Commercial Direct Lead in Manchester

This is a great job for someone who is an experienced operational leader with a strong background in Claims, who thrives in complexity, enjoys shaping strategy, and is excited by the opportunity to influence at senior levels. If you’re passionate about leading high‑performing teams, driving improvements through data and insight, and delivering brilliant customer outcomes, this could be the perfect next step.

A bit about the job: This role leads the operational claims teams for Commercial Direct, ensuring claims are well‑managed, customer‑focused, and aligned to the growth ambitions of Speciality Lines. You’ll be accountable for end‑to‑end operational performance, regulatory compliance, indemnity control, and customer outcomes. The role also represents Claims at the Speciality Lines SLT—shaping strategy, informing commercial decision‑making, and supporting the exciting growth plans the speciality Lines team has for this business. You’ll build strong relationships across the business, provide expert challenge and insight, and lead strategic initiatives that improve efficiency, customer experience, and profitability. This is a high‑impact leadership role requiring strong operational acumen, excellent communication skills, and the ability to inspire and empower teams.

Skills and experience we’re looking for:

• A strong and inclusive people leader, able to motivate high‑performing operational teams and deliver through others.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑management skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret and use data to drive performance, identify trends, and support decision‑making.
• Experience managing risk, governance, and regulatory requirements within a Claims environment (GI & Claims experience preferable).
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to navigate complexity, manage competing priorities, and deliver continuous improvement.

What you’ll get for this role:

• Starting salary £70,000 (depending on location, skills, experience, and qualifications)
• Bonus opportunity - 12% (E grade) of annual salary. Actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s.
• Generous pension scheme - Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in.
• 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Aviva‑funded Private Medical Benefit to help you get expert support when you need it.
• Make your money go further - Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts.
• Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme.
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work.
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others.
• We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools.

Aviva is for everyone: We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we would still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares. We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working – spending at least 50% of their time in our offices every week - combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.

To find out more about working at Aviva take a look here. We’d love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, or if you have any queries in relation to the vacancy, please email kitti.majer@aviva.com.