At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of innovative operational models in a global insurance setting.
- Company: Join Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, a leader in reinsurance and insurance solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, hybrid work model, and inclusive culture.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Credit & Surety with cutting-edge technology and strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in financial services with strong project management and transformation experience.
The predicted salary is between 136000 - 204000 £ per year.
Are you a strategic leader passionate about shaping scalable, resilient operating models in a global insurance environment? Join Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and play a defining role in how Credit & Surety delivers best-in-class service and sustainable growth — through operational excellence and tech-enabled transformation.
As Head of Operating Model Excellence, Credit & Surety, you will lead the design, evolution, and implementation of the operational model for one of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions' core business areas. You will shape how work is structured and delivered across underwriting, operations, and enabling functions — driving service quality, efficiency, control effectiveness, and scalability.
Leading a focused team of specialists across process, data, technology, and transformation, you will translate strategic priorities into clear target-state designs, governance frameworks, and executable roadmaps. This is a high-visibility role with broad cross-functional exposure and real influence over the long-term direction of Credit & Surety.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the design and evolution of the Credit & Surety e2e operating model, including leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
- Translate targeted business outcomes into target-state processes, service models, governance structures, and operating principles.
- Program manage technology-enabled initiatives.
- Identify optimization opportunities and implement sustainable solutions.
- Identify risks and control gaps and drive mitigation.
- Track outcomes and embed continuous improvement.
- Act as a trusted partner to business and functional leaders.
- Drive collaboration across functions and regions.
- Align stakeholders around clear direction and outcomes.
The Operational Model Excellence (OMEX) team sits within the Operations division of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and serves as the strategic engine behind Credit & Surety's operational evolution. Bringing together specialists in process, data, technology, and transformation, the team works at the intersection of strategy and delivery — partnering closely with underwriting, operations, finance, risk, and regional teams to drive cross-functional change and embed operational best practices.
You are a strategic and structured leader who combines experience with strong execution capabilities. You navigate complexity with confidence, connect big-picture strategy to practical delivery, and bring analytical rigor, sound judgment, and a collaborative style to everything you do.
We are looking for candidates who meet these requirements:- 10+ years of professional experience in financial services — commercial insurance, reinsurance, or similarly complex regulated environments.
- Relevant work experience in credit insurance, surety or commercial credit risk related businesses.
- 5+ years in transformation, operational excellence, or operational leadership, with a proven track record of leading cross-functional change and translating strategy into outcomes.
- Strong program and project management skills, with the ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives through influence.
- Proven experience (co-)leading technology and AI implementations as program manager, product owner, or business owner.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to manage ambiguity and influence senior leaders across functions, regions, and cultures.
- Background in management consulting or advisory roles within financial services.
- Experience embedding governance frameworks and controls in a regulated environment.
For London, the annual base salary range for this position is between 136,000 and 204,000 GBP (for a full-time role). The specific salary offered considers the requirements, scope, complexity and responsibilities of the role, as well as the applicant's own profile including education/qualifications, expertise, specialization, skills and experience.
In the situation where you do not meet all the requirements or you significantly exceed these, the offered salary may be below or above the advertised range. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for additional rewards and benefits including an attractive performance-based annual bonus.
Our company has a hybrid work model where the expectation is that you will be in the office at least three days per week.
Swiss Re is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer. We anticipate and manage risks, from natural catastrophes and climate change to cybercrime. Swiss Re Corporate Solutions is the commercial insurance arm of the Swiss Re Group. We offer innovative insurance solutions to large and midsized multinational corporations from our approximately 50 locations worldwide. We help clients mitigate their risk exposure, whilst our industry-leading claims service provides them with additional peace of mind.
Our success depends on our ability to build an inclusive culture encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. Swiss Re Corporate Solutions embraces a workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and develop professionally regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, skillset, thought or other characteristics. In our inclusive and flexible environment everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and their passion for sustainability.
If you are an experienced professional returning to the workforce after a career break, we encourage you to apply for open positions that match your skills and experience.
We may use AI-powered tools to support the review and evaluation of applications for this position. These tools provide additional insights to our recruitment teams, but all hiring decisions are carefully reviewed and made by people. To learn more about how we use AI in recruitment and how we handle your personal data, please review our Data Privacy Statement before applying.
Start your career journey with Swiss Re.
Head of Operational Model Excellence, Credit & Surety (Hybrid; m/f/x/d; 80-100%), London (GB) employer: Swiss Re - Schweizerische Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth. With a hybrid work model based in London, employees benefit from competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, and the opportunity to lead transformative projects in a global insurance environment. Join a team that values diverse perspectives and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in shaping operational excellence within the Credit & Surety sector.
Contact Details:
Swiss Re - Schweizerische Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Model Excellence, Credit & Surety (Hybrid; m/f/x/d; 80-100%), London (GB)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people know you’re on the hunt, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their operational model and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the Head of Operational Model Excellence role. Keep it concise and impactful, focusing on your strategic leadership and transformation experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Model Excellence, Credit & Surety (Hybrid; m/f/x/d; 80-100%), London (GB)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Operational Model Excellence role. Highlight your strategic leadership and operational excellence experience, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about shaping scalable operating models in the insurance sector. Be specific about how your background fits with our needs.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. We love numbers! Whether it’s improving efficiency or leading successful projects, make sure to highlight how you’ve made an impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swiss Re - Schweizerische Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Swiss Re's operational model and recent initiatives in Credit & Surety. Familiarise yourself with their approach to AI and transformation, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving change. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you translated strategy into actionable outcomes, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Engage with Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their current challenges in operational excellence or how they envision the future of AI in their processes. It shows you're not just interested in the role but also in contributing to their vision.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working across various functions, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share stories that demonstrate your communication skills and how you've successfully aligned stakeholders around common goals in previous roles.
