Chair of UK Board - Independent Non-Executive Director

Assurant, Inc.; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading financial services group is seeking an experienced independent non-executive director to chair its UK Board. The successful candidate will ensure strong governance and strategic oversight while driving performance and risk management. Key responsibilities include leading meetings, building a high-performing Board, and representing the company externally. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in governance within the general insurance sector and a proven ability to drive growth. This is a virtual role based in the UK with an expected commitment of up to 32 days a year.

Qualifications

• Professionally qualified with extensive INED and Board Chair experience.
• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks like Solvency UK.
• Proven ability to shape strategy at Board level.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the Board fulfills its responsibilities effectively.
• Lead the Board by setting agendas and chairing meetings.
• Promote open discussions and constructive challenge of Executives.

Skills

Independent non-executive director experience

Regulatory frameworks knowledge

Strategic oversight

High financial and business acumen

Experience in general insurance

Job description

Chair of UK Board - Independent Non-Executive Director

Location: Virtual (UK-based)

We aim to have the successful candidate in post by March (pending regulatory approvals). Interviews are scheduled for early January, and applications should be submitted by Friday 12 December for review. If you're interested in joining our UK Board and believe you have the skills and experience we're looking for, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

The Opportunity at Assurant

We are seeking an experienced independent non-executive director to chair our UK Board of Directors (SMF 9), ensuring strong governance, strategic oversight, and effective decision-making. This role involves setting the Board agenda, fostering open and inclusive discussions, and building a high-performing Board aligned with company values. You will provide independent challenge on strategy, risk, and performance, act as trusted partner to the CEO, and represent the company externally. You will also serve as Chair of the Board Nomination Committee (SMF 13) and as a member of the Board Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee. Significant time commitment, professionalism, and emotional intelligence are essential, alongside a proven ability to drive growth to support long-term success.

The Board and its Committees meet at least five times per year at one of our UK sites (Crewe, Mitcheldean, Tunstall). Additional meetings are held (occasionally virtually) as needed to enable the Board and its Committees to fulfil their duties and responsibilities. The overall time commitment is expected to be up to 32 days per year after the initial induction period, including Board/Committee meetings, preparation time and occasional events.

What You'll Do:

• Ensure the Board fulfils its responsibilities effectively and in line with high standards of governance and independent oversight.
• Lead the Board by setting agendas, chairing meetings, and ensuring meetings occur as needed.
• Work with the Company Secretariat to provide directors with accurate, timely information for informed decision-making.
• Focus the Board's attention on key issues, including risk and strategy.
• Build a strong, complementary Board and plan for succession with the parent company.
• Prevent conflicts of interest within the Board.
• Promote open, inclusive discussions, constructive challenge of Executives, and effective communication with the parent company and other stakeholders.
• Devote sufficient attention to matters impacting the safety and soundness of the business.
• Chair the Board Nomination Committee, overseeing Board composition, SMF appointments and succession planning; serve as a member of the Board Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, overseeing the integrity of financial and regulatory reporting, internal and external auditors, risk management, regulatory compliance, and internal controls.

What You'll Bring:

• Professionally qualified with extensive INED and Board Chair experience, particularly in general insurance, with PRA / FCA experience; Meets 'fit and proper' requirements
• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks (Solvency UK, Consumer Duty, SM&CR).
• Proven ability to shape strategy and provide independent, constructive challenge at Board level.
• Experience driving growth through M&A, partnerships, expansion, product development, and restructuring.
• Ability to balance corporate shareholder priorities with regional and local needs.
• Strong grasp of UK corporate governance and Board responsibilities.
• High financial and business acumen; capable of addressing complex issues.
• Demonstrates integrity, independence, and freedom from conflicts of interest.
• Well-connected in relevant sectors with strong market insight.
• Experienced executive mentor and coach.

About Assurant

One of the biggest businesses you've probably never heard of has some very big finance opportunities for people with big ambition. We are Assurant. A creative Fortune 500 company with 15,000 colleagues around the world, who protect what matters most to over 300 million customers. And whether it's automotive support, mobile phone and gadget protection or house and business rental insurance, we are always available.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

Our Values

Common Sense, Common Decency, Uncommon Thinking and Uncommon Results guide our every action at Assurant. These values inspire our commitment to be a responsible corporate citizen.