Operations Director

Howden; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Operations Director to drive operational excellence across their global team. This role involves collaborating with international COOs and senior leadership to implement strategies that enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operations management and project delivery, with the ability to foster relationships and drive process improvements. Join a diverse team that values innovation and collaboration, and make a positive impact in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operations management at an international level.
• Strong business partnering skills and ability to manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with international COOs to align operational strategies.
• Implement operational policies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Skills

Operations Management

Project Management

Business Partnering

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Degree Level Education

Programme/Project Training

Job description

Who are we?

Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 18,000 employees spanning over 100 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Operations Director to join our team at Howden Insurance Brokers Limited. This role focuses on business partnering and working closely with international COOs and global heads of process. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operations management, transformation, and project delivery, and be able to demonstrate tangible results. They will work collaboratively with peers to drive operational excellence across Howden.

What You'll Be Doing

• Collaborate with international COOs and global heads of process to align operational strategies with business objectives.

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing insights and recommendations to drive business performance.

• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure alignment and support for operational initiatives.

• Implement our Target Operating Model, embedding minimum standards across Howden.

• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Monitor and analyse operational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.

• Lead initiatives to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve overall operational efficiency, aligning with Howden’s location strategy.

• Engage with client COOs on an international level to ensure seamless operations and client satisfaction.

• Identify and drive process improvements across global operations.

• Oversee and manage specific projects to ensure timely and successful completion.

Who We're Looking For

• Proven experience in operations management, at an international level.

• Strong business partnering skills with the ability to work effectively with senior executives.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and drive process improvements.

• Experience working with global teams and managing international operations.

• Knowledge of industry best practices and trends in operations management.

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

• Ability to build, foster, and manage key relationships.

• Able to build networks across multi-layered organisations.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level.

• Programme/Project Training beneficial.

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

• Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new

• We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges

• We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

Reasonable adjustments

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.

Permanent