Commercial & Digital Graduate

2026 – Commercial & Digital Graduate Programme

Location: Bexhill

Welcome to Hastings Direct – From our Group HR Director Pam Angel 

We’re a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become the best and biggest in the UK market. We’ve made huge investments in our data and tech capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture. We’re proud of the journey we’re on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues.

We provide insurance for over 4 million customers, but we know there’s even bigger opportunity out there. The fact you’re now reading this job advert means we’ve tempted you to find out more about #lifeatHD – we really hope you like what you see, and you’ll join us to share in the success of the exciting chapter that lies ahead.

Programme overview:

The Commercial, Digital, and Marketing department at Hastings Direct plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and innovation. The department is responsible for managing the end-to-end customer journey, from acquisition to renewal, through cutting-edge digital platforms and effective commercial strategies. With a strong focus on customer needs, the team continuously refines customer experiences, addressing feedback to enhance clarity, navigation, and customer trust. This department is integral to Hastings Direct’s mission of being Britain’s best digital insurer.

This two-year programme is designed to attract our future Hastings leaders, spanning the breadth of our commercial and digital department, allowing you to gain hands-on experience. The programme is made up of three rotations. One of your rotations will be in a digital role, where you will support with optimising our digital journeys which are used by millions of customers each year. You will also spend one of your rotations in a commercial role, where you will experience business cases and help deliver initiatives. Your final rotation could be within the following areas:

• Marketing
• Operations
• Product
• Proposition
• Claims
• And more...

Your leaders will work with you to understand which of these teams would best complement your programme & overall development.

Throughout your placement you will be supported by your team and programme leads, who will offer you leadership development and business acumen coaching. You will also undertake formal training to increase your awareness of the company, industry and regulatory requirements.

Requirements:

• A degree in any discipline pending in 2026 or achieved within the last 2 years
• Hungry for knowledge, curious and innovative
• An independent thinker; confident to constructively challenge and influence the status quo
• Works well with others as a team player
• Excellent communicator with strong organisational ability
• Considers commercial impact in all decision making and outcomes
• Experience with Microsoft Excel or similar numerical analysis tools
• Experience in a customer-service role is desirable but not essential

Unfortunately, we cannot offer visa sponsorship for our graduate programmes, meaning you will need to be able to prove you have right to work in the UK for the full 2-year duration of the programme to be eligible.

As an organisation, we embrace the use of AI as a powerful tool to support our data driven ambitions and enhance the way we work. The use of AI tools to help prepare your CV and cover letter is permitted. However, during the assessment process, it is a requirement that all work be completed independently, without AI assistance. This ensures that we can fairly evaluate each applicant’s own traits, knowledge, skills, and abilities. It’s all about getting to know you.

What we’ll do

• 15th Dec 2026 - Applications open: we will send you a link to complete psychometric testing via Harver
• 4th Feb 2026 - Applications close
• 9th – 22nd Feb 2026 - If successful, you’ll then need to complete an additional assessment / video interview. You’ll receive a new web link for this.
• 5th Mar 2026 - If successful, we will invite you to an in-person Assessment Centre in Leicester
• 17th Mar 2026 - In-Person Assessment Centre in Leicester

Reward:

When you join Hastings Direct, you’ll be making a real contribution to our success. You deserve to share in that success, so alongside a competitive and flexible salary, we offer a benefits package that recognises and rewards your part in our growth.

• Salary - Starting salary will be £35,000 with an increase to be put in place upon completion of year one of the programme.
• Flexible Working – We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach within a reasonable commutable distance so please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail, including days in the office and at home.
• Competitive Bonus Scheme (subject to company and personal performance)
• Healthcare cash plan and private medical insurance
• Pension matched up to 10%
• Free Mortgage Advice
• Access to the Thrive mental health app
• Colleague assistance programme
• 25 days annual leave and social events throughout the year

Our 4Cs principles are simple: we believe by creating the right culture for our colleagues and giving them the right tools to do their job, we’ll deliver good outcomes for every customer, helping us to grow the company profitably and sustainably and allowing us to invest in the communities we serve

We deliver good outcomes for our customers every time by providing great products at the right price with our simple and straightforward service. We treat customers like we want to be treated - fairly, respectfully and with their best interests at heart

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.

At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.

Job posting end date:

04/02/2026