At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the evolution of Credit & Surety's operational model using AI for efficiency.
- Company: Join Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, a leader in financial services innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and hybrid work model.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment focused on transformation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations while driving impactful change across teams.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in financial services with strong leadership and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 136000 - 204000 £ per year.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and evolution of the Credit & Surety e2e operating model, including leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and decision‑making.
- Translate targeted business outcomes into target‑state processes, service models, governance structures, and operating principles.
- Program manage technology‑enabled initiatives.
- Identify optimization opportunities and implement sustainable solutions.
- Identify risks and control gaps and drive mitigation.
- Track outcomes and embed continuous improvement.
Cross‑Functional Leadership
- Act as a trusted partner to business and functional leaders.
- Drive collaboration across functions and regions.
- Align stakeholders around clear direction and outcomes.
About the Team
The Operational Model Excellence (OMEX) team sits within the Operations division of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and serves as the strategic engine behind Credit & Surety’s operational evolution. Bringing together specialists in process, data, technology, and transformation, the team works at the intersection of strategy and delivery—partnering closely with underwriting, operations, finance, risk, and regional teams to drive cross‑functional change and embed operational best practices. From regulatory shifts to AI‑enabled ways of working, OMEX shapes how Credit & Surety adapts and grows.
About You
You are a strategic and structured leader who combines experience with strong execution capabilities. You navigate complexity with confidence, connect big‑picture strategy to practical delivery, and bring analytical rigor, sound judgment, and a collaborative style to everything you do.
Candidate Requirements
- 10+ years of professional experience in financial services—commercial insurance, reinsurance, or similarly complex regulated environments.
- Relevant work experience in credit insurance, surety or commercial credit risk related businesses.
- 5+ years in transformation, operational excellence, or operational leadership, with a proven track record of leading cross‑functional change and translating strategy into outcomes.
- Strong program and project management skills, with the ability to lead complex, multi‑stakeholder initiatives through influence.
- Proven experience (co‑)leading technology and AI implementations as program manager, product owner, or business owner.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to manage ambiguity and influence senior leaders across functions, regions, and cultures.
Preferred Experience
- Exposure to AI‑enabled process transformation or digital operating model design.
- Background in management consulting or advisory roles within financial services.
- Experience embedding governance frameworks and controls in a regulated environment.
Salary and Benefits
For London, the annual base salary range for this position is between £136,000 and £204,000 GBP (for a full‑time role). The specific salary offered considers the requirements, scope, complexity and responsibilities of the role, as well as the applicant’s own profile including education/qualifications, expertise, specialization, skills and experience. In the situation where you do not meet all the requirements or you significantly exceed these, the offered salary may be below or above the advertised range. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for additional rewards and benefits including an attractive performance‑based annual bonus. Our company has a hybrid work model where the expectation is that you will be in the office at least three days per week.
Head of Operational Model Excellence, Credit & Surety (Hybrid; m/f/x/d; 80-100%) employer: Crossell
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, particularly within the Operational Model Excellence team. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company offers unique opportunities to lead transformative initiatives in a hybrid work environment, leveraging cutting-edge technology and AI to drive operational excellence. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, and a supportive atmosphere that encourages innovation and cross-functional collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Model Excellence, Credit & Surety (Hybrid; m/f/x/d; 80-100%)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Swiss Re or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you land that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s recent projects and initiatives, especially around AI and operational excellence. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led cross-functional change or implemented technology solutions. We want to hear about your successes and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Model Excellence, Credit & Surety (Hybrid; m/f/x/d; 80-100%)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in financial services and operational excellence, and don’t forget to mention any AI projects you've led. We want to see how you connect with the role!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Operational Model Excellence role. Share specific examples of your leadership in transformation and how you've driven cross-functional change.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves influencing senior leaders, make sure your application reflects your excellent communication skills. Use clear, concise language and structure your thoughts logically. We love a well-organised application!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crossell
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Head of Operational Model Excellence role. Brush up on your knowledge of credit insurance, surety, and operational excellence. Be ready to discuss how you've led cross-functional change and implemented technology solutions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic leadership and program management experience. Think about times when you've successfully navigated complexity and influenced senior leaders. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can drive collaboration across functions and regions.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be ready to talk about how you've identified optimisation opportunities and implemented sustainable solutions in past roles. Discuss any experience you have with AI-enabled process transformation and how it has enhanced efficiency and decision-making in your previous positions.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, prepare to discuss how you've aligned stakeholders around clear directions and outcomes. Share specific examples of how you've managed ambiguity and built trust with business and functional leaders in your past experiences.
