Reporting to the Head of Investments, UK, and working closely with the UK Investment Leadership Team, the Chief of Staff will drive the delivery of the UK Investment strategy, business planning and governance agenda. You will act as a trusted adviser to the Head of Investments, UK, making sure the leadership team runs effectively, decisions are well informed and priorities are turned into action across the business.
The role is highly collaborative, partnering with UK Investment leaders, business partners in Finance, Risk, Legal & Compliance and HR, as well as Wealth leaders across the EMEA region as required, to align priorities, strengthen governance and support profitable growth.
In this role the successful candidate will be expected to be based in the UK and be present/visible in various UK offices on a regular basis.
Aon is in the business of better decisions
At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world.
As an organisation, we are united through trust as one inclusive team and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.
Responsibilities will include:
- Lead the annual and three-year business planning cycles for UK Investment, coordinating input from across the leadership team and making sure plans align with the broader Aon UK, EMEA and Global Wealth strategy.
- Design and facilitate strategy sessions and leadership offsites, translating outcomes into clear priorities, owners and timelines.
- Coordinate regular business performance reviews, partnering with Finance to produce insightful management information on progress against plan, key metrics and emerging risks.
- Track the delivery of strategic initiatives, escalating issues and recommending corrective action where needed.
- Own and maintain the UK Investment governance framework, making sure committee structures, terms of reference and delegated authorities remain fit for purpose.
- Coordinate the preparation, quality review and timely circulation of ExCo, Board, UK Investment Business Risk Committee (IBRC) and AIL Risk and Compliance Committee (RCC) papers, working with paper owners to make sure content is clear and decision-ready.
- Support the Board and its committees by managing forward agendas, annual cycles of business and action and decision logs, making sure actions are tracked through to completion.
- Lead periodic governance and committee effectiveness reviews, recommending and implementing improvements.
- Prepare Board packs, executive summaries and reports for the Head of Investments, UK, distilling complex information into clear messages and recommendations.
- Lead meeting preparation for the Head of Investments, UK, including agendas, briefing notes and follow-up on actions.
- Act as a sounding board to the Head of Investments, UK, helping to prioritise their time and managing stakeholder interactions on their behalf where appropriate.
- Lead or support cross-functional projects and ad hoc strategic priorities as directed by the Head of Investments, UK.
Knowledge, skills, experience, and attributes to help you succeed in this role:
- Experience in a Chief of Staff, strategy, business management, governance or similar role within financial services, ideally in investment management, asset management or fiduciary management.
- Strong understanding of corporate governance in a regulated firm, including how Boards and committees operate, and of the FCA regulatory environment, including the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR).
- Proven ability to run business planning cycles and translate strategy into measurable plans, KPIs and management information.
- Excellent writing skills, with experience drafting Board papers, leadership reports and executive summaries for senior and non-executive audiences.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, comfortable interpreting budget, P&L and performance data.
- Highly organised, with strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Handles highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion and sound judgement.
- Confident using data and digital tools (e.g. Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI) to produce clear, insightful reporting.
- Knowledge of the UK investment market, including pension scheme investment and fiduciary management, is desirable.
- Understanding of and commitment to the regulatory and statutory responsibilities of an FCA-regulated firm.
Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
- Trusted adviser with the credibility to challenge and influence senior leaders.
- Team player able to collaborate, influence and integrate within a fast paced environment.
- Structured, analytical thinker with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach.
- Proactive and forward-thinking, anticipating issues before they arise.
- Resilient to change and able to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Champion of diversity within the workplace.
- Ability to build credibility and strong relationships at all levels, including the Board, ExCo and senior leaders within the UK and more widely.
