At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global commercial performance and drive innovative growth strategies.
- Company: AXCO, part of Wilmington plc, known for its expertise in the insurance industry.
- Benefits: £170,000+ salary, 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, and excellent health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on individual strengths and career development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on a respected global brand with a knowledgeable team.
- Qualifications: Extensive insurance industry experience and proven leadership in commercial roles.
The predicted salary is between 170000 - 200000 £ per year.
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.
Managing Director in London employer: Wilmington plc
AXCO, part of Wilmington plc, is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and inclusive work culture, fostering professional growth and innovation. With a competitive salary and extensive benefits including hybrid working, generous annual leave, and wellness resources, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in the vibrant London office. This role as Managing Director provides a unique opportunity to lead a globally recognised brand while driving meaningful commercial impact in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Managing Director role. Personal recommendations can make a huge difference, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, market position, and recent news. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to clearly articulate your vision for the role and how your experience aligns with their needs. A strong personal brand can set you apart from other candidates, so make sure you’re ready to sell yourself.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Managing Director role. Highlight your commercial acumen and leadership experience, as these are key for us at StudySmarter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and led teams in the past.
Showcase Your Industry Knowledge:We want to see your understanding of the insurance industry and how you can leverage that knowledge for AXCO's growth. Mention any relevant trends or insights that could impact our business.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with StudySmarter.
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 Leadership Experience
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've led teams and fostered a high-performance culture. Highlight your hands-on leadership approach and how you've successfully managed diverse teams, particularly in challenging environments.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Research AXCO and its position within the insurance industry. Familiarise yourself with their products, competitors, and market trends. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their strategic direction and growth.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about balancing short-term performance with long-term strategy. Think about how you've navigated similar challenges in the past and be ready to discuss your vision for driving innovation and customer engagement at AXCO.
