Working Pattern - Hybrid – 2 days per week in the Vitality Bournemouth or London (minimum of one day a week expected to work in Bournemouth) with regular travel to South Africa. Full-time hours.

Team – Adviser Service Life - Leadership Team

We are happy to discuss flexible working!

Top 3 skills needed for this role:

• Underwriting experience in Life
• Transformational change delivery experience
• Driving operational excellence (processes/improvements/strategic steerage)

What this role is all about:

The Life Underwriting Director will play a pivotal role in managing and driving transformational change across underwriting processes. This role will oversee the underwriting, nurses, concierge, and new business teams from quote to cover, ensuring seamless integration and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in life underwriting and leading transformation projects, along with strong leadership skills and a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

The role will also drive the adviser service strategy and lead the delivery of world-class service to our Intermediaries across Vitality Life. This includes direct dealings with members and intermediaries and participation in the Life Exco, deputising for the Group Retention & Adviser Service Director as needed.

Key Actions:

• Define strategy and plan for Life Adviser Service Operations aligned with business goals.
• Mentor and develop team members.
• Create a high-performance culture encouraging development and overachievement.
• Implement transformational change initiatives to optimize underwriting and service processes.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience.
• Deliver technology solutions to meet broker, franchise, and employer requirements, ensuring simplicity.
• Lead change management efforts within the team.
• Oversee the end-to-end underwriting process, ensuring compliance with guidelines and regulations.
• Collaborate with other Operational Division Heads on innovation and customer experience.
• Establish KPIs and analyze data for operational improvements.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand needs and deliver exceptional service.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, brokers, and partners.
• Identify and implement innovative underwriting solutions.
• Focus on automation and customer experience to meet efficiency targets.

What do you need to thrive?

• Senior-level experience working with sales teams
• Experience in Private Medical, Life, or Insurance sectors
• Strong leadership attributes
• Ability to build, motivate, and develop call center teams
• Excellent planning, organizational, communication, coaching, and feedback skills
• At least 5 years in life underwriting leadership roles
• Proven experience managing transformational change initiatives
• Deep understanding of underwriting, risk assessment, and regulation
• Experience supporting large system changes for process and customer benefits
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• Strategic thinking and innovation skills

So, what’s in it for you?

• Performance-based bonus schemes
• Up to 12% pension contributions, matched up to 6%
• Vitality health insurance with rewards
• Life Assurance – four times annual salary

And many more benefits! Visit our careers page for details.

Our promise to successful applicants:

• Help you achieve your best health
• Support your authentic self and growth
• Offer flexible working options
• Advance your career by leveraging your strengths
• Provide a voice in business growth and culture
• Encourage innovation through trial and learning
• Balance challenge with support
• Reward with competitive salary and benefits
• Support your well-being and societal impact

We want you to feel belonging, supported, and valued.