Chief of Staff

Brand: HSB UK&I

Location: Manchester or London

As Chief of Staff you will serve as a strategic partner and advisor to the CEO, playing a critical role in facilitating effective decision-making, managing allocated projects, and ensuring the smooth operation of the executive office and executive leadership team. This role requires a high level of confidentiality, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex/matrix environments and multiple stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the insurance industry, strong leadership abilities, and a proven track record of supporting C-level executives.

This role serves as the eyes and ears for the CEO, connecting teams, projects, and critical business information to the CEO, ensuring meetings and materials are efficient and effective and serves as a trusted partner to deliver against the business priorities.

This is a great development opportunity for someone who has the potential and aspiration to move into a senior management role as part of their career development.

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Advisor:

• Work closely with the CEO to drive strategic initiatives, manage priorities, and ensure alignment across the executive team.
• Coordinate the development of HSB’s short- and long-term business strategies, working with the CEO to brainstorm and establish the strategic direction. Assist HSB’s Executive leadership team in both the monitoring and execution of the strategic plan.
• Assist the CEO in the development of presentations and papers for internal and external audiences.
• Provide counsel to the executive leadership on key issues, projects and initiatives to support decision-making and strategic priorities

Operational Oversight

• Oversee the implementation of strategic plans, ensuring that projects are on track, and that obstacles are addressed in a timely manner.
• Identify and address operational challenges, streamlining processes to enhance efficiency and productivity within the executive office.
• Oversee the reporting rhythm for the CEO and executive leadership; ensuring there is an effective schedule and flow; and a well-organised and clearly communicated process in place.
• Oversee the efficient preparation, production and delivery of materials and reports to meet objectives and deadlines (including QBRs, Board and committee meetings etc).
• Work closely with the Company Secretarial function ensure the effective operation of Board Meetings and committees.
• Prepare agendas, materials, and briefings for executive meetings; track action items and follow-up.

Communication and Collaboration

• Act as central point of contact for the CEO and executive team
• Facilitate the development of CEO and Executive leadership communications; ensuring message alignment with vision,
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between departments, teams, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and effective execution of organizational goals
• Act as a central point for collation of key strategic information from across the business and wider Group.

Special Projects:

• Lead and coordinate key projects from inception to completion, ensuring deadlines are met and objectives are achieved.
• Undertake and provide reviews subjects/topics identified, presenting accurate findings / recommendations on completion.

Representation:

• Represent the CEO in meetings, events, or with external stakeholders, as needed.

Leadership

• Lead, manage and co-ordinate the activity of the Executive office, including management of direct report (CEO Personal Assistant)

Experience:

Prior experience in the insurance or financial services sector is highly desirable.

Skills:

• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Good organisational skills, with a focus on efficiency, effectiveness and results.
• Exceptional communication skills; with the ability to articulate complex ideas and topics, and present key information and recommendations simply and clearly
• High level of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills; skilled at building trust, influencing others and facilitating collaboration across teams
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with understanding of financial results and P&Ls
• Proven ability to manage complex and confidential issues.
• High level of attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with project management tools

Personal Attributes 

• Proactive, with a strong sense of initiative and the ability to anticipate needs.
• High level of integrity and ethical judgment.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• A team player with a collaborative mindset.