At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale a digital trading team to drive significant growth.
- Company: Join Markel, a leader in the insurance industry with a focus on digital innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent bonuses, private medical insurance, and generous holiday options.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid work environment with strong team culture and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a £100m digital business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial insurance and digital trading is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Birmingham (Hybrid – 3 days in office) Competitive salary + Excellent bonus & benefits package
Build Something Big. Lead Digital Growth. Own the Outcome. Markel’s UK Broker channel is our largest and fastest-growing business and digital is central to our strategy through to 2030. We’re investing heavily in digital capability, new product development, and actuarial-led trading. Now, we’re looking for a Digital Trading Manager to take a high-performing function and scale it into something truly market-leading. This is not a “keep things ticking” leadership role. This is your opportunity to lead, shape, and grow a digital business from £10m to £100m+.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Head of Trading, you’ll lead our digital new business team, overseeing all digital and actuarial-led products and their trading performance. You’ll sit at the heart of commercial strategy, digital trading, and team leadership with real ownership of results and the autonomy to evolve how the function operates.
You’ll inherit:
- A stable, engaged team of 9 in Birmingham
- A growing product suite (set to expand significantly over the next 12–18 months)
- Strong foundations and the mandate to scale
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll lead from the front balancing commercial delivery, operational excellence, and strategic growth.
- Build & Drive Performance
- Own digital new business targets (£7m and growing) through data-led insights
- Monitor sales funnel and product performance, identify and act on opportunities
- Lead & Develop a High-Performing Team
- Lead, coach, and inspire a team of digital underwriters
- Maintain and build on a strong, positive team culture
- Shape future team structure as product complexity grows
- Optimise Digital Trading
- Improve underwriting workflows, processes, and efficiency (Acturis-led environment)
- Enhance broker experience through service excellence and simplification
- Ensure strong governance and consistently high standards
- Shape the Future
- Play a key role in launching new digital products (multiple planned)
- Influence product development through market insight and trading performance
- Collaborate across underwriting, distribution, and leadership to drive strategy
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a commercial, data-driven insurance leader who thrives in fast-paced digital environments.
Essential Experience
- Commercial insurance background (broker or composite insurer)
- Digital trading / fast-paced underwriting or operations experience
- Proven track record delivering growth and leading teams
- Strong data-driven decision-making and performance management capability
- Experience with digital platforms such as Acturis
What Will Set You Apart
- Experience scaling digital functions or launching products
- Exposure to actuarial-led or digitally distributed products
- A hands‑on, visible leadership style – energetic, engaging and impactful
Why Join Markel?
A genuine growth journey – be part of building a £100m digital business line. Real ownership – influence strategy, not just manage a team. Strong foundations – a stable team and improving culture already in place. Serious investment in digital capability, products, and trading innovation.
Reward & Benefits
- Competitive salary (flexible based on experience)
- Excellent annual bonus
- Up to 16% employer pension contribution
- Private medical & dental insurance
- 25 days holiday + buy/sell options
- Electric car scheme, life assurance & more
Make Your Mark
This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact, high-visibility leadership role where you’ll shape both strategy and execution. If you’re ready to lead from the front, drive growth, and build something meaningful we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to start the conversation.
Markel celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with all reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful. Please contact us via email at rec@markel.com or call us at 0161 507 5827 to request any accommodations that may be needed. This includes any alternative formats of any documents or information on how to apply offline.
Digital Trading Leader: Scale a £100m Growth Engine in Birmingham employer: Markel International
Markel is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape a high-performing digital trading team in Birmingham. With a strong focus on employee growth, a supportive work culture, and significant investment in digital capabilities, you will have the autonomy to drive performance and influence strategy while enjoying a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a genuine chance to build something impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Digital Trading Leader: Scale a £100m Growth Engine in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on 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 digital strategy. Understand their products and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about what you bring to the table and how you can help scale their digital business. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers to common interview questions.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our team at Markel.
We think you need these skills to ace Digital Trading Leader: Scale a £100m Growth Engine in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in digital trading and leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with our goal of scaling a £100m growth engine!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since we're all about data-driven decision-making, don’t forget to include examples of how you've used data to drive performance in your previous roles. This will really help us see your potential impact!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can lead with energy and engagement, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of getting noticed, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Markel International
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Digital Trading Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of data-driven decision-making. Brush up on key metrics related to digital trading and growth targets. Be ready to discuss how you've used data insights to drive performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a hands-on, visible leadership style. Prepare examples that highlight how you've inspired and developed teams in fast-paced environments. Think about specific instances where your leadership made a tangible impact on team culture and performance.
✨Understand the Digital Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in digital trading and insurance technology, especially platforms like Acturis. Be prepared to discuss how you would leverage these tools to optimise workflows and enhance broker experiences.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
You'll be at the heart of commercial strategy, so think about how you would approach product development and market insight. Prepare to discuss your vision for scaling a digital business and how you would collaborate across teams to achieve strategic goals.
