At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global insurance programmes and manage risk strategies for a multinational corporation.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at DS Smith, redefining packaging for a changing world.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for travel across EMEA and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing high-value claims and developing innovative risk solutions.
- Qualifications: ACII or FCII qualified with extensive risk management experience in a corporate environment.
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.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and execute the group’s global insurance portfolio (Property, Liability, Cyber, Marine, and Credit), securing optimal coverage and pricing through scale.
- Define and manage risk transfer versus retention strategies, including the optimisation of deductibles, SIRs, and the financial governance of captive insurers.
- 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.
- Oversee all claims management and coordination to ensure efficient handling and timely recoveries, including legacy disease‑related claims.
- Assess the insurance implications of M&A, disposals, and new ventures, while supporting commercial contract reviews to validate insurance requirements.
- Build and manage strategic relationships with global brokers, insurers, and loss adjusters to enhance operational delivery and strengthen placement negotiations.
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
Location
This is a hybrid role, split between the London Paddington office (3 days) and home (2 days). Flexibility will be required at times, including business travel across EMEA.
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.
Head of Insurance Risk in City of Westminster employer: DS Smith
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Paddington headquarters where collaboration and innovation 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 a diverse and inclusive culture. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid work model that balances office and home life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Insurance Risk in City of Westminster
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the insurance and risk management sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with global insurance portfolios and risk management strategies. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully navigated complex placements and optimised broker engagement.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Research the company and its insurance programmes thoroughly before your interview. Be ready to discuss how you would approach their specific challenges, like M&A risk assessments or loss prevention initiatives. This shows you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in making an impact at their organisation.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission of redefining packaging for a changing world.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Insurance Risk in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Insurance Risk role. Highlight your relevant experience in risk management and insurance, and don’t forget to showcase any qualifications like ACII or FCII that you have. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
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. Talk about your experience with global insurance portfolios and how you’ve successfully managed complex placements. Let us know how you can contribute to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of communication with various stakeholders, make sure to highlight your strong communication skills in your application. Whether it’s through your CV or cover letter, give us examples of how you’ve effectively communicated complex risk matters in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨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 examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding of complex placements and how you've optimised broker engagement.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Since this role requires strong financial skills, come ready to talk about how you've managed risk transfer versus retention strategies in the past. Highlight any successes you've had in optimising deductibles or working with captive insurers to show your capability in this area.
✨Build Relationships in the Room
This position involves collaborating with senior internal teams and external partners. During the interview, emphasise your ability to build strategic relationships. Share examples of how you've successfully influenced cross-functional stakeholders and navigated complex discussions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions related to M&A risk assessments and claims management. Think through potential challenges you might encounter in these areas and prepare structured responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
