At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global insurance programmes and manage risk strategies for a multinational corporation.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in risk management while working with diverse teams globally.
- Qualifications: ACII or FCII qualified with extensive risk management experience in multinational settings.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Insurance Risk to join our Group Team at our Paddington headquarters. Our team works collaboratively with corporate functions, divisional leaders, and the wider business on a day-to-day basis to protect the financial integrity of the Group. This role will focus on leading the global development, negotiation, and implementation of our insurance programmes, data systems, and loss prevention initiatives. You will be communicating with the business and acting as the primary point of contact for our insurable risk profile, M&A risk assessments, and high-value claims management. This role will partner with senior internal teams on commercial projects and initiatives, offering a fantastic opportunity to build relationships across a global footprint, working closely with executive officers, functional directors, and strategic global insurance providers.
A successful candidate must be a proven self-starter and commercial leader, who is comfortable with pro-actively communicating directly, working collaboratively, and liaising at all levels.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Programme Management: Develop and execute the group's global insurance portfolio (Property, Liability, Cyber, Marine, and Credit), securing optimal coverage and pricing through scale.
- Risk Strategy & Retention: Define and manage risk transfer vs. retention strategies, including the optimisation of deductibles, SIRs, and the financial governance of captive insurers.
- Loss Prevention & Data Analytics: Lead the development of our Loss Prevention Information Systems, risk information collection and collation processes, establishing data standards and leveraging analytics to identify emerging risk trends.
- Claims Optimisation: Oversee all claims management and coordination to ensure efficient handling and timely recoveries, including legacy disease-related claims.
- Commercial Partnering: Assess the insurance implications of M&A, disposals, and new ventures, while supporting commercial contract reviews to validate insurance requirements.
- Market Relationship Management: Build and manage strategic relationships with global brokers, insurers, and loss adjusters to enhance operational delivery and strengthen placement negotiations.
So, if you are an experienced professional within the Risk Management space, looking for a new challenge in a business which prioritises creativity and encourages you to make a difference - then we might be looking for you!
About you
- Professionally qualified (ACII or FCII) or equivalent.
- Demonstrable progressive risk management experience within a multinational corporate, global broker or major insurer.
- Extensive knowledge of international insurance markets, captive structures, and industrial manufacturing risk profiles.
- Strong financial acumen with a proven track record of optimising broker engagement and leading complex placements.
- Proven ability to translate complex risk matters into business outcomes and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Discretionary bonus.
- Car allowance.
- Private healthcare.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Employee Discounts.
- Cycle to work scheme.
This is a hybrid role, split between the London Paddington office (3 days) and home (2 days) - however flexibility will be required at times including business travel across EMEA.
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
Fair recruitment at DS Smith
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Head of Insurance Risk employer: DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Paddington headquarters where creativity and collaboration thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive benefits, including competitive salaries, private healthcare, and a robust pension scheme, alongside opportunities for professional development in the fast-paced field of insurance risk management. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values innovation and sustainability, making a meaningful impact in the world of packaging solutions.
Contact Details:
DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Insurance Risk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the insurance and risk management sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their approach to risk management and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past successes in risk management to the table. Whether it’s optimising insurance programmes or leading loss prevention initiatives, make sure you highlight how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at DS Smith. Let’s make that connection!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Insurance Risk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Insurance Risk role. Highlight your risk management experience and any relevant qualifications, like ACII or FCII, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led insurance programmes or managed complex claims in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your communication prowess in your application. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex risk matters.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at DS Smith!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
✨Know Your Insurance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of international insurance markets and risk management strategies. Be prepared to discuss specific programmes you've developed or managed, and how they align with the role's focus on optimising coverage and pricing.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since this role involves leading Loss Prevention Information Systems and leveraging data analytics, come ready to share examples of how you've used data to identify emerging risk trends. Highlight any tools or systems you've implemented that improved risk management processes.
✨Build Relationships in Your Answers
This position requires strong commercial partnering skills. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully built relationships with brokers, insurers, and internal stakeholders. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive business outcomes.
✨Be a Proactive Communicator
As a self-starter, it's crucial to demonstrate your proactive communication style. Think of instances where you've taken the initiative to address complex risk matters or led discussions that resulted in positive changes. Show them you're comfortable liaising at all levels within an organisation.
