AVP, Head of Specialty Claims in London

AVP, Head of Specialty Claims in London

London Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and shape the Specialty Claims function across the UK and Europe.
  • Company: CNA Hardy, a leading specialist commercial insurance provider.
  • Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive compensation, and growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative team and develop your career in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
  • Qualifications: Experience in specialty claims and proven leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

At CNA Hardy, great people don’t just join us - they grow with us, lead with purpose, and help shape the future of our business and the industry. We exist to help businesses navigate an unpredictable world through the expertise, integrity and commitment of our people. Every role contributes to protecting businesses, livelihoods and communities, giving our people the opportunity to make a meaningful and visible impact.

The Role: We are currently hiring for an AVP, Head of Specialty Claims within our UK and European Claims function. This pivotal leadership role will shape the strategy and performance of the Specialty Claims function across the UK and Continental Europe, leading a geographically diverse team and delivering high-quality claims outcomes for customers and the business.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Lead the Specialty Claims Function: Provide strategic and operational leadership to Specialty Claims teams across the UK and Continental Europe, creating a collaborative, high-performing culture.
  • Shape Claims Strategy: Align claims priorities with CNA’s wider business objectives and deliver timely, high-quality and cost-effective outcomes.
  • Drive Transformation: Lead continuous improvement through automation, analytics and technology, strengthening efficiency, adaptability and customer service.
  • Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with Underwriting, Risk Control, Actuarial, Legal and Reinsurance, while developing strong relationships with brokers, clients, vendors and industry stakeholders.
  • Oversee Performance and Governance: Manage portfolio performance, KPIs, talent development, succession planning and regulatory compliance across the function.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Claims Expertise: In depth experience of at least one of our core Speciality lines – Financial Institutions, Management Liability, Professional Indemnity, Medical Malpractice and Cyber/Tech/Media.
  • Leadership Experience: A proven ability to lead high-performing, geographically dispersed teams and develop future leaders.
  • Strategic Mindset: A results-driven thinker who can translate business priorities into clear claims strategies and measurable outcomes.
  • Collaborative Influence: Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across complex matrix environments.
  • Market and Regulatory Knowledge: Deep awareness of market trends, regulatory frameworks and innovation within claims, combined with advanced communication skills.

Why Join CNA Hardy? Our workplace is dynamic, challenging and ever evolving, here your voice matters and you can make a difference. We celebrate individuality and inclusivity, ensuring everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to share ideas and perspectives. Our employees and their families are important to us. That’s why we offer flexible hybrid working and a competitive compensation and benefits package. We also invest in your growth through learning, mentoring, and clear development pathways, recognising and rewarding performance and the behaviours that drive success. We recognise that the development of skills and experiences is crucial for our people to achieve their aspirations and reach their full potential.

The Company: CNA Hardy is a leading specialist commercial insurance provider for clients within the Lloyd’s and company markets. We offer a highly specialised and comprehensive portfolio of innovative and market leading products. Coverage is available to businesses of all sizes for domestic, international and global exposures.

Summary Location: London, UK Type: Full time

AVP, Head of Specialty Claims in London employer: CNA Financial

CNA Hardy is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work environment in London, where every employee has the opportunity to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a competitive benefits package, we ensure that our team members feel valued and supported in their career aspirations. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the reinsurance sector.

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Contact Details:

CNA Financial Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land AVP, Head of Specialty Claims in London

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 CNA Financial). 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 CNA Financial. 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 AVP, Head of Specialty Claims in London

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Flexibility
Time Management
Organizational Skills

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 CNA Financial.

Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at CNA Financial. 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 CNA Financial

Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals

Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at CNA Financial 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 CNA Financial, 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 CNA Financial'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.