Head of Operations, Strategy

We are somewhat different

Hannover Re - more than 4,000 employees at locations all over the world.

Our strength? Connecting Power: We rely on each other.

Our purpose? Beyond risk sharing – we team up to create opportunity

As a reinsurer, we protect customers in the event of a claim. This requires customised, innovative solutions. Solutions that worked yesterday may be outdated tomorrow. We challenge ourselves and continuously optimise our services, advice and products. All this makes us one of the leading and most profitable reinsurance groups in the world as well as a reliable employer.

We are a major player in the reinsurance market in Australia and New Zealand and we have the benefit of being small and nimble but with the financial backing of one of the largest reinsurers in the world. We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Property & Casualty branch in Sydney which plays a major part in the success of Hannover Re globally.

You can look forward to
We are seeking a Head of Operations, Strategy & Innovation to join our team. The role will be a permanent position reporting directly to our branch CEO.

About The Role
As the Head of Operations, Strategy & Innovation you will be responsible for working closely with the branch CEO and leadership team on delivering on its strategic ambition and optimising operational performance end to end across the business. Responsible for driving mandates and initiatives on Strategy, Operations, Innovation and Governance.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Liaising with the branch CEO and Leadership team to coordinate, develop, implement, and monitor 3-year strategies, including;
• organizing strategy sessions,
• developing SOAP documents,
• aligning metrics with Group Strategy,
• reporting progress and effectiveness to local leadership.
• Driving operational improvements by identifying opportunities to eliminate waste, duplication, and risk across all business areas.
• Managing data quality and governance as Local Data Protection Officer, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and reporting on strategic KPIs.
• Preparing Branch Steering Board manuals with Finance and managing general project and change initiatives, ensuring governance, prioritization, alignment with Group and effective communication and change management plans.
• Developing and implementing innovation strategies aligned with Hannover Ruck SE and HO Group, facilitating innovative processes, products, and services for evolving client and business needs, and driving AI initiatives with the Hannover Life Re of Australasia AI working group.
• Coordinating governance activities including collaborating with other Hannover Re entities, managing internal and external audits.
• Assessing operational risks with the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, managing third-party relationships, monitoring Modern Slavery compliance, and conducting CPS 234 Risk Assessments.
• Supporting currency and liquidity management, implementing and monitoring investment hedging strategies with the Branch CFO.
• Maintaining Accountability Statements as per FAR requirements.
• Ensuring local policies and procedures (including BCP and CMP) are being regularly reviewed and updated with relevant stakeholders.

You come equipped with
About You
Experience & Qualifications:

• Significant experience in Financial Services at either locally listed or multi-national organisations
• Relevant professional qualifications including degree in either Science, Business, Finance, Economics, Law, Engineering or similar
• Experienced continuous improvement / process improvement and operational excellence professional
• Expert-level knowledge of Project and Change Management and associated methodologies, techniques, processes and approaches
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma techniques
• Budget, cost and profitability management skills
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to juggle multiple goals and deadlines in the context of the big picture
• Excellent organisation, attention to detail and ability to prioritise effectively whilst managing multiple stakeholder groups
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and strong communication skills both verbal and written
• Ability to 'roll up the sleeves' and work effectively in a cohesive team within the parameters of a lean operating culture
• Ability to work within tight deadlines
• Willingness to share and pass on knowledge
• Personal Qualities:
• Strategic
• Resourceful
• Highly self-motivated
• Professional
• Versatile
• Diplomatic

It is a requirement that all applicants have unlimited rights to work in Australia i.e. must either be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency.

What Do We Offer You
Are our values "Responsibility", "Drive" and "We-Spirit" aligned with yours? We foster a culture of respect in our workplace, supporting and encouraging respectful communication and behaviours, acknowledging differences and honouring the people we interact with, taking the time to understand their needs and perspectives.

Atmosphere: You will find an international working environment with short decision channels, an open feedback culture and a sense of community shaped by mutual respect and a readiness to help.

Benefits: We value every individual and consider our people to be important to the success of our business with each of us working together to contribute to a common success. Structured onboarding, hybrid working arrangements, EAP as well as modern offers for personal development and wellness activities, we prioritise employee wellbeing and engagement.

Prospects: You contribute your specialist and methodological expertise, and we offer you fresh input and the opportunity to further develop your potential – including room to come up with innovative ideas and act on them

Only together can we achieve our objectives.

Would you like to find out more about Hannover Re Australia? Visit our careers site: https://www.hannover-

We not only offer a job and a title, but if you are looking for an organisation which values its people and is "Somewhat Different", then we want to hear from YOU All you need to do is hit apply.

No agencies please.