At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and performance management across EMEA, driving strategic insights and decision-making.
- Company: Join Zurich Cover-More, a leading global travel insurance provider with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, competitive health insurance, and comprehensive leave options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of travel insurance while making a real impact on millions of travellers.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in financial planning, strong leadership skills, and a professional accounting qualification.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Description
Where will your career take you next? Let’s find out together.
At Zurich Cover-More, we’re proud to be one of the world’s leading travel insurance and assistance providers .
Each year, we protect more than 20 million travellers worldwide, making sure we’re there every step of their journey with proactive care, personalised cover and specialist support.
Zurich Cover-More partners with many of the world’s best-known brands – think major airlines, travel giants, top banks, credit card providers, and large retailers – to deliver more care, more cover, for all.
Launched in December 2024, Zurich Cover-More is the global travel brand of Zurich Insurance Group, one of the world’s leading multi-line insurers.
Our family of customer-facing brands includes trusted names like Travel Guard, Cover-More Travel Insurance, Travelex Insurance, Universal Assistance, World Travel Protection, Freely, and Blue Insurance.
Together, we’re redefining what it means to travel safely and with confidence.
Whether it’s a long-awaited holiday, a last-minute business trip, or an unexpected detour, we deliver in the moments that matter.
What you’ll be doing
In this role, you will lead the Planning & Performance Management function across Zurich Cover-More EMEA, partnering with senior leaders to drive financial performance, strategic decision-making, and commercial insight.
Reporting to the CFO EMEA, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and continuous improvement across the region.
- Lead financial planning, forecasting, budgeting and performance management activities across the EMEA business.
- Partner closely with the CFO, business leaders and finance teams to provide commercial insight and challenge business performance.
- Develop and implement annual financial plans in collaboration with global and regional stakeholders.
- Deliver high-quality financial analysis and forward-looking forecasts to support strategic decision-making.
- Lead finance input into business reviews, providing clear reporting, commentary and recommendations.
- Build and evaluate business cases, investment opportunities and growth initiatives.
- Ensure the integrity, accuracy and transparency of financial reporting and management information.
- Act as a key finance partner to Regional Business Heads, Functional Leaders and Finance & Actuarial teams.
- Manage consolidated expense reporting and submissions to Group Finance.
- Lead, develop and coach the Planning & Performance Management team, fostering a high-performance culture.
- Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, reporting frameworks and systems.
- Deliver ad hoc analysis and performance insights that support business growth and operational excellence.
What skills and experience you’ll bring on this journey
- 10+ years' experience in financial planning, analysis and reporting, ideally within insurance, financial services or another regulated industry.
- Professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
- Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide budgeting, forecasting and long-range financial planning for complex organisations.
- Strong financial modelling skills, with the ability to align strategy, budgets and operational performance.
- Experience delivering executive-level performance reporting, forecasting and commercial insights.
- Deep understanding of financial governance, controls, compliance and regulatory requirements.
- Proven ability to build robust business cases and support investment, transformation and growth initiatives.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the confidence to partner effectively with senior leaders.
- People leadership experience, including coaching, developing and motivating high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable recommendations.
Why you’ll love working with us!
We value optimism, caring, togetherness, reliability, results-orientation, and forward-thinking.
We have more than 3000 employees worldwide.
We are a global group of digital specialists, actuaries, marketers, doctors, nurses, case managers, claims specialists, finance experts, customer service and corporate services professionals.
We share a global purpose to look after travellers, at every step of their journey.
Job flexibility .
We understand the importance of making sure that work fits into your life, not the other way around.
Our hybrid approach ensures you can maintain work-life balance with the flexibility of 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home after an initial training period.
Career growth .
This is an extremely exciting time for us at Zurich Cover-More, as we rapidly expand our business across the globe.
We’re committed to helping our people thrive through a comprehensive onboarding experience, continuous professional development, and a supportive work environment that empowers growth at every stage of your career.
Take the time you need, for you and your community .
We encourage you to take the time you need when you need it.
We offer regular annual and personal leave benefits along with anniversary leave, volunteer leave and a comprehensive paid parental leave scheme.
Travel and work with us.
We believe your career should take you places – literally.
At Zurich Cover-More, we support your professional journey and your passion for travel with complimentary travel insurance.
So go ahead, start planning your next adventure today!
Investing in your health and your future.
We offer a competitive health insurance package with comprehensive mental health coverage, access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and a pension scheme with employer contributions – helping you build a secure and healthy future.
Diversity and inclusion .
We respect who you are and thoroughly embrace diversity.
Wherever life has taken you, we welcome you to bring your whole self to work.
Just be you – because that’s exactly who we’re looking for.
Apply today and let’s go to great places together!
#LI-Hybr
Head of Planning and Performance Management, EMEA in Uxbridge employer: Compass
As a Group Manager at our innovative food company, you'll thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises creativity and collaboration. We offer competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and a vibrant environment where your ideas can flourish, all while being part of a team that is passionate about bringing people together through exceptional food experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning and Performance Management, EMEA in Uxbridge
✨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.
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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.
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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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning and Performance Management, EMEA in Uxbridge
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 Compass.
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 Compass'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 Compass
✨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 Compass.
✨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 Compass 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 Compass 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.
