Strategic Execution Manager in Swindon

A highly exciting, visible, and influential role within the UK Chief Technology Officer’s Office. You’ll report directly into the UK CTO and be responsible for helping to set and deliver the strategic plan for UK Technology, IT, Data, Change, and Portfolio Management. This will involve working closely with the broader Technology Leadership Team and numerous other stakeholders across the UK and Group.

In addition to providing crucial support to the UK CTO in managing business-as-usual activities, you’ll lead strategic projects that contribute to the execution of the Technology strategy and fulfilment of risk actions. This requires a versatile skillset including highly effective written and verbal communication, excellent time management and organisation, a forward-thinking and challenger mindset, stakeholder management, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with diverse groups to deliver high-quality results.

This role will involve regular work in our London office, to enable attendance at key meetings, governance forums, and executive engagements. You’ll be expected to define governance structures, prepare executive papers, and act as a thought leader across the Technology, IT, Data, Change, and Portfolio Management functions.

Many of our employees work flexibly in a variety of different ways, including part-time, flexible hours, job share, an element of working from home or compressed hours. This is because we want the best people for our roles, and we recognise that sometimes those people aren’t available full-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may need.

What will you be doing?

• Supporting the delivery of the strategic plan across Technology, IT, Data, Change, and Portfolio Management by coordinating activities across the broader Technology Leadership Team and other relevant teams.
• Leading projects that contribute to the delivery of strategic initiatives, regulatory requirements, and risk actions, while managing stakeholder expectations and communicating progress effectively.
• Acting as a provocateur, driver, challenger, and strategic sounding-board for the UK CTO and the wider Technology, IT, Data, Change, and Portfolio Management Leadership Team.
• Assisting the UK CTO with the management and fulfilment of business-as-usual tasks.
• Authoring papers and presentations that provide progress updates for formal management forums and supporting the UK CTO’s external engagement by gathering key internal information across UK and Group.
• Managing queries and required actions raised by individuals/teams to the UK CTO and Tech Leadership Team, conducting appropriate triaging and resolution.
• Inputting into strategic development and planning, identifying potential issues and opportunities.
• Supporting engagement with Technology Graduates, taking a supervisory and mentoring role.
• Working from concise briefs to determine actions needed to bring about desired outcomes, communicating these to relevant individuals/teams, and providing project management support to ensure timely delivery.
• Contributing innovation, creativity, and knowledge from across the business to strategic discussions.
• Collaborating with Technology business partners including Communications, People, and Compliance to ensure effective delivery of our strategy.
• Working closely with Group stakeholders to ensure alignment and consistency across UK and Group Technology.

What are we looking for?

• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen, with the ability to apply your skills to drive change aligned with business strategy.
• Excellent organisation, facilitation, research, and written and verbal communication skills.
• A self-starting, adaptable, resilient, collaborative, and highly motivated disposition.
• A solution-oriented and data-driven mindset, with the ability to formulate actions and deliver results based on ambiguous or limited direction.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to ensure delivery and collaboration across key tasks and resolve potential disputes arising from conflicting interests.
• A growth mindset and the ability to apply creative solutions to business problems.
• Confidence and credibility at Executive level, capable of building strong working relationships, providing challenge, and negotiating to achieve desired outcomes.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritise time-sensitive activities.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint and experience in preparing high-quality executive packs.
• Knowledge or background in the Technology space, including familiarity with common acronyms and concepts (or willingness to learn quickly).
• Experience with RAID (Risks, Actions, Issues, Dependencies) management and governance frameworks.

What will you get in return?

Everyone’s different. That’s why at Zurich, we offer a wide range of employee benefits so our people can choose what fits them and their life. Our benefits provide real flexibility so our people can make considered choices and tailor their benefits throughout the year. Our benefits include 12% defined non-contributory pension scheme, annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.

As an inclusive employer we want to ensure that all candidates feel comfortable and are able to perform at their best during the interview. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed when you apply.

Who we are

At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world and the best global insurer. Together we’re creating a brighter future for our customers, our people and our planet. With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, you’ll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company who are a long-standing player in the insurance industry.

We’ve made a promise to each other and every employee; to focus on sustainable impact, to care about each other’s wellbeing, to use our diverse expertise to be curious and optimistic and to develop the skills needed for our future.

If you’re interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment for a company that recognises and rewards your creativity, initiatives and contributions - then Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.

Our Culture

At Zurich, our sense of community is strong and we’re particularly passionate about diversity and inclusion, which we’ve won numerous awards for. We want our people to bring the whole of themselves to work and ensure everybody is made to feel welcome, regardless of their background, beliefs or culture. We want our employees to reflect the diversity of our customers, and so are committed to treating all of our applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability or any other protected characteristic.

We’ve an environment that places a real importance on our people’s wellbeing from a physical, mental, social and financial perspective. We work with our wellbeing partners and industry experts to provide the best advice and access to a wealth of lifestyle support. We’re also committed to continuous improvement and we offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.

We’re passionate about supporting employees to help others by getting involved in volunteering, charitable and community activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest-established corporate trusts in the UK. In that time, we’ve awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.

So make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported, Love what you do. Work for us.