Head of SME – Insurance (Commercial Broking)
📍 Lancaster (multi-site leadership)
💼 Competitive Salary + Car Allowance + Bonus (up to 20%) + Benefits
🕒 Full-time | Hybrid (high on-site presence)
Overview
A fast-growing insurance group is undertaking a major commercial transformation and is looking for a Head of SME to lead a large, high-potential SME trading operation across multiple sites. This is a senior strategic role for an experienced commercial broking leader who can drive performance, embed a modern sales culture, and deliver genuine growth across the SME portfolio.
The Opportunity
As Head of SME, you'll take responsibility for a 70+ seat operation across Lancaster and the South, leading teams, aligning regions, and establishing a joined-up commercial rhythm. You’ll shape SME broking strategy, elevate client engagement, and collaborate with marketing, placement, and digital teams to maximise trading performance.
This is the ideal role for a senior leader who thrives in transformation, enjoys improving productivity, and brings fresh energy to sales-driven SME broking.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead SME trading across multiple sites, driving revenue, conversion and retention.
* Embed a proactive, client-focused sales culture across all regions.
* Set and manage performance targets for new business, renewals and cross-sell activity.
* Partner with insurers, MGAs and internal placement teams to secure advantageous terms.
* Work closely with Marketing on SEO, paid search and enquiry optimisation.
* Analyse MI to identify trends, gaps and commercial opportunities.
* Strengthen collaboration between teams to create a unified commercial approach.
* Deliver operational improvements that enhance EBIT margin and efficiency.
* Ensure compliance with FCA regulations and internal governance.
Required Experience
* Strong Commercial Broking experience within SME insurance (essential).
* Proven leadership experience in a broking, trading or commercial environment.
* Track record of driving growth, improving performance and leading change.
* Deep understanding of SME insurance, placement, underwriting appetite and market dynamics.
* Strong stakeholder skills — comfortable working with marketing, claims, compliance and placement.
* Experience with Acturis is beneficial.
Attributes for Success
* Natural leader able to motivate and unify teams.
* Commercially sharp with a strong trading mindset.
* Client-focused, confident, and credible with partners and insurers.
* Data-driven with a continuous improvement approach.
* Resilient, positive, and comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Package
* Competitive base salary
* Car allowance
* Bonus up to 20%
* Pension, PMI, cash benefits, 25 days holiday
* Hybrid working with strong on-site leadership expected