Chief Operating Officer

About the role

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will support the Managing Director and the Digital Business Unit (DBU) by translating strategy into coordinated execution, overseeing finance, performance management, portfolio governance and operating model effectiveness.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with the MD and Executive Committee to set KPIs and drive strategic and operational decision‑making.
• Own the DBU performance framework, including strategic and operational KPIs, benefits realization and quarterly business reviews.
• Scale digital, platform and technology‑enabled propositions through process improvement, automation and digital transformation programmes.
• Govern enterprise portfolio across the DBU, prioritising initiatives, allocating resources and overseeing investment decisions.
• Ensure operating model effectiveness, governance structures and cross‑functional alignment.
• Provide cross‑functional operational governance, establishing policies, internal controls and risk standards.
• Lead the DBU finance function, overseeing budget planning, cost tracking and financial reporting.
• Set governance standards for project and portfolio delivery and hold functional teams accountable.
• Drive transformation governance, tracking adoption of new tools, ways of working and reporting benefits realization.
• Facilitate coordination between MD, ExCo and functional heads on finance, portfolio, operations and transformation matters.

Required profile

• 10+ years senior leadership experience in operations, finance business partnering or portfolio management within financial services.
• Proven track record scaling digital, fintech or technology‑enabled financial services businesses and leading transformation programmes.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with P&L management, budgeting and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Deep understanding of the insurance industry, its regulatory environment and competitive landscape.
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking and communication skills to influence cross‑functional teams and executive committees.