Head of Partnerships & Distribution

Head of Partnerships & Distribution

Full-Time 60000 - 68231 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Willis Towers Watson

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead partnerships and drive commercial growth in the insurance sector.
  • Company: WTW, a forward-thinking leader in insurance distribution.
  • Benefits: 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, hybrid working, and more perks.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team with a commitment to innovation and inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on client relationships and customer experience.
  • Qualifications: Experience in insurance partnerships and strong stakeholder management skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68231 £ per year.

Join WTW as a Head of Partnerships & Distribution and step into a high-impact leadership role within the London market, focused on insurance partnerships, affinity distribution, and commercial growth. This is a unique opportunity to shape how partnerships deliver value, working across a dynamic and interconnected value chain to drive performance, strengthen client relationships, and enhance customer experience. At WTW, we are redefining insurance distribution through innovation, governance and customer‑centricity.

In this role, you will combine strategic leadership with hands‑on execution to optimise new business, renewal retention and income per policy. Working closely with business development teams and distribution partners, you will identify growth opportunities, embed effective governance frameworks, and deliver measurable commercial outcomes. You will work alongside a highly regarded and collaborative hiring manager, influencing senior stakeholders across partnerships, insurance distribution and affinity channels.

If you thrive in roles spanning commercial strategy, client retention, customer experience and operational excellence, this is a strong platform to make a visible and lasting impact.

The Role
  • Lead the delivery of trading income across the partnership scheme, focusing on new business growth, renewal retention and revenue optimisation.
  • Develop and execute client and programme retention strategies, working in partnership with business development to drive growth across insurance and affinity distribution channels.
  • Own and coordinate the partnership governance framework, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement, accountability and delivery across internal teams and external partners.
  • Lead engagement with distribution partners to maximise trading opportunities and improve operational efficiency across the value chain.
  • Oversee performance and regulatory reporting, providing clear insight into commercial performance and ensuring compliance across complex reporting frameworks.
  • Champion customer experience across all channels, including contact centre operations, complaints management and customer engagement strategies.
  • Act as a central coordination point across the value chain, aligning stakeholders, tracking delivery and ensuring successful execution of partnership objectives.
Qualifications
  • Experience delivering commercial growth within insurance, partnerships or affinity distribution environments, with a focus on new business, retention and revenue performance.
  • Excellent track record of developing and executing client or programme growth and retention strategies in collaboration with business development teams.
  • Expertise in partnership governance and stakeholder engagement, with the ability to structure, lead and facilitate effective partner forums.
  • All-inclusive capability in performance and regulatory reporting, including working with complex data and reporting frameworks.
  • A customer‑first mindset, with experience improving customer experience across contact centres, complaints handling and multi‑channel engagement strategies.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence across a diverse and complex value chain.
What we offer

Enjoy a benefits package designed to help you thrive, both professionally and personally. You'll receive 25 days of annual leave plus an extra WTW day to relax and recharge. Our comprehensive health and wellbeing offering includes private healthcare, life insurance, group income protection, and regular health assessments, all giving you peace of mind. Secure your future with our defined contribution pension scheme, featuring matched contributions up to 10% from the company. We support your growth and balance with hybrid working options, access to an employee assistance programme, and a fully paid volunteer day to make a difference in your community. On top of these, you can opt into a variety of additional perks including an electric vehicle car scheme, share scheme, cycle‑to‑work programme, dental and optical cover, critical illness protection, and much more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email candidatehelpdesk@wtwco.com.

Head of Partnerships & Distribution employer: Willis Towers Watson

WTW is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and customer-centricity drive our mission in insurance partnerships and distribution. With a robust benefits package that includes generous annual leave, comprehensive health offerings, and hybrid working options, we prioritise employee wellbeing and professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying unique perks like a volunteer day and an electric vehicle scheme, all within a collaborative and supportive culture.

Willis Towers Watson

Contact Details:

Willis Towers Watson Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Partnerships & Distribution

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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Look Out for Graduate Schemes

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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 Willis Towers Watson. 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 Partnerships & Distribution

Strategic Leadership
Insurance Partnerships
Affinity Distribution
Commercial Growth
Client Retention Strategies
Partnership Governance
Stakeholder Engagement

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 Willis Towers Watson.

Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Willis Towers Watson. 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 Willis Towers Watson

Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals

Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Willis Towers Watson 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 Willis Towers Watson, 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 Willis Towers Watson'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.