At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead trading performance and drive product development in a dynamic insurance environment.
- Company: Join Direct Line Group, a top inclusive employer with a focus on diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonuses, flexible benefits, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the insurance sector while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Strong business acumen and experience in budgeting and commercial trading required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
DLG is evolving. Across every part of our business, teams are embracing new opportunities and putting customers at the heart of everything they do. Whether you're already part of DLG or thinking about joining us, you'll have the chance not only to be recognised for your skills, but also to build on them and be empowered to do your very best.
What You'll Be Doing
- You will work alongside the Head of Products to align overall insurance vision and strategy with specific squad missions and support delivery of squad outcomes for one of DLG’s insurance products.
- Lead on financial aspects such as budgeting, planning, commercial trading and business case production, managing trade-offs between customer and commercial outcomes and strategies.
- Lead trading meetings with matrix managed stakeholders to articulate current trends and potential risks.
- Identify and drive new product and proposition development opportunities in line with consumer demand and overall DLG strategy.
- Develop test & learn initiatives to improve squad and product performance.
- Ensure the squad adapts in line with shifts in consumer behaviour and market forces.
- Work with key internal stakeholders to drive alignment with key internal interfaces sitting outside of the tribe structure (Operations / Claims / Customer CoE).
What You’ll Need
- Strong business and financial acumen developed through relevant experience, including ownership of budgeting (circa £15m), planning, commercial trading, and P&L across Personal Lines and/or travel insurance.
- Deep understanding of the insurance sector, including consumer behaviour, competitor dynamics, the commercial market, and the regulatory landscape, with a strong grasp of Consumer Duty.
- Ability to gather and synthesise insights from customer, market, and competitor data to inform strategy, support decision-making, and drive idea generation and execution.
- Proven capability to manage complex trade-offs between customer outcomes and commercial objectives while developing robust business cases to support strategic initiatives.
- Highly effective stakeholder management skills, with experience building and influencing relationships across internal teams and external partners such as regulators, industry bodies, and business partners.
- Strong collaborative approach, leveraging cross-functional engagement to maximise support for business goals and deliver effective, aligned outcomes.
Benefits
- Employer contributed pension
- Annual company bonus
- Discounts on Insurance products
- Generous holiday allowance
- Flexible benefits package including optional health and dental insurance
- Buy‑as‑you‑earn share scheme
- Employee discounts and cashback
Direct Line Insurance Group is now owned by Aviva Plc. If you are successful in your application, you may initially receive a Direct Line offer and contract of employment; however, your employment will transfer to Aviva Employment Services Limited from 1 July 2026 under TUPE. From that date, some terms and conditions of employment will change, including bonus and pension arrangements.
Be yourself
Direct Line Group is an equal opportunity employer, and we think diversity of background and thinking is a big strength in our people. We're delighted to feature as one of the UK’s Top 50 Inclusive Employers and are committed to making our business an inclusive place to work, where everyone can be themselves and succeed in their careers. We know you're more than a CV, and the things that make you, you, are what bring potential to our business. We recognise and embrace people that work in different ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.
Trading Performance Specialist - Commercial Direct Home & Growth employer: Direct Line Group
At DLG, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and inclusivity. With a hybrid working model, generous benefits including an annual bonus and flexible health options, and a commitment to diversity, we empower our Trading Performance Specialists to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful outcomes for our customers. Join us in London, Leeds, or Bristol, where your skills will be recognised and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trading Performance Specialist - Commercial Direct Home & Growth
✨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.
✨Get Certified
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.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
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.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Direct Line Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Trading Performance Specialist - Commercial Direct Home & Growth
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 Direct Line Group.
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 Direct Line Group'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 Direct Line Group
✨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 Direct Line Group.
✨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 Direct Line Group 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 Direct Line Group 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.