We are exclusively representing a leading specialist insurance organisation on a brand-new contract opportunity for an experienced Head of Underwriting Governance & Controls.

This is a high-impact role focused on establishing a lean but effective First Line of Defence (FLOD) capability, providing Underwriting Leadership with the oversight, assurance and control framework needed to effectively manage risk.

You will be responsible for establishing and embedding an effective underwriting governance and controls framework, including:

• Owning and embedding the Risk & Control Matrix (RACM) for Underwriting.
• Ensuring risks are clearly understood, appropriately quantified and have clear ownership.
• Defining risk appetite and ensuring controls effectively bring residual risk within appetite.
• Establishing efficient governance and reporting to provide senior Underwriting Leadership with a clear aggregated view of risk and control effectiveness.
• Developing an effective assurance framework to assess ongoing control effectiveness and identify corrective actions.
• Establishing an effective FLOD operating model, including opportunities to centralise control activities where appropriate.
• Working with specialist functions to ensure appropriate oversight and assurance where controls sit outside Underwriting.
• Ensuring the organisation can clearly evidence an effective Underwriting First Line of Defence.

We are looking for an experienced Underwriting Governance, Risk & Controls professional with a strong understanding of First Line of Defence frameworks.

You will have:

• Strong experience across underwriting governance, risk and controls.
• Experience establishing or improving FLOD frameworks and operating models.
• The ability to engage, influence and challenge stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive, autonomous and delivery-focused approach.
• The confidence and resilience to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to understand the wider strategic context and drive change accordingly.

This is a brand-new, high-profile contract opportunity offering the chance to shape and establish a significant Underwriting Governance & Controls capability.

You will have genuine ownership and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the organisation's risk management, governance, controls and First Line of Defence framework.

• £820 per day
• Outside IR35
• ASAP start
• 6-month initial contract – likely extension to 12 months
• London
• Hybrid – 2 days per week in the London office