At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Chief People Officer and drive strategic initiatives within the People Team.
- Company: Join AXA, a global leader in insurance and financial services.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of our organisation's people agenda.
- Qualifications: Strong strategic partnership skills and experience in building senior-level relationships.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
AXA is a global leader in insurance and financial services, dedicated to helping customers protect what matters most to them. As the sixth-largest insurance company in the world, we provide a wide range of services, including health, car, home, and business insurance. We support millions of customers worldwide, helping them navigate life's uncertainties with confidence. AXA UK Support Functions look after our three customer-facing business units, providing the infrastructure and expertise to make sure we can be there for our customers.
Join our team as the Business Manager to the CPO Office—a pivotal role dedicated to supporting our Chief People Officer and her leadership team. In this dynamic position, you will provide comprehensive end-to-end support, driving the progress of strategic initiatives and daily operational activities within the People Team. Your expertise will ensure the smooth running of key activities through essential administrative, reporting, and project management support, playing a vital role in advancing our organisation’s people agenda and overall success.
Key responsibilities
- Operational Oversight & Governance: Manage the operating rhythm of the People Leadership team, including coordinating the executive calendar, overseeing leadership meetings, all-team calls, events, and offsites in collaboration with communications. Prepare materials for QBRs, MC, and Board meetings to support effective leadership and decision-making. Set agendas for key meetings, capture action items, and drive accountability among the CPO’s direct reports to ensure deadlines are consistently met. Oversee team performance by tracking objectives, preparing for reviews, identifying blockers, and tracking audit and risk items to completion.
- Strategic Planning & Execution: Act as a trusted advisor to the Chief People Officer, facilitating effective communication and collaboration with senior leadership, business units, and external partners. Provide high-level support to the Chief People Officer in decision-making, preparing executive briefs.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Work closely with CPO PA to ensure smooth planning and scheduling of CPO’s time and support with relevant preparation and materials. Collaborate with the communications team to oversee all executive People related communications and develop the CPO’s internal and external communication calendar. Partner with the CEO and MC offices to manage key stakeholder relationships, including regional and group HR teams, and coordinate with external providers to ensure appropriate access to the CPO.
- Program & Project Management: Lead key special People projects that are high-priority and cross-department/cross-functional, sometimes involving working with consulting teams or other teams across the People function or outside.
Working Conditions
At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers. You’ll work at least two days a week (40%) away from home, moving to three days a week (60%) in the future. Away from home means attending the office, visiting clients or attending industry events.
Your skills & experience:
- Strong strategic partnership skills with experience in building senior-level relationships, preferably with a consulting background.
- Highly adaptable, resilient, and capable of creating clarity in ambiguous or complex situations.
- Collaborative, commercially minded, and skilled at synthesizing complex information into high-quality outputs, including presentations.
- Excellent communicator and motivator, able to influence stakeholders, tailor messaging, and build effective relationships across all organisational levels.
- Organised, proactive, with a curious mindset, integrity, sound judgment, and strong writing skills for preparing key documents.
- Confident in representing leadership, interpreting data, identifying trends, assessing risks, and providing decision support, with an adaptable approach to change and transformation initiatives.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long-term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, we’re proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge. For our support, please send an email to suzie.elliott@axa-uk.co.uk.
Business Manager employer: AXA Group
AXA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where employees are empowered to balance their professional and personal lives effectively. With a strong commitment to employee growth, AXA provides numerous opportunities for career advancement and skill development, all while fostering a collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in the heart of the UK, employees benefit from a supportive infrastructure that enhances their ability to contribute meaningfully to the organisation's mission of protecting what matters most to customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like AXA Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to AXA Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on AXA Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AXA Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with AXA Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at AXA Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former AXA Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
