At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global commercial strategy and drive profitable growth in the insurance industry.
- Company: WTW, an inclusive employer committed to diversity and community support.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, private healthcare, and a range of additional perks.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the insurance market while making a real impact globally.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in insurance with a strong commercial mindset.
The predicted salary is between 103500 - 126500 £ per year.
This job is with WTW, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
The Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) will lead the commercial strategy and execution for the Global Direct & Facultative (D&F) business, delivering sustainable, profitable growth. Working in close partnership with the Global Head of D&F, this role will drive the global D&F strategy, strengthen client and market engagement, and build a high-performing, globally connected commercial organisation. A key focus will be supporting international expansion and reducing reliance on London, unlocking growth across priority markets.
The Role: Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Execution
- Execute and evolve the D&F strategy, ensuring alignment to Willis’ broader strategy.
- Drive consistent execution across regions and product lines, aligning Specialty, Geography and Placement.
- Identify and prioritise growth opportunities across sectors, products and geographies, including expansion of global D&F hubs.
- Act as a key global liaison for D&F across leadership teams and the wider Willis Group.
- Partner with Finance and key functions to ensure delivery of growth and investment objectives.
- Distribution, Client & Market Engagement
- Partner with the Global Head of D&F to shape and deliver the commercial response to market cycles.
- Align senior stakeholders across regions, specialties and placement to strengthen go-to-market execution.
- Enhance distribution effectiveness through segmentation, prioritisation and data-driven targeting.
- Represent D&F in the market as a senior leader, reinforcing value proposition and strengthening key relationships.
- Profitable Growth Focus
- Work with Product, Regional, Sales, and Data & Analytics teams to evolve propositions in line with client needs.
- Champion data-led decision making and support the development of analytics, AI and digital capabilities (e.g. Neuron, products & lineslips).
- Identify efficiency opportunities and drive timely execution of improvements across the D&F business.
- Embed a culture of disciplined growth, client-centricity and cross-regional collaboration.
- Broader Strategic Contributions
- Support the evolution of the D&F operating model, improving efficiency and reducing duplication across systems and processes.
- Drive execution of key Willis strategic initiatives across D&F globally (e.g. Gemini, Data & Analytics, AI, commission frameworks).
- Ensure alignment and connectivity across the global D&F leadership team, proactively resolving challenges and driving collaboration.
- Contribute to Board materials, QBRs, and leadership forums, playing a key role in shaping strategic priorities.
Qualifications
- Proven senior leadership experience in a global commercial, strategic, or business leadership role within the insurance industry.
- Deep expertise across Property & Casualty and/or Specialty Lines, with a strong understanding of market dynamics.
- Track record of executing growth strategies and delivering commercial outcomes across international markets.
- Strong ability to influence and act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders and executive leadership.
- Experience operating across geography, product, distribution and data within a complex, matrixed environment.
- Highly effective at building alignment across global teams and leading through collaboration.
- Clear commercial mindset, with the ability to identify and unlock growth and expansion opportunities.
- Comfortable operating in an evolving role, shaping scope and impact over time.
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. Start making the most of your career and wellbeing with a range of benefits tailored for you.
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.
Chief Commercial Officer - Direct and Facultative in Slough employer: WTW
WTW is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee wellbeing, offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes 25 days of annual leave, private healthcare, and a defined contribution pension scheme. The work culture fosters professional growth through hybrid working options and opportunities to engage in meaningful community service, making it an ideal environment for those looking to develop their careers while contributing positively to society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Commercial Officer - Direct and Facultative in Slough
✨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.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like WTW). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
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 WTW. 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 Chief Commercial Officer - Direct and Facultative in Slough
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 WTW.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at WTW. 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 WTW
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at WTW 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 WTW, 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 WTW'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.