date details of all systems and services, including assisting in fully documenting operating procedures
• To collate and deliver regulatory returns for UKCPC such as but not limited to Pool Re , London Fire brigade , Exposure Returns and ELTO
• Manage small scale/peripheral pure UWS orientated projects/initiatives relating to the improvement of existing services
• Oversee the service to UKCPC underwriting areas / peripheral support area feedback ensuring incidents, service requests and escalations are handled in the appropriate manner
• Through the remaining UWS management team support the efficient and value for money service provided, escalating issues to UWS manager as appropriate
• Provide regular coaching and mentoring where requested to maximise contributions
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Underwriting Heads, Finance, Compliance, Group Risk Management, UK Platform, Line Manger and others as appropriate to achieving business objectives
• Provide an exceptional service to the Specific Product Team Heads & the Department Heads in International Insurance
• Assist in the implementation of performance metrics in support of service delivery standards
• Interact with external parties including Brokers, Lloyd's, FCA, peers and others as appropriate
• Be aware of and to comply with the FCA Principles for Business and, if applicable, the FCA Statements of Principle for Approved Persons
• Work closely with the operational Management team to develop, document and review underwriting operations and risk management
• Lead and/or participate in continuous improvement initiatives whilst promoting the importance of service delivery and technical excellence
• Promote the importance of Best Practice acting as an advocate for exceptional service level delivery and technical excellence
• Support and represent the company on market associations and trade bodies
• With authorisation from the Underwriting Services Manager act in a mentoring/development capacity to more junior team members, providing guidance and assisting with training as necessary

Additional duties:

• Support and represent the company on market associations and trade bodies
• Maintain a highly visible leadership profile, role modelling the function including assist in the training of other team members
• To act in accordance with and be an advocate of the Aspen Spirit
• You must act with integrity, due skill, care and diligence
• Stakeholder management both internally & externally in particular regulators and governing bodies and ensuring compliance with any and all statutory policies, procedures and regulations
• Participate and undertake applicable professional, technical and career development training (delivered internally and externally) to include attainment of associated qualifications where required
• Where applicable ensure company, market and client related documentation is issued (internally and externally) accurately and on time
• Operate as an effective team member by supporting colleagues and contributing in the delivery and achievement of the teams overall vision and objectives

Skills & experience

• Degree level academic qualifications preferred
• ACll/FCll preferred
• Significant experience in a relevant Technical or Underwriting role
• Specific product Line of Business experience a distinct advantage
• Experience diverse stakeholder management
• Knowledge of and experience in London Market technology initiatives
• Experience of working with multi-location teams
• Demonstrable knowledge of standards and the principles of service delivery across various teams (both Underwriting and peripheral support teams)
• Expert level understanding in technical aspects of the given Products and processes such as end-to-end London Market business processes, including Bureaux
• Competency in Lloyd's and FCA regulatory requirements, including Delegated Underwriting
• Strong leadership, negotiation and influencing skills
• Good written and verbal communication, negotiation and deal making, numeracy, literacy, adaptability to change in a fluid commercial environment, self-confidence/maturity, commercial acumen, team player
• Highly motivated to deliver results and ‘go the extra mile’ to meet deadlines
• Ability to inspire colleagues, including more junior team members to deliver high quality results.
• Where appropriate and reasonable able to delegate tasks and assign responsibilities ensuring maintenance of accountability and in collaboration with Underwriting Services Management
• Ability to communicate complex subjects at different levels with good written, verbal and presentation skills

Other

We're committed to making Aspen a great place to work, where you're rewarded and recognised for your efforts. As well as your pay and discretionary performance related bonus, you'll also enjoy a huge range of benefits. There are plenty of options available with our exciting benefits package, designed for your health, your family and to help ensure that you enjoy the most from your lifestyle.