Underwriting Support Team Manager

Job Type:

Build a brilliant future with Hiscox

Underwriting Support Team Manager

London

About the team/division

Our goal is to build and implement a scalable and agile operating model that allows our business to shrink and grow in line with market conditions. Wherever possible, we want to be proactive not reactive to the operational needs of the business. The operations team are responsible for providing efficient and effective operational support to the London Market Underwriters. We are responsible for enabling the business to run efficiently; working closely with underwriters to understand, communicate and facilitate operational business requirements and through driving and supporting opportunities for process improvement and change.

We’re a big team of around 18 employees providing underwriting support to the London Market underwriters. The team is service orientated and encouraged to continually look for new ways to improve the quality and efficiency of what we do. We encourage individuals to be creative and run with their ideas for process/service improvements; being part of our operations team leads to real opportunities to make a difference to the wider business.

Operations team members are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions and trust that these are heard; we are one team all working towards the same goal of ‘being an expert support team, continuously improving processes and providing exceptional service’. In some areas we have defined process and procedures which the team respect must be followed; in other areas, team members have the opportunity to be more creative and come up with ideas that they believe will support the efficient running of the underwriting teams that they support.

What you’ll be doing in the role

• Management of a team of 4 Underwriting Assistants & 2 Operations Analysts – primarily supporting our Property and Crisis Management divisions.
• Be a recognised operations point person for the teams you are supporting; champion operational best practice and ensure that underwriting support is reliable and effective.
• Continue to develop our Analyst working model; using agile practice to deliver the best possible outputs and ensure our operating model continues to evolve.
• Instil a sense of teamship and develop individuals in the team to deliver high operational standards; manage performance and provide honest, open and timely feedback; recognise and suggest opportunities for each individual’s development.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, improving quality and reducing time taken to complete.
• Contribute to the creation, communication and implementation of the London Market operations strategy.
• Our team vision is; “The heart of London Market, simplifying decision making, enabling growth” – everything we do, should support us in achieving this over the next 3 years.
• Provide operational expertise and support change projects affecting London Market underwriting teams.
• Work with other business functions (such as CI, MI, credit control, delegated authority, wordings, compliance) to coordinate and manage work that impacts London Market underwriting teams.

The Candidate

What sort of person would thrive in this team/Hiscox?

• Someone who has a strong background in people management and development
• A people person – building strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels is key
• A team player – someone who is able to motivate and positively influence a group
• Someone who is able to manage the differing needs/demands of various stakeholders
• A problem solver – someone who can think quickly and bring a solution focused approach to our operating model
• Someone passionate about small change with an interest in agile practice and using new techniques to improve outputs

Who needn’t apply?

• It’s a big team, if you don’t enjoy people management and development, this isn’t the role for you.

Our must haves

• As a guide, 4yrs+ in an operations focused role
• In an Ideal world you will have Insurance experience but we are open to other industries
• Strong background in people management and development. If you don't like this, the job is not for you
• Process improvement experience
• Excellent communication skills
• Negotiation skills
• Confidence in dealing with demanding stakeholders
• An aptitude for problem solving
• Deadline orientated and pro-active
• Tech savvy – able to quickly learn how to use a new system/functionality

Nice to have

• Relevant professional qualifications
• Change management experience

About Hiscox

As an international specialist insurer we are far removed from the world of mass market insurance products. Instead we are selective and focus on our key areas of expertise and strength - all of which is underpinned by a culture that encourages us to challenge convention and always look for a better way of doing things.

We insure the unique and the interesting. And we search for the same when it comes to talented people. Hiscox is full of smart, reliable human beings that look out for customers and each other. We believe in doing the right thing, making good and rebuilding when things go wrong. Everyone is encouraged to think creatively, challenge the status quo and look for solutions.

Scratch beneath the surface and you will find a business that is solid, but slightly contrary. We like to do things differently and constantly seek to evolve. We might have been around for a long time (our roots go back to 1901), but we are young in many ways, ambitious and going places.

Some people might say insurance is dull, but life at Hiscox is anything but. If that sounds good to you, get in touch.

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