Head of Operations

Job Title:  Head of Operations

Location: London/Hybrid (Typically 2/3 days in the office)

Type: Full time – Permanent(If you are a job share partnership, work reduced hours, or any other way of working flexibly, please do still get in touch)

At Ardonagh Specialty, we provide much more than just a workplace. We are dedicated to fostering skill development and knowledge within a team that is passionate about their work, values their Employees, and truly celebrates diversity.

Working at Ardonagh Specialty means you’ll be part of The Ardonagh Group. We are proud of our innovative environment offering many opportunities for growth across the wider group. Employees regularly move between our united teams, and we encourage you to make your role your own.

Our offices are lively and exciting places to be, but we understand that life needs flexibility, and offer a genuinely flexible approach to working. If you are looking to join a thriving, energetic business with exciting plans, this role could be an ideal fit for you.

What we can offer:

We offer much more than just an inclusive culture with apprenticeships, study support, participation in our annual Spotlight Awards, Community Trust, Sports Teams, office socials, events and so much more. All of this with a supportive management team as well as working alongside some of the industry’s top talent.

You’ll have access to wellbeing programs, fantastic discounts across many big-name businesses including supermarkets, gym memberships, restaurants, and healthcare cash plans etc.

Further perks of working with us (Fixed benefits):

• Employer pension contribution of 10% (providing you, the Employee provides 5%).
• Good work life balance - flexibility to suit you.
• Competitive salary.
• Life Assurance at X4 of your base salary.
• Group Income Protection.
• Generous Annual Leave entitlement.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Group annual bonus scheme.

Purpose of the role:

Oversee and manage the Core Operational teams (IBA, Premium Processing, KYC, Training and Process Improvement) and the management of key outsource providers

Main Responsibilities:

• Provide day to day management and support to leads of the core operational teams including:-

• Managing budgets, allocating resources, and overseeing the effective use of personnel
• Hiring, training, and mentoring operational staff to ensure they are competent and motivated
• Utilising operational data, to evaluate performance, and to identify areas for improvement

• Manage key outsource arrangements
• Pro-actively identify and manage any bottlenecks and potential risks
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including senior Operational and Business partners
• Work with colleagues to support the implementation of technology solutions to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness
• Advocate and support a continuous improvement culture
• Advocate and support change
• Day to day oversight of our outsourced partner network

Key Role Accountabilities:

• Management of core operational teams and KPIs
• Improving the business
• Client and market satisfaction
• Employee ways of working improvement – through technology and process improvements

Person Specification:

• Experience of Operations within a Lloyds Broker
• Line management experience of large and diverse teams
• Experience of working with offshore partners
• Experience of process improvement and change methodology (desirable)
• Experience of working with an extensive and diverse stakeholder group including senior stakeholders and external stakeholders
• Focus on outcomes and flexibility to manage priorities and resources in order to deliver desired results
• Exceptional communication skills – both written and oral.
• Able to work effectively at all levels in an organisation, providing coaching and support
• Excellent active listening skills.
• Must be a team player and able to work with and through others.
• Ability to influence others and move toward a common vision or goal.

• Experience with large-scale organisational change effort.

Think you don’t meet every requirement?

We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can thrive . If you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t perfectly match what we are looking for, please apply anyway. You might just be the right fit for the job, or other opportunities we may have within the wider Group.

Interview Process:
At Ardonagh Specialty, we have a straightforward interview process to ensure the best fit for both you and the company:

• Submit your application with your CV, emphasising your skills and experience related to the job.
• Our Talent Acquisition team will then arrange a call where they can tell you more about the role and the team. We want to learn about your motivation and goals, what you can bring to Ardonagh Specialty, and answer any immediate questions.
• If successful, you will generally be invited to engage in a 1-hour interview with the Hiring Manager and selected team members, via teams or in person. We will discuss our technologies, key skills, and team dynamics and provide further opportunity to ask any questions. This is your chance to voice your thoughts on the role and we will outline our expectations and ensure this role aligns with your ambitions for the future.
• Depending on the role, you may be invited to attend a second stage interview with further members of the team.

If successful or unsuccessful, we always try and move quickly in presenting an offer or providing feedback.

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