At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and drive business success across multiple divisions.
- Company: Join Howden, a global insurance group with a unique employee-owned culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, career progression, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and enjoy a culture that values new ideas and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that champions innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operational leadership within financial services and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 24,000 employees spanning over 56 countries.
People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving Private Clients (part of Howden) is seeking a dynamic and strategic Operations Director to lead our operational excellence journey and drive business success.
Role Purpose
The Operations Director is a strategic leader responsible for ensuring that the Pillars operational strategy drives business growth and operational excellence. The business is currently arranged into three divisions, Mortgages & Financial Planning, Insurance and Rural. The role will sit across each of these departments and covers all day-to-day operational functions, optimises processes, and leads the transformation of business operations through technology, data, and innovation. The Operations Director will foster a high-performing, inclusive culture and ensure the business is resilient, agile, and positioned for sustainable growth. Ensuring collaboration to drive growth across the business will be key.
Key Accountabilities
- Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence
- Develop and execute the operational strategy in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and the Managing Directors of each department, aligning with HPC long-term objectives.
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational systems, processes, and controls to ensure efficiency, scalability, and compliance.
- Champion digital transformation and the adoption of new technologies to enhance operational performance and client experience.
- Drive operational efficiency by optimizing staff resource levels, to provide best in class client service, whilst maximizing margins.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Promote collaboration and effective communication across all levels and departments, third-party partners, providers and other Howden entities.
- Prepare and present operational reports and insights to the Executive Committees, and other stakeholders to inform strategic decision-making.
- Project & Change Management
- Lead and coordinate cross-functional projects, including system enhancements, business initiatives, and new ventures.
- Track project milestones, manage risks, and ensure timely delivery of outcomes.
Skills & Experience
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to translate business requirements into operational priorities.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to influence and engage senior stakeholders.
- Agility and adaptability in fast-paced, evolving environments.
- Proactive, solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving.
Experience & Qualifications
- Significant experience in an operational leadership role within financial services.
- Proven track record of driving digital transformation and operational improvement.
- Strong project management skills, with experience delivering cross-functional initiatives.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and data analytics platforms (e.g., PowerBI).
A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:
- Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new.
- We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges.
- We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond.
Reasonable adjustments
We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours or hybrid working.
If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.
Operations Director in London employer: London Insurance Life
Howden is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee ownership and a collaborative culture, making it a standout choice for professionals seeking meaningful careers. Located in the vibrant heart of London, the Operations Director role offers a unique opportunity to lead operational excellence while benefiting from a supportive work environment that values diversity, work-life balance, and career progression. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Howden empowers its employees to drive change and make a positive impact both within the company and the wider community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for an Operations Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Howden is all about collaboration and innovation, so think of examples from your past that showcase your ability to lead teams and drive change.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the operational strategy and goals of the company. Highlight your achievements in digital transformation and operational excellence to stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Howden team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in operational leadership and digital transformation, as these are key aspects of what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and improved processes in your previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value diversity and want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for the role and our culture.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Insurance Life
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Howden's operational strategies and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their approach to digital transformation and operational excellence, as this will help you align your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you've fostered high-performing teams in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive collaboration and inclusivity, which are key values at Howden.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Since the role requires an analytical mindset, brush up on your data interpretation skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform strategic decisions and improve operational efficiency in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in your past roles. Prepare to share examples of how you've communicated effectively across departments and influenced senior leaders, as this will resonate well with Howden's collaborative culture.
