At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a significant schemes portfolio and develop strategic direction for growth.
- Company: Join a major specialty insurer with a strong UK presence and reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension, private medical insurance, and share options.
- Other info: Flexible location with emphasis on wellbeing and career development.
- Why this job: Gain genuine ownership and influence over strategy in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong track record in schemes or related insurance environments required.
The predicted salary is between 69750 - 85250 £ per year.
You are already operating at a senior level in schemes and you want your next move to give you genuine ownership, strategic freedom and a clearer route for further progression. This role gives you exactly that. You will take responsibility for a significant schemes portfolio and an established team within a major specialty insurer with a strong UK presence and a well-developed position in the schemes market. You will have the autonomy to shape direction, develop the proposition and decide where the business should invest to create the next phase of growth.
The opportunity
This is a senior leadership position with broad commercial ownership across a meaningful book of business. You will lead the performance and development of the portfolio, alongside an established team, with the freedom to refine appetite, strengthen existing partnerships, identify new opportunities and influence how the wider schemes strategy develops. You will be expected to bring a clear view of where the market is heading and turn that into a practical plan for sustainable, profitable growth.
What the role looks like
- Leading the strategic direction and commercial performance of a significant schemes portfolio.
- Managing, developing and providing direction to an established team.
- Reviewing existing schemes and partnerships to identify opportunities for profitable growth.
- Developing new relationships and propositions where there is a strong strategic fit.
- Working closely with underwriting, distribution and wider business functions to ensure the schemes proposition remains competitive and commercially disciplined.
- Taking ownership of portfolio performance, partner relationships and longer-term development plans.
- Helping shape the broader direction of the schemes business as it continues to grow.
Who this could suit
You will already have a strong track record in schemes, delegated authority or a closely related specialist insurance environment. You may currently be operating as a Head of Schemes, Schemes Director, Portfolio Director or senior schemes leader and want a broader mandate, more autonomy and greater influence over strategy. You will combine technical and commercial judgement with strong leadership. You will understand how to manage a meaningful portfolio, develop valuable distribution relationships and make sensible decisions around growth, profitability and investment.
The business
You will be joining a major specialty insurer with a significant UK presence and a strong reputation in schemes. The business is also known for looking after its people properly. There is genuine emphasis on wellbeing, development and long-term career growth, with strong support around progression and a culture that values people beyond their immediate performance. This role gives you meaningful responsibility from day one, while also creating a platform for further progression within a sizeable and well-resourced organisation.
Package and flexibility
The base salary is around £130,000, alongside a bonus, pension, private medical insurance and share options. The role is flexible on location nationally, although you will need to spend regular time in London given the seniority of the position and the relationships involved.
The next step
You will want to understand the scale of the portfolio, the quality of the existing team, how much authority genuinely sits with the role and where it can lead over the next few years.
Head of Schemes - Major Insurer employer: Stride Resource Management
As a leading insurance broker located in Church Crookham, Hampshire, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while managing a diverse portfolio of specialist motor trade clients, ensuring that our team members can thrive both professionally and personally. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, we offer unique opportunities to engage with high-value accounts and make a meaningful impact in the industry.
Contact Details:
Stride Resource Management Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Schemes - Major Insurer
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Schemes - Major Insurer
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 Stride Resource Management.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Stride Resource Management. 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 Stride Resource Management
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Stride Resource Management 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 Stride Resource Management, 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 Stride Resource Management'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.