Head of Insurance Risk

DS Smith

Head of Insurance Risk at DS Smith, leading global insurance programmes and ensuring financial integrity across diverse teams. Collaborating on commercial projects to manage insurance and risk effectively.

Posted 6/2/2026full-timeLondon • 🇬🇧 United KingdomLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute the group’s global insurance portfolio (Property, Liability, Cyber, Marine, and Credit), securing optimal coverage and pricing through scale
Define and manage risk transfer vs. retention strategies, including the optimisation of deductibles, SIRs, and the financial governance of captive insurers
Lead the development of our Loss Prevention Information Systems, risk information collection and collation processes, establishing data standards and leveraging analytics to identify emerging risk trends
Oversee all claims management and coordination to ensure efficient handling and timely recoveries, including legacy disease-related claims
Assess the insurance implications of M&A, disposals, and new ventures, while supporting commercial contract reviews to validate insurance requirements
Build and manage strategic relationships with global brokers, insurers, and loss adjusters to enhance operational delivery and strengthen placement negotiations

Requirements

What you’ll need

Professionally qualified (ACII or FCII) or equivalent
Demonstrable progressive risk management experience within a multinational corporate, global broker or major insurer
Extensive knowledge of international insurance markets, captive structures, and industrial manufacturing risk profiles
Strong financial acumen with a proven track record of optimising broker engagement and leading complex placements
Proven ability to translate complex risk matters into business outcomes and influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary
Discretionary bonus
Car allowance
Private healthcare
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
Employee Assistance Programme
Employee Discounts
Cycle to work scheme

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

risk managementclaims managementdata analyticsinsurance portfolio managementdeductible optimisationSIR optimisationfinancial governanceloss prevention information systemsM&A insurance assessmentcommercial contract review

Soft Skills

strategic relationship managementinfluencing stakeholderscross-functional collaborationfinancial acumennegotiation skillscommunication skillsproblem-solvingleadershipanalytical thinkingbusiness outcome translation

Certifications

ACIIFCII