Program Manager - Life Protection

婵物捨; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the insurance sector seeks a Program Manager for Life Protection to oversee high-impact transformation initiatives. This hybrid role involves defining program objectives, managing cross-team engagements, and ensuring compliance in various jurisdictions. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in program management within the life insurance industry.

Benefits

12% non-contributory pension scheme

Annual company bonus

Private medical insurance

Flexible holiday options

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in program/project management, ideally in digital transformation.
• Strong understanding of life insurance and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Define program objectives and establish governance structures.
• Manage program delivery across multiple workstreams.
• Communicate program progress to stakeholders.

Skills

Program Management

Digital Transformation

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Risk Management

Communication

Tools

JIRA

Azure

Job description

Program Manager – Life Protection

Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis.

Location: Swindon/London/Remote Working

The opportunity:

Zurich Group is on a transformative journey to unify its Life Protection focus under a cohesive global unit within the Zurich Global Ventures portfolio.

As part of this journey, we’re looking for an experienced IT Program Manager to lead complex, high-impact transformation initiatives within our Life Protection business. This role is key to ensuring successful delivery across multiple workstreams, driving alignment between business goals and technology execution.

Many of our employees work flexibly in a variety of different ways, including part-time, flexible hours, job share, an element of working from home or compressed hours. This is because we want the best people for our roles, and we recognise that sometimes those people aren’t available full-time. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you may need.

What will you be doing?

• Define and align program objectives with the Life Protection strategy and establish program governance structures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements in multiple jurisdictions
• Develop business cases, benefit realisation and program roadmaps
• Engage and align stakeholders across countries including BU’s
• Manage expectations and facilitate decision-making across functional areas including Underwriting, claims, Actuarial, Propositions, and Business Development.
• Oversee end-to end delivery of program components, including product development, digital transformation, operation integration, and market launches
• Co-ordinate cross-functional and global teams to ensure milestones and PIS are met
• Identify, assess and manage program risks and dependencies
• Ensure adherence to global and local regulatory frameworks
• Liaise with legal, compliance and risk functions to manage regulatory implications of program deliverables
• Drive change management strategies to support adoption of new products, systems or processes
• Communicate program objectives, progress, and outcomes to a broad range of senior stakeholders
• Implement program performance monitoring and reporting mechanism
• Conduct post-implementation reviews to evaluate outcomes and capture lessons learned

What are we looking for?

• Demonstrable experience in program/project management, preferably leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives across multiple countries
• Understanding of Life Insurance including Underwriting, claims, Distribution Channels and Regulatory frameworks
• Experience managing cross-functional global teams in matrixed environments
• Proven track record in delivering customer facing digital solutions
• Strategic and commercial Acumen – strong understanding of emerging trends in Life Insurance
• Ability to link digital initiatives with business value, customer outcomes and strategic growth objectives
• Advanced skills in program governance, budgeting, risk management and milestone tracking
• Skilled in both waterfall and agile methodologies, and ability to operate in a hybrid model
• Familiarity with tools like JIRA, Azure, APIs and integration principles
• Awareness of data architecture, cyber security and digital risk controls
• Familiar with global regulatory regimes and compliance
• Strong leadership skills and ability to influence at all levels
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across all levels

As an inclusive employer, we want to ensure that all candidates feel comfortable and can perform at their best during the interview. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed when you apply.

What will you get in return?

Everyone’s different. That’s why at Zurich, we offer a wide range of employee benefits so our people can choose what fits them and their life. Our benefits provide real flexibility so our people can make considered choices and tailor their benefits throughout the year. Our benefits include 12% defined non-contributory pension scheme, annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.

Follow the link for more information about our benefits - Employee benefits | Working at Zurich Insurance UK

Who we are:

At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world and the best global insurer. Together we’re creating a brighter future for our customers, our people and our planet.

With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, you’ll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company who are a long-standing player in the insurance industry.

We’ve made a promise to each other and every employee; to focus on sustainable impact, to care about each other’s wellbeing, to use our diverse expertise to be curious and optimistic and to develop the skills needed for our future.

If you're interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment for a company that recognises and rewards your creativity, initiatives and contributions - then Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.

Our Culture:

At Zurich, our sense of community is strong and we’re particularly passionate about diversity and inclusion, which we’ve won numerous awards for. We want our people to bring the whole of themselves to work and ensure everybody is made to feel welcome, regardless of their background, beliefs or culture. We want our employees to reflect the diversity of our customers, and so are committed to treating all of our applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability or any other protected characteristic.

We’ve an environment that places a real importance on our people’s wellbeing from a physical, mental, social and financial perspective. We work with our wellbeing partners and industry experts to provide the best advice and access to a wealth of lifestyle support. We’re also committed to continuous improvement, and we offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.

We’re passionate about supporting employees to help others by getting involved in volunteering, charitable and community activity. Our charitable arm,Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest-established corporate trusts in the UK. In that time, we’ve awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.

So make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported, Love what you do. Work for us. #LI-Hybrid