Chief Operating Officer

Lockton; England; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance brokerage in the UK is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive performance and manage operations within their Retail Division, particularly in Real Estate. The ideal candidate will combine strategic and hands-on execution skills, leading initiatives aimed at enhancing client experience and operational efficiency. Applicants should demonstrate strong financial acumen, outstanding people leadership capabilities, and a commitment to developing talent within the organization, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience driving operational improvement and profitable growth in insurance.
• Strong financial and analytical acumen for disciplined execution.
• Outstanding leadership skills to inspire and lead teams.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic initiatives in the Real Estate sector.
• Lead financial performance management and accountability.
• Champion a high-performing and accountable culture.

Skills

Commercial judgement

Financial capability

People leadership

Operational improvement

Analytical acumen

Job description

Chief Operating Officer – UK Retail (Real Estate)

Lockton is the world’s largest independent insurance broker, recognised for its client‑first ethos, entrepreneurial spirit, and distinctive people culture. As we continue to invest in the growth and evolution of our UK Retail business with a particular focus on accelerating performance within our Real Estate and broader commercial client segments we are seeking an accomplished Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help shape and deliver our next phase of development.

The Role

The COO will work closely with the Head of Real Estate and the senior leadership team to ensure the efficient, profitable, and forward‑looking management of the division. Acting as a strategic partner, the COO will help teams deliver outstanding client outcomes while embedding operational discipline and supporting growth.

We are looking for a leader who combines strategic perspective with hands‑on execution. You will bring strong commercial judgement, deep financial capability, and a collaborative approach that improves revenue performance, sharpens operational delivery, and positions the Retail Division for long‑term success.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Business Performance

• Support strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Lockton’s presence across the Real Estate sector and other priority commercial segments
• Partner with Business Unit Heads to optimise the operations of the Real Estate practice
• Drive service and operational efficiencies that enhance client experience and unlock new commercial opportunities

Financial Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Lead financial performance management, including budgeting, forecasting, and driving accountability and performance in achieving the numbers
• Ensure disciplined cost management while supporting targeted investment in growth, innovation, and capability enhancements
• Work closely with finance, technology, people and culture and shared services to maintain strong governance, controls, and reporting structures

People & Leadership

• Champion a high‑performing, collaborative, and accountable culture aligned to Lockton’s values
• Support the development of talent within the Retail business, with a focus on building commercial, financial, and operational capability.
• Partner with the People & Culture team to attract and retain exceptional talent within Real Estate and other key practice areas
• Inspire and influence teams to deliver excellence, innovate in client service, and drive continuous improvement

Strategy & Future Direction

• Collaborate with senior leadership to shape and execute the Retail Division’s strategy, ensuring strong alignment with Lockton’s commercial ambitions
• Lead the execution of business plans that enhance our client proposition, operational resilience, and financial performance
• Anticipate market and regulatory developments impacting the Real Estate and wider commercial insurance landscape
• Champion the intelligent use of technology and data to improve client outcomes, operational efficiency, and insight‑led decision‑making

The Person

We are seeking a commercially driven, influential, and highly credible leader with a proven track record in the insurance sector. You will bring:

• Demonstrable experience driving operational improvement and profitable growth within a complex, client‑centric insurance business.
• Strong financial and analytical acumen, with the ability to translate strategy into disciplined execution.
• Outstanding people leadership skills able to inspire, build consensus, and lead through influence.
• High energy, integrity, and resilience, with a pragmatic and balanced leadership style.

Lockton is the world’s largest privately held independent insurance brokerage. Our people‑focused culture attracts those who care for one another and work together to reach a common goal. Our private ownership allows us to prioritize what is truly important : our clients, people, and communities. By joining Lockton, you’ll have many opportunities and experiences to grow, enabling you to build a fulfilling long‑term career with us. Our commitment to a supportive and inclusive culture ensures you will thrive personally and professionally. If you want to make a difference, then you belong at Lockton.