At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global growth and strategy for a renowned insurance brand.
- Company: AXCO, part of Wilmington plc, known for its expertise in the insurance industry.
- Benefits: Generous salary, 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, and excellent health benefits.
- Other info: Join a culture that values inclusivity and individual contributions.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on a global scale while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Extensive insurance industry experience and proven leadership in commercial roles.
The predicted salary is between 170000 - 200000 £ per year.
Company Outline
Location: UK / Hybrid - 2/3 days in our London office
Salary: £170,000+ DoE per annum + Excellent Benefits
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
What We Can Offer You:
- 30 Days Annual Leave (Pro-Rata)
- Additional Holiday Purchase
- Hybrid Working
- Performance-Related Bonus
- Life Assurance
- Vitality Private Healthcare
- Subsidised Gym Memberships
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Discount Vouchers
- Access to Wellbeing Resources
Job purpose, tasks and responsibilities
As Managing Director of AXCO, part of Wilmington plc, you will be accountable for the overall leadership, commercial performance, and future growth of the business globally. Owning AXCO's global commercial performance and strategic direction, with full P&L accountability for revenue growth, profitability, forecasting, pricing, cost management, and sustainable expansion across international markets. Delivering a balanced growth strategy across customer retention (c.95%+), new business acquisition, pricing optimisation, cross-sell/upsell, and expansion into new customer segments, geographies, and adjacent markets, including key growth markets such as the US.
Acting as executive sponsor for product management and innovation, driving a commercially robust product pipeline, product-led growth, and deeper customer engagement to strengthen AXCO's competitive position. Leading global sales, marketing, and go-to-market execution, ensuring strong alignment across product, marketing, and commercial teams to drive new logo acquisition and maximise growth across the existing portfolio. Overseeing the commercial success of AXCO's broader portfolio, including its conferences, awards, and market engagement initiatives. Leading and developing a c.50-person organisation, providing direct leadership to senior functional heads while fostering a high-performance, commercially focused, and inclusive culture. Partnering closely with Wilmington Group shared services and reporting to the Executive Committee, ensuring effective execution, governance, risk management, and compliance across the business.
What's the Best Thing About This Role?
This is an opportunity to lead an established global brand with an exceptional reputation and a deeply knowledgeable team who are recognised as experts in their field. You'll have the platform to drive meaningful commercial impact, strengthen performance, launch innovative products, enter new markets, and build on the strong cultural foundations already in place.
What's the Most Challenging Thing About This Role?
Balancing short-term commercial performance with long-term strategic transformation. You will be expected to protect and grow a highly successful subscription business, drive improved commercial outcomes, and embed a stronger performance culture while sustaining team engagement, preserving expertise, and leading through a period of change in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
Essential and desirable capabilities
To be successful in this role, you must have:
- Significant years of insurance industry expertise.
- Proven general management experience as a Managing Director, General Manager, or senior divisional leader with full commercial accountability.
- Strong commercial acumen, including experience driving growth in subscription-based business models and delivering against clear targets.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and scale new products in response to customer and market needs.
- Track record of product diversification within or to the insurance industry.
- Track record of delivering high growth >20%.
- Experience operating effectively within a group or shared services environment.
- Hands‑on leadership approach, combining strategic thinking with operational delivery and people leadership.
To be successful in this role, it would be great if you have:
- Background combining both insurance market expertise with technology-enabled or data-driven business models (e.g. InsurTech).
- Experience leading internationally focused businesses with a significant US customer presence.
- Exposure to events or community-led revenue models alongside subscriptions.
We celebrate individuality and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. As a Disability Confident employer, we shortlist all applicants who meet the essential role criteria and guarantee an interview for candidates with disabilities who meet these criteria.
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this role. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position. Please note that this role may remain advertised until an offer of employment has been made.
Global Managing Director — Growth & Strategy Leader employer: Wilmington plc
AXCO, part of Wilmington plc, is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and inclusive work culture, fostering growth and innovation within the insurance industry. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, hybrid working options, and access to private healthcare, ensuring our team members thrive both personally and professionally. As a leader in a globally recognised brand, you will have the opportunity to drive meaningful impact while being supported by a knowledgeable team in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Managing Director — Growth & Strategy Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, culture, and recent news. We want you to walk in with confidence, ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth or led teams to success. We believe that demonstrating your impact is key to landing that Managing Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. We recommend reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Managing Director — Growth & Strategy Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Global Managing Director. Highlight your commercial acumen and leadership experience, especially in subscription-based business models.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for AXCO. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and innovation in previous roles, and don’t forget to mention your passion for the insurance industry!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of your hands-on leadership approach. We want to know how you foster a high-performance culture and engage teams, especially during periods of change.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at AXCO!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilmington plc
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Managing Director, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to revenue growth, profitability, and market expansion. Be ready to discuss how you've driven growth in previous roles, especially in subscription-based models.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a hands-on leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change while maintaining engagement and performance. Highlight your experience in developing a high-performance culture and how you’ve fostered inclusivity within your teams.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the insurance industry, particularly trends affecting subscription businesses and InsurTech. Be prepared to discuss how you would navigate challenges in a competitive global landscape and your strategies for entering new markets.
✨Align with Company Values
AXCO values individuality and inclusivity. Research their culture and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Share experiences that reflect your commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and how you can contribute to their existing strong cultural foundations.
