eFinancialCareers

• Company

  VMA Group

• Location

  UK-London

• Remuneration

  £Competitive Salary + Attractive Benefits

• Position Type

  Employee

• Employment type

  Full time

• Updated

  03 Sep 2008

• eFC Ref no

  449812

Overview of role:

• Monitor, identify and address issues that may impact the market rating both long and short term

• Relationship management of the rating agencies ensuring that the flow of information to the agencies is beneficial for the rating

• Responsibility for management of the rating review processes

• Manage any other ad hoc rating agency related issues

• Support the Investor Relations function as required

Major responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Develop strong relationships internally and externally in order to facilitate/enhance the rating process. Maintain trust and motivate support for the R&IR function.

• Use independent judgement when handling communications such that information is presented clearly and in–line with the Company brand, strategy, legal/compliance guidelines, etc.

• Manage or participate in any project work related to improving the efficiency/effectiveness of the Ratings & IR function.

• Assist in building organisation-wide focus on achieving/maintaining target market ratings,

• Identify key drivers impacting the Company’s market rating o Communicate key rating drivers to wider organisation o Encouraging consideration of rating impact in strategic decision making

• Take responsibility for raising potential issues with Company senior management

• Plan and prepare for the Annual Review week/Interim reviews determining what info will be relevant to the rating agencies/ be of benefit to the rating.

• Drive periodic review of ratings targets and rating agency relationships

• Monitor changes in rating methodology.

• Act as a relationship manager/point of contact for managing agency (market) Ratings representatives

• Support the Head of Ratings & Investor Relations (R&IR) with the management of IR and competitor analysis activities when required.

Skills, knowledge and experience:

• Extensive experience of the insurance industry.

• Knowledge of the rating process and analysis conducted by rating agencies.

• Understanding of the financial structure and operations of the underwriting market and insurance industry.

• Detailed knowledge of accounting methods and financial statement analysis through financial education and experience in working with financial concepts in a business environment.

• Excellent communication skills with ability to effectively communicate messages (oral or written) to various audiences. These skills will have been developed through experience in a demanding working environment.

• Effective negotiator; handling difficult situations tactfully and managing expectations when required. Very important, could have significant implications if managed inappropriately.

• Well-rounded University-level education required, with strong business/financial analysis component.

For further information on this role or if you would like to discuss other career opportunities please contact Laura Hayter quoting reference no: 0807-118

We are currently working on a number of IR assignments, both senior and junior levels - for further information as to how we can help you to find the ideal candidate or if you wish to move job please contact Laura Hayter or Johanna Magnelin on 0207 436 4243 or lhayter@vmagroup.co.uk / jmagnelin@vmagroup.co.uk

VMA Group is one of the UK's leading Executive Search and Selection companies specialising in Investor Relations and Communications.