Strategy & Operations Manager

Overview

The Office of the COO plays a central role in supporting Group Operations across the UK and Europe. We are seeking a Strategy & Operations/Business Manager to work within the Office of the COO, partnering closely with two Operations functions: the International Delivery Centre and the Data Office. Reporting to the Head of the Office of the COO and embedded with both functions, the role ensures effective day-to-day operations while driving strategic priorities.

This includes financial and resource management, governance, risk and controls, executive reporting, communications, and delivery of improvement initiatives. The role holder will be a key member of both senior leadership teams and will lead cross-functional projects to enhance operational performance.

• Partner with functional leadership to deliver strategic objectives.
• Oversee operational performance, improving processes and ways of working.
• Work with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and headcount planning.
• Develop and implement workforce and resource strategies.
• Manage governance, risk, audit actions, and control frameworks.
• Produce clear, concise executive reporting and presentations.
• Lead internal communications, including town halls and leadership events.
• Coordinate and deliver cross-Operations initiatives and projects.
• Support priority programmes across the International Delivery Centre and Data Office.

• Proven experience in business management, strategy, or operations roles.
• Strong financial, resource, and risk management capability.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Highly organised with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Confident working with financial data and Excel.
• Effective communicator with experience operating in matrixed organisations.
• Delivery-focused with strong attention to detail.

• Experience delivering projects or process improvements in complex environments.
• Understanding of corporate support functions (HR, Finance, Risk, Communications).
• Knowledge of the general or specialty insurance market.