At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform claims operations for a top motor insurer, driving excellence and efficiency.
- Company: Join Starr, a global leader in insurance with a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and first-class training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the insurance sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in motor insurance and a track record of operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 88000 £ per year.
Overview
About us
ERS Syndicate 218 at Lloyds is managed by Starr.
We are the UK’s largest specialist motor insurer with an A+ rating and have been making motoring passions and livelihoods possible since 1946.
We work exclusively with motor insurance brokers to help get under the skin of the most difficult insurance risks, helping build products to meet their customer’s needs.
Starr is a global insurance and investment organisation providing property and casualty insurance solutions to business and industry.
Starr has grown into one of the world’s fastest‑expanding insurance organisations, writing business in 128 countries across six continents.
Our talented and experienced associates manage risk and ultimately support the profitable growth of organisations in a dynamic, competitive and ever-changing marketplace.
Join us and become part of our talented and passionate workforce.
Our hybrid working model will consist of 3 days per week in the office and 2 days working remotely.
Teams can coordinate specific in-office days to support collaboration and flexibility.
Role Purpose
To provide leadership and strategic direction to a number of specialist operational teams. Responsible for all aspects of operational performance;
- Service delivery
- Expense management
- Indemnity cost control
- Quality and compliance with regulatory and internal policy and process guidelines
Key responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and direction to a team of Operations Managers, ensuring delivery against business objectives, service standards, productivity targets, regulatory requirements and key performance measures.
- Lead the development and execution of operational strategies that drive service excellence, efficiency, scalability and continuous improvement across all areas of responsibility.
- Champion operational transformation and process optimisation initiatives, conducting regular reviews of end-to-end claims processes to enhance customer outcomes, operational effectiveness and cost efficiency.
- Establish, review and maintain operational service level agreements (SLAs), ensuring they remain aligned to business priorities, productivity expectations and evolving automation capabilities.
- Maintain oversight of operational compliance with Consumer Duty requirements, ensuring customer outcomes remain central to decision-making and service delivery.
- Forecast, manage and control departmental budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources and delivery of financial objectives.
- Ensure robust governance frameworks are in place to manage operational change, including the implementation, documentation and ongoing review of new processes and controls.
- Maintain strategic oversight and effective management of designated supply chain partners, ensuring performance, service delivery and contractual obligations are consistently met.
- Drive operational performance through the effective leadership of Operations Managers, ensuring continuous improvement in productivity, quality, customer service and colleague capability.
- Develop and implement workforce and talent strategies aligned to the organisational competency framework, building current and future capability through succession planning, talent identification and leadership development.
- Ensure a consistent and proactive approach to performance management across all teams, supporting line managers to effectively address underperformance and implement meaningful development plans.
- Maintain awareness of relevant legislation, regulatory expectations, case law and market developments, ensuring operational practices remain compliant, competitive and aligned to industry best practice.
- Act as a key member of the Swansea Operations Leadership Team, contributing to wider business strategy, decision-making and organisational development initiatives.
- Lead by example in promoting and embedding ERS values, ensuring all activities are delivered with integrity, professionalism, accountability and a commitment to excellence.
- Produce and present regular operational performance analysis and management information, providing insight to support governance forums, management committees and strategic decision-making.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level and scope of the role as required by line management.
The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list, and you may be required to undertake other reasonable duties compatible with your experience and competencies.
This description may be varied from time to time to reflect changing business requirements.
Qualifications, skills and experience
- Extensive leadership experience within the UK motor insurance sector, supported by a strong track record of delivering operational excellence, end to end process reviews, leading transformation programmes and successfully implementing change initiatives to drive productivity improvement.
- Demonstrable expertise in operational planning, end to end process improvement, with the ability to utilise data, management information and performance metrics to drive informed decision, and continuous improvement.
- Proven capability in leading high-performing teams through effective performance management, coaching and development, with a strong track record of improving individual, team and leadership performance.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the regulatory and compliance frameworks governing the UK motor insurance market, including a thorough understanding of Consumer Duty requirements and customer outcome obligations.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with the ability to interpret operational and financial performance data, identify trends and opportunities, and translate insight into effective business actions.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex operational challenges and implement practical, sustainable solutions.
- Highly effective stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation and with external partners.
- A strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term business objectives with day-to-day operational priorities while maintaining a focus on customer outcomes, operational efficiency and colleague engagement.
- Strong communication and leadership presence, capable of inspiring teams, driving accountability and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
- Core behavioural competencies
- Strategic perspective
- Commerciality
- Performance focus
- Communication and influence
- Development of self and others
- Resilience and adaptability
- Additional Information
- A full job description will be found here
Starr is an equal opportunity employer, which means we will consider all suitably qualified applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or beliefs, age, sexual orientation, disability status or any other protected characteristic.
We recruit and develop our people based on merit and we're committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
We offer first class training and development opportunities to all employees.
Our aim is to grow our own talent and bring out the best in people.
Head of Claims Operations in Swansea employer: Starr
Starr is an excellent employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a supportive work culture where learning is at the forefront. With a hybrid working model, employees enjoy the flexibility of working from home while also benefiting from in-person collaboration three days a week. The company fosters a positive environment for professional advancement, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Claims Operations in Swansea
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
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Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Starr. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Claims Operations in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Starr.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Starr. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Starr
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Starr to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at Starr, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding Starr's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.
