Job Description

Description

The Business Unit Director "BUD" has responsibility for the business unit to implement operational strategy to support our ambition to become the accepted market leader in this service line.

The BUD must maximise potential growth, deliver operational change and fully utilise technical skill and ensure all work carried out in the unit is handled:at an optimum level of profitability to a high level of quality with an engaged and motivated team where individuals are given every opportunity to maximize their potential.
The role requires the successful candidate to work collaboratively with all key stakeholders in this area and wider business (technical, file handling, sales & growth, client management, operations, people leads and support functions) to successfully effect and drive change.

To drive the strategy of the business within the remit of the role specifically to support changes in working practices required of the business, lead projects, growth of the areas, deliver the highest levels of client service, results, people engagement and commerciality.

To be an engaging and innovative leader.

Key Responsibilities

Operations

Manage day-to-day operations of the business unit and have accountability for the delivery of People, Client Service, Quality, Capacity and Financial performance including:

Ensuring the unit has appropriate processes in place so the quality of work delivered meets any internal and external client requirements/benchmarks, including compliance with the firm's quality management procedures

Implementing plans to adopt and integrate best practice and continuous improvement, working with other areas of the business/offices where similar work is undertaken

Ensure the unit has the appropriate resources to deal effectively & profitably with the work in the unit and to support future growth and to liaise with Sales/Client/Growth colleagues to develop a talent and headcount pipeline that fully supports the sales growth strategy for the area

Ensure the unit has a comprehensive and effective programme of training, development and supervision to support induction and progression

Driving a consistent and effective structure of communication across the unit including regular team meetings, 1 to 1 meetings, performance reviews and career development discussions

Drive the successful implementation of firm-wide and area specific projects and action plans while delivering the company's financial and commercial objectives Deliver operational excellence, implementing improvements that gain competitive advantage Develop a culture that supports our values, excellent service, people engagement, innovation and continuous improvement in alignment with company strategy. Drives the development of individuals to reach their full potential working in conjunction with Technical Manager, Partners and lead file handlers. Establish and implement strategic targets, KPIs and other measures that provide a tangible demonstration of continuous performance.

Change

Develop and execute communication plans across the business unit in line with the firm-wide strategy Championing and implementing ideas for new or improved modes of delivery or products to the existing and future client base working with key technical and sales/client/growth colleagues Analyse and critique current processes, evaluating new opportunities to 'think outside the box' in the use of technology, resource or operating models to accelerate the firm's capabilities to be best in class whilst delivering improved profitability

People development

Develop and maintain a succession plans supported by effective PDP's for all key roles in these area. Develop and maintain Competency Development Frameworks and Career Pathways for all roles in this area. Mentor and develop competencies of all Team Leaders in this area to next level. Develop a performance culture within the teams, ensuring individuals have agreed Objectives and KPIs and a clear focus achieving objectives and maximising performance

Working hours & location:

35 hours per week

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch. Whilst the core working hours are 9.00 am to 5.00 pm the BUD will be expected to work such hours as are necessary to achieve their objectives and it is expected that if the demands of work require it, longer hours will be worked to achieve these expectations.

Primary location for this role is the Liverpool Office however travel may be necessary to other offices nationally as required by the business.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Essential Skills & Attributes

Be an experienced Business Unit Director, Deputy Business Unit Director or equivalent with motor and casualty legal knowledge Thorough understanding and practical experience of claims handling Have a proven track record of results in leading change and a commitment to delivering a high-quality service Have demonstrable experience of working collaboratively with key stakeholders Experience of leadership and management with influencing skills, where emotional astuteness will be important attributes The ability to inspire others to give their best The ability to objectively review performance and provide developmental feedback Proven ability to explore and challenge team structures to improve efficiency, effectiveness and profitability Understanding of business financial measures and an ability to express the benefits of initiatives in financial terms Excellent analytical skills that can be used to review and improve performance

Desirable

Technical Knowledge/experience in this field, Pre Litigation and Litigation Experience Experience in capacity planning Experience in financial budgeting, forecasting and pricing in both an hourly rate and fixed fee environment Experience of financial management of a team or unit driving improvement in productivity, costs, cycle times and hours worked

Required Personal Qualities:

Able to embrace change and to engage others in a similar philosophy Strong influencing and persuasive skills, able to persuade others of his/her/their point of view An effective delegator with attention to operational excellence, but a high degree of pragmatism Ability to recognise own knowledge and development gaps and to take proactive steps to upskill. Ability to remain calm under pressure Ability to foster team working Good attention to detail and passionate about service delivery, but keeps a sense of perspective and aligns operations to the agreed strategic imperatives of the firm Communicates a sense of purpose and urgency, inspiring loyalty and motivating others to give of their best Commercial acumen for determining cost-efficient processes, intelligence, decisiveness, resilience, clear thinker and strong leadership ability Outgoing personality, achieving results and finding solutions Role model for Davies values

Job Benefits

Davies Incentive Plan 25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days) Family Cover Private Medical Insurance (Bupa) - will automatically be at single cover level but can opt into family option within first month of joining. Simply Health Care Cash Plan WeCare - 24/7 online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing covering a whole host of topics to do with health, mental health, wellbeing & healthy living and financial & legal wellbeing Death in Service Critical Illness Cover PHI/Income Protection (Private health insurance) Pension Contribution based 5% Employee / 3% Employer Cycle to Work Scheme
Tech Scheme
Season Ticket Loan
Gym Flex
Access to Online Discount Sites Discounted Gourmet Society Membership Discounted Tickets for Merlin Attractions nationwide Discounts at local retail outlets after successfully completing probation

About Keoghs

Keoghs is the leading provider of legal and claims solutions to insurers, businesses and other suppliers to the insurance sector. We manage more than 1bn worth of insurer claims and resolve in excess of 100,000 claims per year working in partnership with leading insurers, MGAs, brokers, corporates and the public sector.


With more than 50 years' experience we have an in-depth understanding of the insurance claims process, enabling us to contain and lower litigation rates, shorten claims lifecycles and reduce overall claims costs. We combine proven processes, technology and low cost infrastructure with extensive legal and insurance market knowledge. This enables us to create individual solutions for each of our clients that match their requirements in terms of quality, performance and value for money.

We invest heavily in specialised services, technology and innovation for our insurance clients, and we are the first to launch a true artificial intelligence (AI) insurance lawyer. Through our proprietary AI lawyer, Lauri, we've transformed the claims handling process for low-value personal injury claims; we've reduced claim lifecycles and reduced costs for our clients. Supported by commercial acumen and innovative products, Keoghs leads the way in providing legal solutions to the insurance industry.