Director, Head of Insurance, BUK

Opportunity Review: Senior Leader, Insurance Product & Strategy

This senior leadership role presents a compelling opportunity for an accomplished professional looking to make a significant impact within the insurance sector, particularly within the dynamic environment of a large banking institution. The position focuses on the strategic development, management, and growth of existing and new insurance products and services, with a clear mandate to drive change and deliver exceptional outcomes for customers, colleagues, and the bank.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Leadership & Influence: This role offers the chance to shape the future of insurance offerings within a major financial organization. You will have the platform to develop product strategy, define priorities, and directly influence business-wide strategic initiatives.
• Growth & Transformation Focus: The emphasis on growing, integrating, and scaling businesses, alongside expertise in transformation and third-party partner integration, means you'll be at the forefront of impactful change and innovation. This is a role where your ability to drive tangible results will be highly valued.
• End-to-End Product Ownership: You will own the product lifecycle, from initial concept and development to launch and ongoing performance monitoring. This includes managing customer and colleague journeys, ensuring regulatory compliance, and overseeing risk management.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: A significant aspect of the role involves leveraging data for risk management, pre-population, and journey enhancement. This appeals to candidates who are analytical and believe in a data-informed approach to strategy and operations.
• Expertise & Mentorship: As a Subject Matter Expert, you will be empowered to guide and advise stakeholders at all levels of the bank. For those with leadership experience, you will have the opportunity to manage and develop large teams, embedding a performance culture and coaching less experienced specialists.
• Market Impact: The role requires a keen understanding of market trends and customer feedback, allowing you to refine and enhance product offerings. You'll be a key player in ensuring Barclays remains competitive and customer-centric in the insurance landscape.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This position necessitates deep integration with various business divisions and Group functions, providing broad exposure and the chance to build extensive networks across the organization.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Extensive Insurance Market Experience: A proven track record as a senior leader within the insurance market is essential. Experience leading insurance operations within a large bank will be a significant differentiator.
• Proven Business Growth & Integration Skills: Demonstrating success in growing, integrating, and scaling businesses is a critical requirement for this role. Candidates should be prepared to articulate specific examples of their achievements.
• Transformation & Partner Management Acumen: Expertise in transformation initiatives and the successful integration of third-party partners is vital. Active management and oversight of third-party insurers will be a core responsibility.
• Commercial and Financial Acumen: A strong understanding of the financial drivers of a P&L is needed to develop effective commercial and business models.
• Complex Problem Solving: The role involves navigating often complex and sensitive situations, requiring interpretative thinking and advanced analytical skills to design solutions.
• Stakeholder Management & Influence: The ability to negotiate with and influence stakeholders at a senior level, both internally and externally, is crucial for success. You will act as a key contact point and potentially a spokesperson for the function.
• Leadership and Cultural Alignment: Candidates will be expected to embody Barclays' LEAD behaviours (Listen and be authentic, Energise and inspire, Align across the enterprise, Develop others) and demonstrate the company's Values (Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Stewardship) and Mindset (Empower, Challenge, Drive).

Career Path Guidance:

This role is ideal for a seasoned insurance leader who is eager to transition into a more strategic and impactful position. It offers a direct pathway to influencing organizational strategy, driving significant business growth, and expanding your leadership influence within a globally recognized financial institution. The emphasis on transformation and innovation means that success in this role can lead to further opportunities in senior leadership roles, particularly within product development, business transformation, or divisional leadership.