Account Director - Retail, Leisure & Hospitality

Willis Towers Watson; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global insurance firm in London is seeking an experienced Account Director for their Retail, Leisure & Hospitality Practice. You will manage complex client accounts, develop tailored risk solutions, and lead a dedicated service team. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in the sector, strong client relationship skills, and a commitment to business development. This role offers competitive benefits and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus WTW day

Comprehensive health and wellbeing offering

Defined contribution pension scheme

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in the Retail, Leisure & Hospitality insurance sectors.
• Proven track record of managing large and complex client accounts.
• Experience managing teams and leading service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Take ultimate responsibility for delivering services to clients.
• Develop and implement risk transfer and management solutions.
• Drive the sales process to win and develop new clients.

Skills

Client Relationship Management

Strategic Thinking

Business Development Skills

Communication Skills

Team Leadership

Education

ACII or Equivalent Qualification

Job description

Description

WTW Benefits

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.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, growth-focused Account Director to join our Retail, Leisure & Hospitality (L&H) Practice. As an Account Director, you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of Retail, L&H clients which include complex, high-value accounts requiring tailored risk management solutions. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in the insurance industry, working within a globally recognised organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Client Relationship Management: Take ultimate responsibility for delivering the required services to clients, building long-term relationships, and becoming a trusted advisor on their risk and insurance requirements.
• Strategic Solutions Delivery: Develop and implement risk transfer and risk management solutions that align with the unique needs of clients in the Retail and L&H sectors.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Identify and engage with key decision-makers and budget holders within client organisations, fostering strong, lasting relationships.
• Industry Expertise: Provide technical, industry, and subject-matter expertise, drawing on internal resources where necessary to deliver comprehensive solutions to clients.
• Collaboration: Work closely with specialist technical teams across the business and the wider group to meet client needs effectively and deliver top-tier solutions.
• Business Development: Drive the sales process to win, retain, and develop profitable new clients. Ensure business growth by identifying opportunities for account expansion and delivering additional services where appropriate.
• Placement Strategies: Develop and implement strategies to optimise revenue from both new and existing clients, using appropriate placement channels.
• Team Leadership: Lead and support a dedicated service team, ensuring seamless delivery of services and maintaining high standards of performance.

Qualifications

The Requirements

• Extensive Experience: Background in the Retail, Leisure & Hospitality insurance sectors (preferable) with an understanding of the unique risks and challenges within these industries.
• ACII or Equivalent Qualification: Ideally, you will hold an ACII qualification or similar, demonstrating your technical knowledge and commitment to professional development.
• Client Relationship Expertise: Proven experience of managing large and complex client accounts, with a track record of building strong, enduring relationships.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong ability to think strategically, developing innovative risk management solutions tailored to the client’s business needs.
• Business Development Skills: Demonstrated success in winning new business, converting prospects into long-term clients, and contributing to business growth.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, enabling you to interact effectively with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Team Leadership: Experience managing teams, setting objectives, and guiding team members to deliver high-quality outcomes.

At WTW, we believe difference makes us stronger. We want our workforce to reflect the different and varied markets we operate in and to build a culture of inclusivity that makes colleagues feel welcome, valued, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment throughout our organisation. We embrace all types of diversity.

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 [e-mail]