Operations Excellence Manager

Operations Excellence Manager

The Operations Excellence Manager is a key role that will drive modernization, transformation, data-based decisions and operational resilience across the wholesale function. The role will manage a team which is responsible for operational process analysis, operational data production and analysis, product ownership for an internally built workbench solution, operations resilience / business continuity and training delivery. They will work with key stakeholders across Underwriting, Operations, Claims, Distribution, Change, IT, International Portfolio Analytics, external technology and service providers to implement a process improvement framework, advanced automation capabilities and operational data capabilities for strategic change and identification of opportunities for incremental improvements within existing processes.

We're all about people | We win together | We strive for better | We enjoy the everyday | We think further

The Wholesale division is comprised of three underwriting divisions (Marine & Energy, International Casualty and Professional Financial Risks), as well as an award-winning claims team, operations, portfolio development solutions and strategic business development. We have staff around the world with a significant presence in Asia and the US, in addition to the hub in the London market.

Wholesale operations is going through a period of change, shifting from focusing on traditional processing activities to a 21st century operating model that will position the company for future scalable growth. Operations comprises three functions: Underwriting Support Services, Governance & Delegated, and Operations Excellence.

Part of Markel Group (NYSE – MKL) a Fortune 500 company with over 60 offices in 20+ countries, is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, specialist advisory, and investment operations around the world.

What You'll Be Doing

• Work with the Operations Director to inform and deliver the operations strategy e.g., Wholesale TOM, Operational Excellence, AI and Automation, Operational Data
• Embed the Operations Excellence business partner model across Wholesale and ensure the respective divisions are receiving the right level of support and results from the Operations Excellence function
• Work with internal centers of excellence and external third parties to identify and implement process automation capabilities to improve Wholesale's underwriting and operational practices
• Lead process improvement projects with cross divisional and external vendors/partners working with shared services delivery teams
• Hands-on delivery will be required depending on specific need or skillset for the deliverable
• Ensure Operations Resilience and BCP processes and policies are kept up to date in line with Markel International central plans and timelines
• Allocate team resources based on organizational priority, capacity and skill set
• Develop and embed a process improvement framework including training, governance, standard operating procedural templates, KPIs
• Support the Operations Department with business issue analysis and resolution
• Represent Operations in the delivery of international priorities e.g., Operational resilience, BCP, Enterprise workflow
• Manage and mentor a team of operations analysts with measurable performance goals
• Engage with third party technology and service providers to understand market trends and latest offerings and work with the Operations Director and respective internal teams to assess fit for Markel

Key Skills

• A track record of successfully managing Operations Excellence functions including modernization, process improvement programmes, data insights, automation capabilities, etc.
• Experience or qualifications in Lean Six Sigma methodologies would be beneficial
• Experience of the London market and Lloyd's insurance would be beneficial
• Knowledge of market technologies and vendor management experience would be beneficial
• A hands-on approach, with high energy levels and self-motivation
• A strong ability to communicate and influence both technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience leading and managing teams including resource allocation
• A familiarity with Sequel systems (including Eclipse) and Guidewire (claims management system) would be beneficial

What's In It For You?

• A great starting salary plus annual bonus & strong benefits package…
• Up to 16% company pension scheme,
• Private medical and dental cover, Menopause plan, emergency care benefit (children/Pets/dependants)
• Income protection, Life assurance, electric car scheme, travel insurance
• 25 days paid holiday plus Bank Holidays, with the opportunity to buy/sell extra leave
• As well as other great benefits on offer there are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career!

If you're looking for a place where you can make a meaningful difference, you've found it. The work we do at Markel gives people the confidence to move forward, reach their full potential and seize opportunities. You'll find your fit amongst our diverse global community of optimists and problem-solvers. We're always pushing each other to think further because we believe that when we strive for better and realize our potential, we can help others reach theirs.

Join us and play your part in something special! Choose 'Apply Now' to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.

At Markel we are all about the people, celebrating the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns.

We will ensure that individuals are provided with any reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful. Please contact us via email at rec@markel.com or call us at 0161 507 5827 to request any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed, including alternative formats of documents or information on how to apply offline.