Do you have experience running system integrations and leading implementation projects?

Come and join us as our Business Systems Manager and support the NMUK Direct team here at Markel

What part will you play? If you’re looking for a place where you can make a meaningful difference, you’ve found it. The work we do at Markel gives people the confidence to move forward and seize opportunities, and you’ll find your fit among our global community of optimists and problem-solvers. We’re always pushing each other to go further because we believe that when we realise our potential, we can help others reach theirs.

Join us and play your part in something special!

The opportunity:

It’s an exciting time to join Markel as our business grows. We have an exciting new opportunity for a Business Systems Manager to join our team (3 days in the office / 2 days from home). The role is based in our  Manchester office but will involve occasional travel to our Leeds office.

The NMUK Direct Division offer a range of products including professional indemnity, public liability, employers liability, D&O, property, occupational personal accident, legal representation and employment cover, and cyber.  Our distribution channels fall in to 3 key categories; markets which are created through direct to consumer channels; online or via our UK call centre, through our white label introducer network and our most recent development is the creation of our digital partner proposition providing API integrations into Insurtechs or broker platforms.

We have two retail brands that attract customers from different sectors of the micro/SME market. Markel Direct has been running for 10 years and targets multiple sectors including IT, fitness, Therapists, Photographers and Charities & Community Group. Caunce O’Hara offers specialist insurance to contractors, consultants, freelancers, self-employed professionals and to the oil & rail sectors.

We are seeking a highly organised and communicative professional to join our team as a Business Systems Manager. In this role you will work closely with third-party developers to refine processes, enhance efficiency, and recommend improvements. You will be responsible for overseeing our business systems, for optimising business operations and ensuring effective systems management. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of technical, business, and interpersonal skills. They will be technically proficient able to demonstrate a familiarity with software development practices and tools like SQL, and business intelligence applications to improve productivity and business systems efficiencies. You’ll lead efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our core business systems, collaborating with our teams to ensure seamless system functionality and maintain data integrity across operations.

Your key responsibilities will include running system integrations, leading implementation projects, providing expert support, being the subject matter expert for our business systems, conducting audits, identifying improvement opportunities, documenting system configurations and ensuring continuous process development.

What you’ll be doing:

• System management and maintenance:  Oversee the implementation, configuration, and maintenance of our business systems. Ensure all systems are up-to-date and functioning optimally. Integration Efforts: Manage the integration of different business applications to ensure seamless data flow and functionality across the organisation

• Project Workstream Ownership : Lead and manage system-related project workstream, including upgrades, migrations, and new implementations. Develop project/delivery plans, allocate resources, and monitor progress for workstream

• Process Improvement: Find opportunities to enhance system efficiency and business processes. Implement improvements that align with organisational goals

• User Support and Training: Provide technical support to end-users. Develop and deliver training programs, developing user guides to ensure that employees effectively use business systems

• Data Management and Reporting: Ensure data integrity and accuracy within business systems. Generate reports and conduct analysis to support business decisions. Producing IT reports for the executive team, highlighting key metrics and insights

• Compliance and Security: Ensure that all business systems follow industry cyber security regulations and internal security policies. Conduct regular audits and risk assessments with internal departments to maintain security measures

• Collaboration: Work closely with other departments to understand their system needs and provide solutions that enhance productivity and efficiency

• Problem Resolution: Addressing and resolving Business System/IT issues as part of the wider IT support team. Lead the troubleshooting and resolution of system-related issues, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations

• Quality Assurance and Testing: Participate in and oversee testing of systems functionality, data integrity, user competency, process completion, and other tests that support systems delivery quality

Our must haves:

• Experience in insurance or financial services sector

• Outstanding analytical, innovation and problem-solving skills

• Solid verbal and written communication skills to explain complex concepts to non-technical people

• Strong technical background and skilled at developing releases for the implementation of new system solutions

• Strong leadership and team management skills

• Change Management qualities to drive and support the transition of business processes, systems, and technology with minimal disruption and maximum adoption is a critical skill. It involves guiding teams through change, aligning new implementations with organisational objectives, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement

• Excellent organisation skills, while being flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances

• A thorough understanding of computer applications and systems

• The ability to perform well under pressure in a dynamic working environment

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to organise meetings and prepare clear software documentations

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to negotiate with multiple businesses and stakeholders to find solutions for technical challenges

• Excellent critical thinking skills and an open-minded mentality for new ideas. Excellent software development skills such as testing and designing

• Attention to detail and ability to maintain a high level of accuracy. Excellent data analysis skills

• Proficiency in various computer applications

• Undergraduate degree or technical certification

Who we are:

Markel Corporation (NYSE – MKL) a Fortune 500 company with over 60 offices in 20+ countries, is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, specialist advisory and investment operations around the world.

We’re all about people | We win together | We strive for better | We enjoy the everyday | We think further

What’s in it for you:

• A great starting salary plus annual bonus & strong benefits package…

• 25 days paid holiday plus Bank Holidays, with the opportunity to buy / sell extra leave

• Fantastic company pension scheme, private medical and dental cover, life assurance, travel insurance cover, income protection, season ticket loan as well as other great benefits on offer

• There are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career, and we can provide the support needed to do just that!

Are you ready to play your part?

Choose ‘Apply Now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.

Markel celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with all reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful. Please contact us via email at [email protected] or call us at 0161 507 5827 to request any accommodations that may be needed. This includes any alternative formats of any documents or information on how to apply offline.

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