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 transformation and leadership 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.
About the Role
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
- Operating Model Strategy & Design
- 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.
- Transformation & Continuous Improvement
- Identify optimization opportunities and implement sustainable solutions.
- Identify risks and control gaps and drive mitigation.
- Track outcomes and embed continuous improvement.
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Act as a trusted partner to business and functional leaders.
- Drive collaboration across functions and regions.
- Align stakeholders around clear direction and outcomes.
About the Team
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. From regulatory shifts to AI-enabled ways of working, OMEX shapes how Credit & Surety adapts and grows.
About You
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.
These experiences would be beneficial for the role:
- Exposure to AI-enabled process transformation or digital operating model design.
- 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.
About Swiss Re Corporate Solutions
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.
Head of Operational Model Excellence, Credit & Surety (Hybrid; m/f/x/d; 80-100%) employer: Swiss Re
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of inclusivity and innovation, making it an ideal place for strategic leaders in the insurance sector. With a hybrid work model and a commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to shape operational excellence while collaborating with diverse teams across the globe. The company not only offers competitive salaries and performance-based bonuses but also encourages fresh perspectives, ensuring that every employee can thrive and contribute meaningfully to sustainable growth.
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%)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people know you’re looking for opportunities, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨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 contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the role. Keep it concise and impactful, focusing on how you can drive operational excellence and transformation in their team.
✨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 and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Model Excellence, Credit & Surety (Hybrid; m/f/x/d; 80-100%)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational excellence and transformation. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Operational Model Excellence.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience leading cross-functional teams and driving change. We’re looking for someone who can connect strategy to practical delivery, so share examples that demonstrate this.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swiss Re
✨Know Your Operating Models
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of operational models, especially in the context of credit and surety. Be ready to discuss how you would design and implement these models, and think about examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Transformation Skills
Prepare to talk about specific transformation projects you've led or been a part of. Highlight your role in driving change, particularly in complex environments. Use metrics to illustrate the impact of your work, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Leadership
Since this role involves collaboration across various functions, think of ways you've successfully partnered with different teams in the past. Be ready to share stories that showcase your ability to align stakeholders and drive collective outcomes.
✨Emphasise AI and Tech Integration
Given the focus on tech-enabled transformation, be prepared to discuss your experience with AI implementations. Share insights on how you've leveraged technology to enhance efficiency and decision-making in previous roles, and be ready to suggest innovative ideas for Swiss Re's future.
