Strategy & Planning Lead, Operations Excellence- Insurance
We are currently recruiting for a Strategy & Planning Lead to join one of our Insurance clients on a 6-month contract.
Inside IR35
Hybrid- 2 days a week onsite in London
Responsibilities
* Partner with the Head of Operations Excellence to shape the operating model, roadmap, capabilities, and value proposition for the Operations Excellence function.
* Design and implement operating and service models that enable efficient, scalable operations with a strong focus on quality, automation, and customer experience.
* Develop strategic materials and playbooks to articulate the value of Operations Excellence initiatives and secure stakeholder alignment and buy‑
* Apply structured planning, analysis, and problem‑solving skills to address complex business challenges.
* Monitor internal and external industry developments and translate insights into practical, organization‑focused recommendations.
* Support process optimization, standardization, and automation initiatives across operations.
* Champion continuous improvement and data‑driven methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) to improve efficiency and service outcomes.
* Identify operational risks, gaps, and dependencies, recommending solutions to strengthen resilience and compliance.
* Establish and monitor KPIs, KRIs, and performance dashboards, converting insights into measurable actions.
* Lead periodic business reviews, highlighting progress, challenges, risks, and corrective actions.
* Support the delivery of initiatives that generate measurable business value across financial performance, operational efficiency, and customer experience.
* Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders on strategic, operational, and transformation initiatives.
Experience
* Significant experience in strategic planning, operating model design, consulting, or business transformation environments.
* Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders and diverse teams.
* Proven ability to build and maintain strong cross‑functional relationships.
* Demonstrated experience solving complex business problems using structured, analytical, and consultative approaches.
* Experience owning and managing initiatives end‑to‑end, from concept and planning through to delivery and outcomes.
* Insurance/ Financial sector experience