Head of Direct Retail Strategy & Performance

Overview

As Head of Direct Retail Strategy & Performance at AXA Ireland, you will spearhead the strategic vision, transformation efforts, and overall performance for the Direct Retail segment. Reporting to the Director of Direct Retail, you will be integral in charting the future path of this business line by developing and executing actionable strategies, managing large-scale change initiatives, and driving operational excellence and sustainable growth.

You will collaborate with senior leaders both within AXA Ireland and across the wider AXA Group to enhance customer journeys, drive innovation, and ensure the Direct Retail function meets ambitious growth targets. The role involves primarily onsite work in one of AXA's head office locations or client/industry visits.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation, refinement, and communication of Direct Retail strategies aligned with overarching business goals and market needs.
• Convert strategic priorities into defined projects, milestones, and measurable outcomes.
• Keep abreast of market trends, customer behaviors, competitor dynamics, and technology advancements to identify growth opportunities.
• Report strategic insights and recommendations to senior leadership to assist in long-term planning.
• Guide, motivate, and manage the Strategy & Performance team including First Line Risk and Product Owners across ROI and NI.
• Promote a culture fostering accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous development.
• Support workforce growth through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and skill enhancement programs.
• Manage product roadmaps via Product Owners to synchronize with business strategy, customer requirements, and risk standards.
• Oversee transformation projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with time, cost, and benefit targets.
• Focus on initiatives that modernize operations, improve customer satisfaction, and bolster business growth.
• Drive process optimizations to improve operational efficiency and maximize business value.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards including CPC rules, working closely with Compliance and Risk teams.
• Act as a strategic advisor providing performance metrics, insights, and governance for Direct Retail.
• Lead key transversal programs involving AXA Group and external collaborators.
• Monitor emerging innovations including developments like the "contact centre of the future," incorporating relevant research and development.
• Manage financial aspects such as business case development and budgetary planning for strategic initiatives.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum 10 years’ experience within insurance, financial services or related sectors, including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles focused on strategic transformation and performance enhancement.
• Proven track record managing complex change and innovation projects in customer-centered organizations.
• Strong commercial insight with competencies in business planning, budgeting, and performance monitoring.
• Established knowledge of customer journey optimization, risk management, market conditions, and regulatory compliance within insurance or similar regulated industries.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and market innovations impacting retail insurance and customer engagement.
• Exceptional leadership skills, capable of fostering high-performing teams and an inclusive culture.
• Highly developed analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities; adept at translating strategy into actionable results.
• Adaptable and organized, managing competing priorities in dynamic environments.

Educational & Certification Requirements

• Essential: Third-level degree or equivalent qualification.
• Preferred: APA and/or CIP certification; Agile Product Owner or related Agile credentials.

Additional Information

This position is designated as a CF1 role under the Fitness & Probity Regime, implying enhanced background screening. Applicants must have authorization to work in Ireland and/or the United Kingdom.

AXA offers a rewarding package including competitive salary with annual reviews, company and performance bonuses, contributory pension scheme, life assurance, generous leave entitlements, employee discounts, education support, and career development opportunities.

The company embraces flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance and prides itself on an equal opportunity employment approach, welcoming candidates from diverse backgrounds. Employment is contingent upon successful regulatory compliance checks.