At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic direction and growth of Property & Commercial portfolio while mentoring a high-performing team.
- Company: Join Bspoke Group, a dynamic and ambitious organisation in the insurance market.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £110,000, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of the Property & Commercial business and enhance broker relationships.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment with strong leadership and commercial accountability.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in underwriting, senior leadership, and regulatory compliance in the UK commercial insurance market.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Head of Business - Property & Commercial
Location
Flexible / Hybrid - Going to the London or Leeds office up to two times per week
Reporting to
Managing Director of Commercial & Delegated Authority
Role Type
Permanent Regulatory
Status
Certified Function (SM&CR)
Salary
Up to £110,000 - Dependant on experience
Why Bspoke?
This is an exciting period for the Bspoke Group and for the right individual in a fast pace, dynamic environment this role is a great opportunity to showcase your leadership.
As we continue to grow and strengthen our market position, we're investing in our people, products, trading capabilities and broker partnerships.
This role offers a unique opportunity to influence strategic direction, shape portfolio performance and play a key role in the continued success of our Property & Commercial business.
If you're looking for a role that combines strategic leadership, underwriting expertise, commercial accountability and team development, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing and ambitious organisation.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Managing Director of Commercial & Delegated Authority, the Head of Business - Property & Commercial will hold strategic, operational and financial accountability for the performance, growth and governance of the Property & Commercial trading area.
As a Certified Function under the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR), you will be accountable for ensuring the business operates with integrity, financial resilience and full regulatory compliance whilst delivering positive customer outcomes and sustainable growth.
This pivotal leadership role combines commercial agility with strong governance and underwriting discipline.
You will lead and develop a high-performing team of Underwriters, driving portfolio performance, broker engagement and profitable growth across the Property Owners and Commercial portfolios.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Strategic Leadership & Commercial Growth
- Lead the strategic direction, growth and performance of the Property & Commercial portfolio.
- Deliver revenue, profitability and growth objectives in line with business plans and loss ratio targets.
- Identify new trading opportunities and support market expansion within target sectors.
- Drive pipeline management, trading activity and portfolio optimisation through effective use of data and MI.
- Support the continued migration of renewals onto Bspoke Online, improving efficiency and service delivery.
- Build and maintain strong broker and stakeholder relationships that support sustainable growth.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team of Underwriters.
- Build future leadership capability through coaching, talent development and succession planning.
- Foster a culture of accountability, performance, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Champion positive conduct and behaviours aligned with FCA expectations and Group values.
- Financial, Risk & Regulatory Governance
- Hold accountability for the Property & Commercial P&L and overall portfolio performance.
- Ensure effective underwriting controls, risk governance and adherence to underwriting appetite.
- Operate within the SM&CR framework and ensure compliance with FCA requirements.
- Champion Consumer Duty and ensure positive customer outcomes remain central to decision-making.
- Maintain robust governance standards across all underwriting activities.
- Operational Excellence
- Drive process optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives across the trading area.
- Utilise MI, portfolio insight and market intelligence to enhance underwriting performance.
- Monitor portfolio health, emerging risks and market trends to support strategic decision making.
- Embed effective operating procedures and controls that support scalable growth.
About You
You’ll be an accomplished underwriting leader with strong Property & Commercial expertise, capable of balancing commercial opportunity with effective governance and control.
- Significant senior leadership experience within the UK commercial insurance market.
- Proven accountability for underwriting portfolio performance, growth and loss ratio management.
- Experience operating within an FCA-regulated environment and the SM&CR framework.
- Experience managing and developing high-performing underwriting teams.
- Strong track record of contributing to business planning, growth strategies and financial performance.
- Experience building effective relationships with brokers, insurers and key business stakeholders.
- Strong knowledge of SM&CR, Individual Conduct Rules and FCA regulatory requirements.
- Expert Property & Commercial underwriting and portfolio management expertise.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, including P&L responsibility.
- Excellent analytical capability with experience leveraging MI and portfolio data to drive decisions.
- Strong understanding of Consumer Duty, conduct risk and customer outcomes.
- Outstanding leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- What Success Looks Like
You’ll deliver profitable growth, high-performing underwriting teams and a strong control environment whilst enhancing broker relationships and customer outcomes.
You will be a visible leader, a trusted partner to the Managing Director and a key contributor to the future success of the Property & Commercial business.
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Head of Business - Property & Commercial in Leeds employer: Bspoke Insurance Group
Bspoke Insurance Group is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Leeds, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a hybrid working model, employees enjoy flexibility while being part of a collaborative team focused on strategic talent acquisition and organisational success. The company fosters a supportive environment where innovative ideas are encouraged, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business - Property & Commercial in Leeds
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like Bspoke Insurance Group). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Bspoke Insurance Group. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business - Property & Commercial in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Bspoke Insurance Group.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Bspoke Insurance Group. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bspoke Insurance Group
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Bspoke Insurance Group to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at Bspoke Insurance Group, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding Bspoke Insurance Group's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.
