At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global insurance programmes and collaborate on risk management initiatives.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a forward-thinking company redefining packaging.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, and generous holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative environment with global reach.
- Qualifications: ACII or FCII qualified with extensive risk management experience.
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.
A successful candidate must be a proven self-starter and commercial leader, who is comfortable with pro-actively communicating directly, working collaboratively, and liaising at all levels.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Programme Management: Develop and execute the group’s global insurance portfolio (Property, Liability, Cyber, Marine, and Credit), securing optimal coverage and pricing through scale.
- Risk Strategy & Retention: Define and manage risk transfer vs. retention strategies, including the optimisation of deductibles, SIRs, and the financial governance of captive insurers.
- Loss Prevention & Data Analytics: 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.
- Claims Optimisation: Oversee all claims management and coordination to ensure efficient handling and timely recoveries, including legacy disease-related claims.
- Commercial Partnering: Assess the insurance implications of M&A, disposals, and new ventures, while supporting commercial contract reviews to validate insurance requirements.
- Market Relationship Management: Build and manage strategic relationships with global brokers, insurers, and loss adjusters to enhance operational delivery and strengthen placement negotiations.
So, if you are an experienced professional within the Risk Management space, looking for a new challenge in a business which prioritises creativity and encourages you to make a difference - then we might be looking for you!
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) – however 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. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Head of Insurance Risk employer: Role, Inc.
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Paddington headquarters where collaboration and creativity thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive benefits, including competitive salaries, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowances, all while fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the insurance risk space, working alongside talented professionals and building strategic relationships across a global footprint.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Insurance Risk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the insurance and risk management sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their insurance programmes and risk strategies. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Insurance Risk. Highlight your achievements in risk management and how you’ve successfully navigated complex placements in the past.
✨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 serious about joining our team at DS Smith and contributing to our mission of redefining packaging.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Insurance Risk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Insurance Risk role. Highlight your risk management experience and any relevant qualifications, like ACII or FCII, to catch our eye!
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. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed insurance programmes or led teams in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your communication prowess in your application. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex risk matters.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Role, Inc.
✨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 Data Skills
Since the role involves leading Loss Prevention Information Systems, be ready to talk about your experience with data analytics. Highlight any projects where you've used data to identify emerging risk trends or improve risk information processes.
✨Build Relationships in Your Answers
This position requires strong commercial partnering skills. Use your responses to illustrate how you've successfully built relationships with senior stakeholders and external partners. Share examples of how your communication style has influenced positive outcomes in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle M&A implications and claims optimisation. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, demonstrating your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills in risk management.
