Business Manager to Chief Investor Relations and Strategy Officer (ExCo)

at  Direct Line Group

At Direct Line Group, insurance is just the start. Combining decades of industry experience with talented people in every field from data, technology, customer care and auto repair, to HR, finance, and procurement, we’re a customer-obsessed market powerhouse. And we all work together to be brilliant for customers, every single day.
Our vision is to create a world where insurance is personal, inclusive and a force for good. Our purpose is to help people carry in with their lives, giving them peace of mind now and in the future. We have ambitions for growth and driving change at pace – aspiring to be the UK’s largest insurer.
We’ve now welcomed our new CEO, Adam Winslow, and are at the start of an exciting period of change for DLG. With ambitious plans for large-scale transformation, we’re going to see a refreshed strategy to drive value for our customers, colleagues and shareholders.
Supporting our incoming Chief Strategy and Investor Relations Officer, Dhruv Gahlaut, we’re recruiting for a Business Manager to help ensure the function is executing on the Group strategy. Providing strategic-level support in managing business operations, implementing strategies, and overseeing key projects, this role requires a proactive leader with strong business acumen, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. As Chief Investor Relations and Strategy Officer, Dhruv will be responsible for developing and shaping the Group’s strategic narrative for investors and other stakeholders. You will be a trusted strategic partner to Dhruv enabling him and his leadership team to drive change and make decisions at pace.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

We truly believe this role will play a critical part in our growth and success– providing high-level support in managing business operations, implementing strategies, and overseeing key projects. By building strong relationships across the business, you’ll help ensure alignment, accountability, and transparency.

• Strategic Planning and Execution:
• Work with the Chief Strategy and Investor Relations Officer and their Leadership Team (LT) to develop and execute the strategy and initiatives
• Coordinate business initiatives to ensure they’re joined up - encouraging simplicity and identifying and removing any blockers
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory guidance, and competitor activities ‘bringing the outside in’
• Operational Excellence:
• Ensure Investor Relations activity is completed to a high standard - including but not limited to supporting the preparation of content for external results announcements, investor relations roadshow planning and coordination
• Work closely with finance and assist the Leadership Team in preparing and managing budgets, forecasting financial performance, identifying cost efficiencies and ensuring that financial goals are met
• Review the supporting material for the announcements, presentations, investor packs, annual report, press releases etc. (taking ownership of the data and need to challenge)
• Lead key projects, from initiation through to completion, ensuring timely delivery and quality outcomes
• Develop a sound network across DLG, maintaining a pulse on daily operations to understand trends, risks and opportunities and help Leadership pivot as required – quickly and proactively
• Office Support and Communication:
• Ensure the Chief Strategy and Investor Relations Officer is fully briefed and prepared for meetings at all levels within the Group and represent him at internal/external meetings as required
• Prepare and coordinate content for reports, briefings and position papers, Board Papers, Strategy and Prioritisation events etc.
• Monitor actions on behalf of the Chief Strategy and Investor Relations Officer ensuring issues are resolved to maintain pace
• Develop key messages (internally and externally) on behalf of the Chief Strategy and Investor Relations Officer
• Manage the Chief Strategy and Investor Relations Officer’s cost centres, payroll, and procurement expenses and monitor alignment with Motor budget
• Oversee the smooth running of all matters connected with the Leadership Team Meetings and co-ordinate functional events
• Leadership:
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture across investor relations.
• Overseeing initiatives with the Leadership Team to improve employee engagement and satisfaction