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- Tasks: Lead insurance and claims operations, ensuring financial optimisation and operational support.
- Company: First Bus, a leading bus operator committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, flexible working, and discounted travel.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team making a real impact in the transport industry.
- Qualifications: Expertise in insurance, risk management, and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Embrace a collaborative culture focused on inclusion and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Welcome to First Bus. First Bus is one of the country's largest bus operators – taking 1.6 million customers to their destinations every day. We're a forward-looking business at the forefront of bus technology, leading the way on contactless payments, mobile Apps and real time information. Our investment in state-of-the-art, new buses is just one part of our transition to a low-carbon future. It's an exciting time to be here.
About the role
In this role you will provide strategic leadership and expert oversight of the Group's insurance, risk facing and claims operations ensuring that FirstGroup is appropriately protected, financially optimised and operationally supported across Bus and Rail Divisions. This position plays a critical role in protecting the Group's assets, reducing liabilities, shaping external relationships and strengthening long term commercial and operational resilience. You will also drive best practice claims performance and ensure all insurance and claims programmes (past and present) are effectively controlled, compliant and aligned to our long term strategic, commercial and operational needs. This role is offered on a hybrid position and we are looking for an individual who can commit to weekly travel to our Reading office to spend time with the Claims and wider Insurance team.
- Develop a deep understanding of First Bus and First Rail insurance requirements, maintaining strong working relationships across both divisions.
- Design and execute effective insurance programmes balancing risk retention, risk transfer, coverage strength and cost efficiency.
- Manage broker and insurance relationships and represent FirstGroup positively in the insurance market; source and develop new insurer partnerships where appropriate.
- Lead insurance components of bids, acquisitions and disposals, identifying commercial opportunities and ensuring franchise/bid documentation aligns with Group insurance structures.
- Drive best practice claims management, technical excellence, efficiency improvements and high independent audit scores.
- Drive business value through improved claims investigations, claims handling and outcomes.
- Hands on management or closely oversee high value or high profile claims.
- Provide expert financial guidance to Divisions on insurance, self-insurance, retained losses and overall risk financing arrangements.
- Manage financial and management reporting across the Group Insurance function, including actuarial projections, collateral levels and statutory reporting for legacy entities.
About you
- Expert technical knowledge of insurance and claims, particularly within General Insurance and large corporate risk environments.
- Experience managing complex insurance programmes and legacy liabilities.
- Background in corporate risk management, insurance broking or large scale underwriting.
- Strong analytical and financial acumen, with demonstrable capability in interpreting actuarial, RMIS and risk finance data.
- Familiarity with alternative risk transfer methods and a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, insurance and personal injury.
- Expertise in contract negotiation with insurance firms, brokers and service partners.
- Proven ability to build high trust relationships and influence at Executive and Divisional level in a large complex organisation.
- Strong leadership background with experience in leading and coaching teams across technical and operational functions.
- Someone who champions strong team engagement, inclusion and wellbeing, sets clear expectations, accountabilities and a continuous learning mindset.
- A passion to create a collaborative culture and the want to drive shared goals and ‘joined-up' decision making across functions.
- Promote customer focus by ensuring insurance and claims practices support excellent service, operational reliability and positive customer outcomes.
- Encourage innovation and continuous improvement empowering teams to challenge existing practices, adopt better ways of working and drive technical excellence.
Rewards & Benefits
- Competitive salary and bonus structure.
- Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advice.
- Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support.
- We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc.
- Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays.
- Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares.
- Flexible working.
We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You'll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
Please apply now. We look forward to receiving your application. Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all. Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process.
Director of Insurance and Claims in Reading employer: First Group
Contact Detail:
First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Insurance and Claims in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know First Bus inside out! Research their values, recent projects, and how they’re leading the way in bus technology. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to insurance and claims management. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role. We want you to shine and show off your expertise!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the First Bus team. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Insurance and Claims in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Director of Insurance and Claims role entails. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in insurance and claims management. Use metrics where possible to quantify your achievements – this makes your application stand out and shows us what you can bring to the table.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for the industry and how you align with our values at First Bus. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the insurance and claims landscape, especially in relation to large corporate risk environments. Brush up on your knowledge of regulatory frameworks and alternative risk transfer methods, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams and driving engagement. Highlight specific examples where you've fostered collaboration and innovation within your team, as this aligns with the company's focus on creating a positive culture.
✨Understand First Bus Inside Out
Do your homework on First Bus and First Rail. Familiarise yourself with their insurance requirements and recent developments in their operations. This will not only show your interest but also help you tailor your responses to demonstrate how you can add value.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about past experiences where you've managed complex claims or negotiated contracts, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
