Operations Director

Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 18,000 employees spanning over 100 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

SPF Private Clients is seeking a dynamic and strategic Operations Director to lead our operational excellence journey and drive business success.

Role Purpose

The Operations Director is a strategic leader responsible for ensuring that SPF Private Clients’ operational strategy drives business growth and operational excellence. The role oversees all day-to-day operational functions, optimizes processes, and leads the transformation of business operations through technology, data, and innovation. The Operations Director will foster a high-performing, inclusive culture and ensure the business is resilient, agile, and positioned for sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence

· Develop and execute the operational strategy in partnership with the Managing Director and senior leadership, aligning with SPF Private Clients’ long-term objectives.

· Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational systems, processes, and controls to ensure efficiency, scalability, and compliance.

· Champion digital transformation and the adoption of new technologies to enhance operational performance and client experience.

· Drive operational efficiency by optimizing staff resource levels, to provide best in class client service, whilst maximizing margins

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

· Promote collaboration and effective communication across all levels and departments, third-party partners, providers and other Howden entities.

· Prepare and present operational reports and insights to the Managing Director and Executive Committee, and other stakeholders to inform strategic decision-making.

Project & Change Management

· Lead and coordinate cross-functional projects, including system enhancements, business initiatives, and new ventures.

· Track project milestones, manage risks, and ensure timely delivery of outcomes.

Key Capabilities & Attributes

· Strong commercial acumen and the ability to translate business requirements into operational priorities.

· Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to influence and engage senior stakeholders.

· Agility and adaptability in fast-paced, evolving environments.

· Proactive, solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving.

Experience & Qualifications

· Significant experience in an operational leadership role within financial services

· Proven track record of driving digital transformation and operational improvement.

· Strong project management skills, with experience delivering cross-functional initiatives.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and data analytics platforms (e.g., PowerBI).

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

• Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new

• We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges

• We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs.  Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.