Finance Division
Reporting to the Head of Insurance the Interim Insurance Manager will take the lead on day-to-day insurance operations, and the main focus of the role will be to lead and manage the current team of 3/4. You will also provide direction, guidance and support to the team in all matters relating to insurance and risk management.
You will provide expert in-house technical advice across all insurance classes of business, ensuring the University’s insurance arrangements continue to be cost effective, compliant and aligned with risk management strategies. You will provide oversight on claims management, and will handle liability claims and significant or complex claims.
The Insurance Office is looking to develop a number of insurance and risk management projects during the period of this appointment, and responsibility for advancement of these will sit with the Interim Insurance Manager
Location: Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, with hybrid working available
Salary: Grade 9: £56,623 – £65,336 per annum
Contract: Full time, Fixed-term for 12 months
About Us
Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.
The Finance Division plays a central role in enabling the University's world-leading teaching and research by providing expert financial leadership, governance and professional services. Within the Division, the Insurance Office helps protect the University's people, activities and assets through effective insurance arrangements, claims management and risk advice. Its work supports informed decision-making, financial resilience and the long-term sustainability of one of the world's largest and most complex higher education institutions.
What We Offer
Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
- One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
- A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme.
- Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
- Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About the Role
Staff/Team Management
- Line management of insurance office staff. Provide strong and effective leadership and direction for the team, including motivation, training and personal development, as well as setting, agreeing, monitoring and reporting on performance and performance objectives as part of the University’s overall performance development review process
Operational Management
- Provide leadership, direction and oversight of day to day insurance operations ensuring allocation of work and performance monitoring where appropriate, offering assistance and support to the team in dealing with more complex issues where necessary
Claims management
- Provide general oversight and support on claims handling, ensuring that the administration of claims within the Insurance Office is both timely and in accordance with protocols, regulations and Civil Procedure Rules and that communication with claimants and claiming departments is effective and appropriate. Ensure claim estimates are assessed and regularly monitored and updated to ensure adequate funds are reserved.
- Handle and negotiate the resolution of liability claims, in conjunction with insurers, solicitors and the University’s Legal Services Office.
- Ensure appropriate oversight of high value, complex and significant claims where necessary
Annual Renewal
- Support the annual renewal process including information gathering and liaison with Insurers and brokers where necessary and prepare for upcoming insurance tender processes as may be required
Oxford Mutual
Support the University’s insurance subsidiary Oxford Mutual Limited
- Preparation and presentation of board papers on the insurance operations
- Support of the board and accounting team
Project Management
- Lead, manage and assist the team in undertaking insurance and risk management related projects aimed to enhance processing and management of risk, to include:
- Identification of projects.
- Producing project scope, plans and timetables.
- Coordinate, support and contribute to the effective running of the project.
- Monitor and report on deliverables.
- Communicate outcomes to the wider University and provide training where required.
- Review and report on outcomes.
Advice and Guidance
- Support the team in providing expert, detailed and comprehensive insurance and risk advice at all levels across the University.
- Provide detailed technical advice on all complex issues that arise
- Ensure the University’s risk management concepts are promoted and the University’s interests are protected at all times
Other
- An ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive working environment for people from different backgrounds.
- The post holder may be called upon to undertake other tasks or projects as commensurate with the grading and nature of the post; and to support and provide cover for colleagues as required.
About You
Essential selection criteria
- Strong line management experience and experience in motivating, training and developing a team.
- Proven practical experience and technical knowledge of insurance principles and practices, including interpretation and application of insurance policies and claims administration procedures.
- Sound experience and technical knowledge of all classes of insurance business
- Associate membership of Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII), or demonstrable recent development towards this
- Knowledge and experience of managing a large and complex in-house insurance arrangement.
- Good proven experience of managing a large and complex self-insurance provision
- Knowledge and experience of handling of all types of insurance claims across all classes including those of a large and complex nature
- Experience and technical knowledge of operational risk management practices as they might apply to an in-house self-insurance arrangement
- Excellent oral and written communication and report writing skills. An ability to liaise effectively with staff at all levels both externally and within a large and diverse organisation and to deal confidently and assertively with senior and influential individuals and organisations
- Strong customer service skills and the ability to be pro-active in responding to customer needs and requirements
Desirable selection criteria
- Recognised risk management qualification
- Experience of working within a higher education environment
We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.
Application Process
To apply, please upload:
- A covering letter/supporting statement
- The details of two referees
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 31 July.
Interviews will take place in August and will be held face-to-face.
