Head of Proposition in Basingstoke

Head of Proposition in Basingstoke

Basingstoke Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Unum UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of innovative propositions that drive Unum UK's growth and market position.
  • Company: Join Unum UK, a specialist employee benefits provider committed to creating healthy workplaces.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a generous bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and 27 days holiday.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a tangible impact on business strategy while leading a high-performing team.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in proposition or product development within Financial Services.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

Who are we? We’re a specialist employee benefits provider, striving to create healthy, happy workplaces. As part of the international Unum Group, we’re on a collective mission to help the working world thrive.

The role:

  • Location: Dorking or Basingstoke (hybrid two days a week at home, three days in the office; Basingstoke locations will be expected to attend the Dorking office once a week)
  • Reporting To: Chief Marketing Officer

As Head of Proposition Development, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering propositions that support Unum UK's growth ambitions and strengthen our position in the market. Working closely with senior leaders across the business, you'll translate strategic priorities into compelling customer and intermediary propositions that drive commercial success. This is a highly visible leadership role where you'll have the opportunity to influence business-wide decisions, collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders, and help bring Unum's strategy to life. You'll lead a small, high-performing team, creating an environment where people can thrive, develop and deliver exceptional outcomes.

Key Responsibilities Include:

  • Defining and delivering proposition strategy and programmes that align with business objectives and evolving market needs.
  • Leading the development and enhancement of propositions, ensuring they resonate with customers, intermediaries and distribution partners.
  • Building strong relationships across the business, working closely with teams including Operations, Distribution, Pricing, Marketing and other key functions to drive alignment and execution.
  • Using customer, market and business insight to identify opportunities for innovation, growth and differentiation.
  • Translating proposition strategy into clear, compelling and actionable delivery plans, ensuring stakeholders across the business understand the vision and execute it consistently to achieve the intended customer and commercial outcomes.
  • Leading, coaching and developing a team of proposition specialists and product owners, creating a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
  • Representing the proposition function at senior leadership level, influencing decisions and helping shape the future direction of the business.

This role offers significant exposure across the organisation, the opportunity to work alongside senior stakeholders, and the chance to make a tangible impact on Unum UK's future growth and success.

What will you bring?

  • Significant proposition, product and/or marketing leadership experience within Financial Services, Insurance or a similarly intermediated environment.
  • A proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams.
  • Strong stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills, with the ability to build credibility, simplify complex ideas and drive alignment across the business.
  • Commercial awareness and experience developing customer-focused propositions that drive growth, market differentiation and business performance.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
  • The drive, energy and enthusiasm to lead change, challenge thinking and continuously improve outcomes.

What can you expect? Benefits Include:

  • Generous bonus scheme
  • Generous car allowance
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Defined Contribution pension scheme
  • Life assurance, medical and income protection insurance
  • Access to remote GP services, nutrition coaching, personal training, unlimited mental health support, and medical second opinions
  • 27 days holiday, with the option to buy or sell up to 5 additional days (plus Bank Holidays)
  • Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme with on-site charging facilities

Why join us? At Unum, we’ve created a workplace where people feel supported to progress and grow, and can see their ambitions coming to life. As a part of our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace, we actively encourage applications from those with disabilities and those with long-term health conditions. If you meet the essential criteria for the role and choose to opt in to the scheme during your application, you will be offered an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, we are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.

Head of Proposition in Basingstoke employer: Unum UK

At Unum, we pride ourselves on being a leading employee benefits provider that fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment in Dorking. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our generous benefits package, including performance-based incentives, extensive health support, and opportunities for professional development, making us an excellent employer for actuaries looking to thrive in their careers.

Unum UK

Contact Details:

Unum UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Proposition in Basingstoke

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Unum UK. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Proposition in Basingstoke

Proposition Development
Product Leadership
Marketing Leadership
Stakeholder Management
Influencing Skills
Communication Skills
Commercial Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Unum UK.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Unum UK's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Unum UK

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Unum UK.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Unum UK will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Unum UK employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.