Underwriter – Specialty Lines (m/f/d)

Company

Munich Re

Location

Paris , France

Munich Re’s Speciality business unit responsible for Europe is looking for a highly motivated Underwriter to join our team in Paris.

Munich Re Facultative & Corporate (F&C) combines the worldwide single risk business for property, casualty, financial lines and cyber in one global division with more than €3,7 billion in premium volume across facultative and corporate and with over 700 experts across 20 countries.

We are also located in Paris and responsible for corporate Financial Institution business headquartered in France, and Benelux. Being an integral part of the wider international team responsible for Europe and Global International Placements you will also have touchpoints with other regions including business placed in the London wholesale market.

About the role:

To lead a Specialty Practice in the areas of Financial Institutions (Crime, Professional Liability and Directors’ & Officers’ Liability) and Non-Financial Institution (Commercial Directors’ & Officers’ Liability) products for a portfolio of risks focussed on the French/Benelux Market. The account is currently focused on large and complex business written on both on a lead and support basis.

The successful candidate will have:

• Deep experience underwriting these classes of business
• Existing line management responsibility 
• The ability to develop, articulate and execute a vision and strategy for the Financial & Executive Risks team in Paris
• Broad skills in monitoring and reporting business activity, portfolio performance and developing junior underwriting talent

The job is a front line role with daily broker contact, direct contact with clients and line management responsibility, as well as internal liaison with the London Team, other units within F&C and the broader Munich Re group.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developing F&C’s Specialty’s presence in Paris to service the French, Dutch and Belgian markets;
• Underwrite within a delegated authority a portfolio of large and complex financial and non-financial institutions
• Identify and develop opportunities for new business and new products
• Lead strategic vision and direction of the London Financial & Executive Risks portfolio and provide expert guidance and steering for Paris portfolio.
• Build good working relationships with brokers and clients
• Contribute to the technical development and knowledge within the Financial & Executive Risks team
• Build good working relationships with other Munich Re business units to enhance the position of F&C within the group and to assist in the development of the portfolio
• Client meetings including international travel whenever necessary
• Contribute to the technical development and knowledge within the Financial & Executive Risks team
• Provide underwriting support to other F&C hubs as reasonably requested by the Head of F&C London

Key Skills & Experience:

Essential :

• Experience in underwriting Financial Institutions lines of business and non-Financial Institution Directors’ and Officers’ (Commercial D&O)
• Strong technical competency in these product lines
• Experience developing new / junior underwriters
• Effective and flexible communication skills
• Analytical approach and strategic decision making abilities
• Strong existing relationships with key broker houses, law firms etc
• Knowledge of the legal environment for the classes in the key jurisdictions
• Understanding of policy wordings, including the ability to draft endorsements
• At least five years’ experience in underwriting or broking FI business in the French market
• Effective and flexible communication skills and analytical and decision making abilities
• Cultural awareness

Desirable :

• Specialist French Market underwriting background
• Strong existing client relationships
• Established record of delivery of FI and D&O technical expertise and innovation

Personal Attributes:

• Positive approach and ability to be self-motivated
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team
• Open and flexible outlook towards change and a willingness to embrace it
• Willingness to travel within the France/Benelux region and worldwide as required

Qualifications and Educational Requirements:

• Economic, Insurance, legal or finance background
• Master 2 in Insurance or equivalent (or progress towards)

Competencies:

Drives engagement (we think big) – you create a climate where individuals understand team commitments and the Company ambition. They understand how their role contributes to both and you create an environment where they feel motivated and inspired.

Builds effective teams (we lead the ‘we’) – you build strong-identity teams that work collaboratively, applying their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common commitments.

Values differences (we lead the ‘we’) – you recognise the value that different thoughts, generations, cultures and experiences bring to your team, business unit and wider across the Group. Thus, ensuring that team dynamics are diverse and inclusive.

Balances stakeholders (we grow with our clients) – you can anticipate and balance the needs of multiple stakeholders (internal and external), prioritising effectively, challenging appropriately and ensuring value is provided.

Situational adaptability (we care and dare) – you recognise the need to be flexible and adapt your approach depending on the situation. Whether you are a people manager or technical expert, you lead with empathy, whilst appropriately identifying when to take a stand against complacency and conformity.

Develops talent (we care and dare) – you develop talent to meet both their personal and professional goals, but also the organisation’s goals, identifying opportunities and supporting managers in your team to develop their direct reports (for technical experts this would involve supporting the development of talent).

Instils trust (we are clear and authentic) – you gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity, building strong relationships and inspiring those around you.

Thought Leaders:

You are aware of your role (as a leader) in being able to influence your team structure and culture to promote principles of diversity and inclusion

You strive to continuously educate yourself on best practice for inclusive leadership

You demonstrate and role model inclusive behaviour and encourage your colleagues to play an active role in creating an inclusive culture as well

You support a culture in which high ethical conduct is recognised, valued and embodied by all

You treat everyone fairly and with respect

You are responsible for recruiting new talent within your team, in addition to other people management responsibilities such as task management, providing regular feedback, having continuous conversations, development planning/career discussions etc.

You are also responsible for driving the performance of your team to meet the business’ strategic goals and objectives.

You will consider the impact on the wider business when planning and making decisions.

You will be considered part of the Senior Management Team.

The development of your team is of significant importance to you, you embrace and promote development and act as a Talent Broker, continuously looking for opportunities for them to expand their skills, knowledge and experience.

Regulatory & Conduct Requirements:

• Ensure compliance with Insurance Distribution Directive
• Ensuring compliance with Munich Re’s Code of Conduct and the FCA Conduct Rules

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