Head of Operations - Insurance in Westminster

Head of Operations - Insurance in Westminster

Westminster Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations for a new Lloyd's Syndicate, focusing on underwriting and credit control.
  • Company: Join Santam Syndicate 1918, part of South Africa's largest insurance company.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of insurance operations in a dynamic, innovative setting.
  • Qualifications: 6+ years in insurance operations with strong regulatory knowledge.
  • Other info: Be part of a team that values empowerment and accountability.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

Responsible for building and leading the operations of Syndicate 1918 (a new Lloyd's Syndicate), covering underwriting operations, credit control, reinsurance administration and market integration across open market, delegated authority, consortia, reinsurance and Quota Share business. The role will include oversight and co-creation of technology-related processes, giving critical input into tooling decisions and architecture, together with the IT & Data Manager. Partner across underwriting, finance, actuarial, compliance and claims to establish scalable, efficient and compliant processes aligned to Lloyd's standards and regulatory requirements. This role requires a strategic thinker and operator capable of working at pace, to establish a best-in-class greenfield operating model and ensuring seamless execution while building scalable capabilities for future growth.

Syndicate Start-Up & Operations:

  • Design and implement the operating model across all aspects.
  • Create scalable processes for underwriting support, policy admin, reinsurance admin and credit control.
  • Lead Lloyd's readiness, regulatory submissions, operational resilience and operational governance.
  • Define KPIs, SLAs, controls and oversee systems/vendor implementation.

Underwriting Operations:

  • Oversee underwriting operations across open market, delegated authority, consortia, reinsurance and Quota Share.
  • Ensure accurate risk data, workflow controls, referrals, sanctions and documentation.
  • Manage consortia lead/follow requirements, data exchange and governance.
  • Support inward/outward reinsurance ops including setup, processing and controls.
  • Ensure reporting, bordereaux accuracy and high-quality MI across all business classes.

Credit Control Operations:

  • Manage credit control across all business types with focus on data accuracy, EPI management, settlement due-dates, cash allocation and debt recovery.
  • Oversee delinquency, aged debt escalation and broker engagement.
  • Deliver MI on debt ageing and settlement performance aligned with Finance.
  • Support compliance with Lloyd's PMD and internal credit governance.

Qualifications:

  • Relevant Degree
  • 6+ years' experience in insurance or reinsurance operations within the Lloyds or London Market delivering operational change and transformation, such as:
  • Process redesign and automation
  • Data quality and reporting improvements
  • Cost efficiency and scalability initiatives
  • Degree-qualified in a relevant discipline (e.g. Business, Finance, Insurance, Risk Management, Economics) or equivalent professional experience
  • Professional insurance qualifications highly desirable, such as: ACII / FCII (Chartered Insurance Institute), Lloyd's Market Association (LMA) or London Market-specific qualifications
  • Strong regulatory knowledge, including Lloyd's Minimum Standards, FCA / PRA regulatory framework, Solvency II / UK Solvency UK requirements
  • Demonstrated understanding of the Lloyd's operating environment, including: Managing agents, syndicate governance, coverholders, and delegated authority arrangements
  • Change and transformation qualifications (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma, PRINCE2, Agile) beneficial but not essential
  • Knowledge and Skills:

    • Delivering results and meeting customer expectation
    • Networking
    • Applying expertise and technology
    • Achieving personal work goals and objectives
    • Attention to detail
    • Planning and organising skills
    • Problem Solving
    • Negotiating
    • Business Acumen/Knowledge
    • Business Analysis, Drives results
    • Deciding and initiating action
    • Leading and supervising
    • Collaborates
    • Client focus
    • Flexibility and adaptability
    • Cultivates innovation
    • Strategic decision making
    • Analytical thinking
    • Influencing/ gaining commitment
    • Business acumen
    • Coaching and development

    About the Company:

    Santam syndicate 1918 is a new wholly owned and capitalised entity of Santam Insurance, the largest insurance company in South Africa with a 107 year heritage. 1918 is strategically important in expanding and developing Santam's international footprint, through access to the London market talent, distribution network and Lloyd's global insurance and reinsurance licenses. Our syndicate is a London managed and run business, with a strong, experienced leadership team, focused on underwriting discipline, whilst allowing our teams to feel empowered and accountable for their actions. We are building a collaborative team where underwriting, claims, actuarial and other functions work closely, to help achieve superior underwriting results.

    Head of Operations - Insurance in Westminster employer: Santam Syndicate 1918

    Santam Syndicate 1918 is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee empowerment and accountability, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside competitive benefits that support work-life balance. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in the insurance industry, while enjoying the unique advantages of working within the prestigious Lloyd's market.
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    Contact Detail:

    Santam Syndicate 1918 Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - Insurance in Westminster

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team too. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and goals.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. We can’t stress enough how important it is to be confident and articulate when discussing your experience and skills.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

    We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - Insurance in Westminster

    Underwriting Operations
    Credit Control Management
    Regulatory Knowledge
    Process Redesign
    Data Quality Improvement
    Operational Change Management
    KPI Definition
    SLAs Oversight
    Project Management
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Analytical Thinking
    Problem Solving
    Business Acumen
    Change Management Qualifications
    Strategic Decision Making

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in insurance or reinsurance operations, especially any work with Lloyd's or the London Market. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

    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 your past achievements in operational change and transformation that relate to what we’re looking for.

    Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your strategic thinking abilities. We’re looking for someone who can build scalable processes and lead operational governance, so share any relevant experiences that showcase these skills.

    Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Syndicate 1918!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Santam Syndicate 1918

    ✨Know Your Stuff

    Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Lloyd's standards and regulatory requirements. Familiarise yourself with the specific operations of Syndicate 1918, including underwriting processes and credit control. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the intricacies involved.

    ✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

    Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to think strategically and implement operational changes. Think about times you've redesigned processes or improved data quality. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to building a best-in-class operating model.

    ✨Collaborate Like a Pro

    This role requires partnering across various functions. Be prepared to talk about your experience working with teams in underwriting, finance, and compliance. Highlight any successful collaborations that led to scalable and efficient processes, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

    ✨Ask Insightful Questions

    At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the technology-related processes and tooling decisions they are considering. This shows your interest in the role and your proactive approach to understanding how you can fit into their vision.

    Head of Operations - Insurance in Westminster
    Santam Syndicate 1918
    Location: Westminster
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