Lead Strategy Associate / Strategy Associate

Markel • Richmond, VA

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

If you’re looking for a place where you can make a meaningful difference, you’ve found it. The work we do at Markel gives people the confidence to move forward and seize opportunities, and you’ll find your fit amongst our global community of optimists and problem-solvers. We’re always pushing each other to go further because we believe that when we realize our potential, we can help others reach theirs. Join us and play your part in something special! Join Markel at a time of transformation and become part of a high‑impact team shaping enterprise strategy and supporting critical decision‑making! We’re looking for a Lead Strategy Associate/ Strategy Associate to join our Richmond‑based Strategy team. In this role, you will report to the Director of Strategy and work closely with the Chief Strategy & Corporate Development Officer. You will partner directly with senior business leaders—including the Insurance CEO, division presidents, and functional heads—to help define Markel’s strategic direction and support execution of key initiatives. You’ll contribute fresh thinking, structured analysis, and insight to some of the most important questions facing the organization. This is a rare opportunity to gain meaningful exposure across the enterprise while developing strong problem‑solving, financial, and communication skills in a fast‑moving, entrepreneurial environment.

Requirements

• Relevant experience: 2+ years experience in management consulting or similar in-house role (experience in insurance is a plus, not a must)
• Problem solving ability: Strong structured problem-solving skills, with the ability to break complex issues into logical components and develop clear recommendations.
• Strong communication skills: Comfortable engaging with senior leaders, craft compelling narratives and able to effectively challenge the status quo to shift the way of thinking
• Team player: Demonstrated collaborative ability, both within immediate team and wider company. Ability to build relationships across functions.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams: Ability to run multiple efforts simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and maintain a flexible, solutions‑oriented mindset.
• Results-oriented growth mindset: Intellectually curious, goals-driven, motivated and a proactive approach to learning both the insurance industry
• Financial Acumen: Strong financial modeling and analytical skills, with high proficiency in Excel.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in business, economics, finance, or a related field.
• US Work Authorization US Work Authorization required. Markel does not provide visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• experience in insurance is a plus, not a must

Responsibilities

• Contributing to continuous development of the overall strategy for Markel Insurance
• Conducting market research, macro‑trend monitoring, and competitive intelligence to help keep senior leadership informed on industry developments and competitor activity.
• Supporting business partners on a broad range of business-critical topics, from product and growth strategies to operational and organizational challenges and opportunities
• Assisting in the preparation of executive‑ready presentations for the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and other senior stakeholders.
• Supporting corporate development activities, including preliminary reviews of acquisition opportunities, market scans, and analytical support across the deal lifecycle.
• Helping drive cross‑functional strategic initiatives, partnering closely with teams across underwriting, operations, finance, and technology.
• Building strong relationships with business leaders to support strategy development, challenge assumptions, and bring data‑driven insight to help them grow their business
• Providing timely, accurate support for ad‑hoc strategic questions from the Chief Strategy & Corporate Development Officer, Insurance CEO, and senior executives.

Benefits

• We offer competitive benefit programs that help meet our diverse and changing environment as well as support our employees’ needs at all stages of life.
• All full-time employees have the option to select from multiple health, dental and vision insurance plan options and optional life, disability, and AD&D insurance.
• We also offer a 401(k) with employer match contributions, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, PTO, corporate holidays and floating holidays, parental leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level