Head of Operational Excellence

Join AXA Partners UK & Ireland as our new Head of Operational Excellence — a strategic leader passionate about driving transformation, operational resilience, and continuous improvement across our business lines. If you thrive on leading change and shaping future-ready operations, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, innovative environment.

What you'll be doing:   

• Lead and coordinate business transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment with AXA’s strategic goals and driving effective change management across all operational functions.
• Oversee the management of operational tools and platforms, acting as the primary interface between Operations and IT/Digital teams to ensure optimal tool performance and deployment.
• Drive AI, automation, and digital enablement projects, evaluating and scaling innovative solutions to enhance productivity and customer experience.
• Govern the operational project portfolio through a structured PMO, ensuring timely delivery, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop and implement comprehensive training and capability programs to equip teams with the skills needed for continuous improvement and change adaptation.
• Ensure operational resilience and business continuity readiness, including testing and maintaining frameworks to safeguard personnel, assets, and information.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement using lean methodologies, process optimisation, and SOP governance to enhance operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to embed sustainable practices and deliver measurable results.

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​What you'll bring:

• Proven experience leading large-scale transformation and operational improvement programs, ideally within a multinational or insurance environment.
• Strong expertise in process management, lean methodologies, digital transformation, and change management.
• Demonstrable ability to manage complex projects, coordinate cross-functional teams, and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Technical background with understanding or experience in automation, AI, software development, and agile methodologies.
• Excellent leadership skills, with a talent for motivating teams, fostering innovation, and driving cultural change.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, complemented by high emotional intelligence and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant educational background, ideally in business, management, or a related field, with professional qualifications in project or change management.

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.

What we offer ​

At AXA Partners, we’re appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. You can expect to receive:

• Competitive Salary
• 25 days rising to a maximum of 27 days (based on a 5 day week)
• Retail Discounts
• Company Shareplan /Scheme & Loan
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Discounted Home Insurance
• Employee Assistance Scheme
• Dr@Hand
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Free Financial Education/Pension Seminars

To apply, click on the ‘apply’ button, you’ll then need to log in or create a profile to submit your CV. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long-term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, please send an email to AXA Partners Global HR Response - globalhr@partners.axa

Who we are:​

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We’re AXA Partners, experts at designing and delivering assistance solutions and specialised insurance, credit, and lifestyle protection – with and for our partners worldwide. What sets us apart? The expertise and passion of our 8,500+ people, and a strong network of over 55,000 professionals all over the world. Powered by them and our sector-leading technology, we continuously evolve, adapt and thrive – offering solutions and services that make sure we’re always at people’s side, no matter what. Helping others is our passion. Combining the best digital technology with our warm, human touch, we’re always looking at new ways to offer seamless and reassuring experiences when it really matters.

Join a company that helps protect the forests! At AXA Partners, we plant a tree for every new recruit (with a permanent contract)

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