Operations Manager Niche and DER in Burnley

Claims UK & Ireland Niche & DER Division
Preston / Hybrid
Reporting to: Operations Director
Lead Operational Excellence. Drive Performance. Shape the Future.
Are you a proven contact centre Manager with a passion for people, performance, and continuous improvement?
We're looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead a high-performing team within our Niche and DER business. This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping operational strategy, delivering outstanding customer outcomes, and driving sustainable growth across a dynamic and fast-paced claims environment.
Working alongside two other Operations Managers, you will be responsible for supporting the delivery of a high-performing operation of approximately 250 FTE , including a critical 24/7 emergency response contact centre and claims operation .
Much of the focus of this role will be Davies emergency response as such a 2pm to 10-00pm shift is available if it suits ?
You’ll lead a team of Team Managers and their wider operational teams, ensuring service excellence, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and a culture where people can thrive.
What will your day look like:
What You'll Be Doing
Inspire and Develop High-Performing Teams
Lead, mentor and coach Team Managers across remote and hybrid locations.
Create a culture built on accountability, engagement, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Support performance management through regular coaching, feedback and development planning.
Identify and nurture future talent, ensuring succession plans are in place across the division.
Drive Operational Performance
Deliver key operational and telephony KPIs across the business.
Develop resourceful and innovative plans to optimise performance, including surge planning and capacity management.
Partner with the Resource Planning Manager to develop recruitment and workforce strategies aligned to future growth.
Work closely with recruitment teams to maintain strong candidate pipelines and workforce readiness.
Transform Processes and Improve Efficiency
Identify opportunities to streamline processes from policy inception through to claim resolution.
Analyse operational data, trends and performance metrics to identify inefficiencies and drive improvement initiatives.
Partner with cross-functional teams across Niche and DER to implement automation and process enhancements.
Champion a culture of innovation and operational excellence.
Ensure Compliance and Risk Management
Maintain robust compliance standards across all operational activity.
Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, company policies and industry best practice.
Stay informed of market and legislative changes, implementing operational adjustments where required.
Conduct regular audits and reviews to mitigate operational risk and maintain quality standards.
Deliver Exceptional Customer Outcomes
Collaborate with customer service teams to effectively manage customer enquiries, complaints and escalations.
Champion initiatives that enhance the customer journey and overall experience.
Analyse customer feedback, NPS and customer outcome measures to implement meaningful improvement plans.
Drive market-leading customer satisfaction and Trustpilot performance.
Contribute to Strategic Growth
Support the delivery of strategic business objectives and operational plans.
Manage departmental budgets effectively and deliver against financial targets.
Identify emerging market trends, growth opportunities and competitive threats.
Provide operational insight that supports business development and revenue growth.
Knowledge and Abilities:
What We're Looking For
Experience
Proven success in an insurance operations leadership role.
Strong experience within Property, Niche or related insurance sectors.
Demonstrable track record of driving operational improvements and delivering business results.
Experience leading large teams through Team Managers in remote and hybrid environments.
Strong understanding of insurance products, underwriting principles and claims processes.
Knowledge of insurance regulation, compliance frameworks and risk management practices.
Skills & Attributes
Inspirational leadership style with the ability to motivate and influence teams at all levels.
Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking capability.
Excellent decision-making, problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
Data-driven approach with strong analytical and reporting capabilities.
Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Adaptable, resilient and comfortable leading change initiatives.
Commitment to maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards.
Benefits
Career & Purpose
Davies Innovation Lab
Leadership training programme
Funding for professional qualifications
Thrive at Davies; learning opportunities
Environmental & Social
The Davies Foundation
Local charity funding
Pennies To Heaven
Employee Resource Groups
Employee volunteering programme
Financial Health
Pension, 5% employee and 5% employer contribution
My Choices at Davies provides; High Street discounts and Financial wellbeing hub
Life assurance: x4
Refer a Friend
Cycle to Work Scheme
Lease car salary sacrifice
Davies Incentive Plan
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Mental, Physical & Emotional Wellbeing
Wellbeing centre; move, munch, money & mind focus
Discounts with 100's of UK retailers
EAP; 24/7 confidential helpline
25 days holiday, increases to 26 days after 5 years and 27 after 10 years
Flexible working
Dress for your day
Inclusive employment policies eg. Menopause, fostering friendly, fertility, sabbatical policy and baby loss and miscarriage
Flexible benefits include; holiday purchase plan and a opportunity to purchase heath cash plan and BUPA dental plan