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: Diverse workplace committed to positive change and employee well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovation and collaboration in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership and a strong analytical mindset required.
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 change at Howden.
SPF 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.
Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.
Operations Director employer: London Insurance Life
London Insurance Life is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and well-being, offering comprehensive training and the opportunity to earn industry-recognised qualifications. With a supportive work culture in Taunton, employees enjoy a range of benefits including generous holiday allowances, life assurance, and pension contributions, making it a rewarding place to launch your career as an Insurance Advisor.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you showcase why you're the perfect fit for the Operations Director role at Howden.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the operational excellence journey at Howden. Highlight your achievements in driving digital transformation and improving processes.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
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 the job. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in driving operational excellence and managing cross-functional projects. This will help us see the value you can bring to Howden.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for individuals who share our values and culture, so don’t be afraid to express what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our team dynamic.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining Howden!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Insurance Life
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Operations Director, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical mindset. Brush up on key metrics related to operational efficiency and financial performance in the industry. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've fostered a high-performing culture and led teams through change. Think about specific instances where your leadership made a tangible impact on operational success.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Collaboration is key at Howden. Be prepared to discuss how you've engaged with various stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your experience in promoting effective communication across departments and how it contributed to project success.
✨Be Ready for Change Management Questions
Expect questions around project and change management. Prepare to share your experiences leading cross-functional projects, managing risks, and ensuring timely delivery. Use the STAR method to structure your responses effectively.
