Head of Operational Model Excellence, Credit & Surety (Hybrid; m/f/x/d; 80-100%) in London

Head of Operational Model Excellence, Credit & Surety (Hybrid; m/f/x/d; 80-100%) in London

London Full-Time 136000 - 204000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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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: Collaborate across functions and regions to implement sustainable solutions.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of operations and drive impactful change in a dynamic environment.
  • 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%) in London 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, we offer opportunities to lead transformative initiatives in a hybrid work environment, allowing for flexibility while driving innovation in the financial services sector. Our commitment to leveraging AI and technology ensures that you will be at the forefront of operational excellence, making a meaningful impact in the Credit & Surety domain.

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Contact Details:

Crossell Recruitment Team

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%) in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at Swiss Re or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an 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.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Model Excellence, Credit & Surety (Hybrid; m/f/x/d; 80-100%) in London

Leadership
Operational Excellence
AI Implementation
Process Design
Governance Frameworks
Stakeholder Engagement
Project Management

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 relevant projects where you’ve led cross-functional change.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your background aligns with the role. Share specific examples of how you've used AI or technology to drive efficiency in previous roles.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading teams and driving collaboration, be sure to highlight your leadership experiences. Talk about how you've influenced stakeholders and managed complex initiatives in your past roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!

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 successfully led cross-functional change in the past.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading complex initiatives. Think about times when you’ve influenced stakeholders or navigated ambiguity. This is your chance to demonstrate your strategic thinking and execution capabilities.

Get Familiar with AI and Technology

Since the role involves leveraging AI for efficiency, be prepared to discuss your experience with technology implementations. Share specific examples of how you've used AI or other tech solutions to drive operational improvements.

Engage with the Team's Vision

Research the OMEX team and their goals within Swiss Re Corporate Solutions. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of driving cross-functional change and embedding operational best practices. Show them you’re aligned with their vision!