At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AXCO's global commercial performance and drive strategic growth initiatives.
- Company: Join a globally respected information business with a focus on insurance markets.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, and excellent health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a leading company while making a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in insurance and strong commercial acumen required.
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
Why Do We Want You?
This is a rare opportunity for an exceptional commercial leader to shape the future of a globally respected information business. You will be accountable for the overall leadership, commercial performance, and future growth of the business globally. AXCO is home to a highly knowledgeable and respected team of subject matter experts who are passionate about the insurance markets they cover and take real pride in the impact of their work.
AXCO is entering a renewed phase of focus and opportunity, with a clear emphasis on strengthening commercial performance while continuing to build on its strong reputation for quality and expertise. With full P&L responsibility for a multi‑million‑pound revenue operation, you will be the primary driver of growth, with a mandate to accelerate revenues through strong customer retention, product‑led innovation, and expansion into adjacent markets.
A key part of this role will be embedding a commercially focused mindset across the organisation, ensuring clear targets are achieved while maintaining the collaborative and expert‑led culture AXCO is known for. This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on operational management, ensuring AXCO continues to deliver high‑quality, commercially relevant insurance market intelligence to customers worldwide, while building a sustainable platform for long‑term growth as part of Wilmington plc.
At Wilmington plc, 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. For reasonable adjustments or to apply under our interview guarantee scheme, please use the contact details provided once you have clicked “apply”!
Job purpose, tasks and responsibilities
You will be responsible for:
- 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 report to the Executive Committee, ensuring effective execution, governance, risk management and compliance across the business.
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 know it’s not a skill, but the successful candidate must have permission to work in the role’s location by the start of their employment. Please note that this role may remain advertised until an offer of employment has been made.
The Legal Bit! 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.
Managing Director employer: Wilmington plc
At AXCO, part of Wilmington plc, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values individuality and inclusivity. Our London-based team enjoys a hybrid working model, generous annual leave, and a suite of benefits including private healthcare and performance-related bonuses, all within a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth and innovation in the insurance market. Join us to lead a passionate team and shape the future of a globally respected information business while enjoying a supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry leaders, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Managing Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in driving growth and managing P&L. Make sure they see you as the commercial leader they need.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, market position, and challenges. This will help you demonstrate how you can lead AXCO to new heights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in the insurance industry. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Managing Director, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As a Managing Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Use your application to demonstrate how you’ve successfully led teams and driven growth in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate others!
Highlight Commercial Acumen:We’re keen on candidates with strong commercial awareness. In your application, be sure to mention specific examples of how you’ve achieved revenue growth or improved profitability in past positions. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've driven growth in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've managed P&L and achieved revenue targets.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a hands-on leadership approach. Think about your past experiences leading teams and how you foster a high-performance culture. Be ready to discuss how you’ve developed talent and maintained team motivation while achieving strategic goals.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the insurance industry and any recent trends or challenges. Be prepared to discuss how you would position AXCO in the market and what strategies you would implement for customer retention and new business acquisition.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think through potential challenges AXCO might face and how you would address them, especially regarding product innovation and market expansion.
