Sustainability Lead – Business Activities 35 views

Role Description

AZ UK is strengthening its focus on driving Sustainability initiatives and activity across the business and therefore is establishing a strong central team of subject matter experts. A Sustainability Lead is needed to specifically focus on driving Sustainability initiatives, ambitions and targets in respect of AZ UK’s Insurance Activities. The role holder will report into the Head of Sustainability, within the CFO Finance Function, and will be the key responsible person for driving Sustainability in AZ UK’s Insurance Activities.

The Lead will contribute to developing and delivering the AZ UK Sustainability Strategy for Insurance Activities, in alignment with the Global Sustainability Strategy and local laws and regulations. The role holder will be the go-to person for all Insurance Activities topics and will proactive implement and drive Sustainability initiatives into business processes, governance structures and functions. To achieve the ambitions and targets the role holder will be required to manage internal and external stakeholders and to collaborate closely with different business functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to developing and delivering Sustainability strategy, ambitions and targets for AZUK’s Insurance Activities that aligns with the Global strategy, enables business growth and meets customers’ needs.
• Take ownership of delivering and managing Sustainable Insurance initiatives that contribute to the net-zero emission ambitions in partnership with business functions, including underwriting portfolio decarbonisation, developing Sustainable Solutions, products and services, Sustainable Claims (decarbonisation of claims) and investment portfolio decarbonisation. Support the business in identifying initiative value, impact, area for improvement and drive and track progress in Sustainable Activities initiatives.
• Establish relevant monitoring and controls of policies, activities and targets for Sustainable Insurance Activities. Ensure quality of reporting is in place for appropriate steering and monitoring of KPIs and targets, including providing transparent and regular updates to key stakeholders.
• Participate in the AZ-UK Sustainability Forum (prev. ESG Steering Group) and Sustainability Working Group to drive and measure progress and embed Sustainability into the business.
• Act as the central point of focus and provider of subject-matter expertise for Sustainable Insurance matters. Monitor and provide insight on future trends, competitor activity and industry developments to maximise Sustainable Insurance opportunities.
• Collaborate and build relationships with internal stakeholders including senior leaders, ExCo Members, function leads and subject matter experts. Work with the business functions to achieve the initiatives and targets.
• Lead interaction and engagement for AZUK with H7 on Sustainable Insurance matters and strategy.
• Contribute to meeting external reporting requirements including TCFD reporting, NFSI reporting, CSRD, ClimateWise and other regulatory reporting requirements for Sustainable Insurance initiatives.
• Assist in running of the Sustainability Champions network to engage employees and increase employee awareness and engagement in Sustainability issues. Work with the Communications colleagues to build awareness, run campaigns and drive engagement.

Skills & Experience

• Data Management and Impact Measurement – experience in non-financial business monitoring and reporting
• Underwriting / Pricing / Product / Claims – Experience in core insurance activities.
• Creative and Innovative Thinking – Proven track record in change management, transformation and strategy development
• Sustainability Technical Knowledge– especially in Insurance activities such as sustainable investment knowledge, regulatory awareness, EU / Green Taxonomy.
• At least 5-7 years’ experience in the UK General Insurance market, including Commercial experience in either underwriting, product, pricing, portfolio management or claims.
• Has previous experience in project management and delivery, including tracking initiatives and reporting / monitoring progress. A strategic mindset, with the ability to understand the detail but also how this feeds into the bigger picture.
• Excellent communication, presentations and influencing and relationship management skills, with a high appreciation, and experience of managing stakeholder expectations and motivations.
• Knowledge, passion and expertise across all aspects of Sustainability.
• Experience and proven track record in reporting to and working with Boards, ExCo and senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Able to navigate within a complex structure and work closely with internal teams.
• A driven, can-do attitude, with a positive mindset and entrepreneurial spirit
• Qualified to 2.1 degree level or equivalent in any discipline OR significant and relevant business experience.
• ACII or equivalent qualified, or making progress towards professional development
• A self-starter who is proactive and can manage their own priorities.
• Goal-oriented with the ability to successfully manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and to meet all deadlines.
• Demonstrable knowledge of ESG frameworks, standards, and trends.
• A passion for teamwork and collaboration