Head of MR-Specialty, Australia

At Munich Re Specialty – Global Markets (MRS-GM), it is our ambition to become the leading Primary Specialty Insurance provider, underpinned by an effective and adaptable strategy, superior products and industry leaders working in a supportive environment to achieve this.

At the heart of our success is a strong culture where people are encouraged to be present, bold and curious, allowing them to achieve their individual goals.

Head of MRS-GM Australia (Managing Director, MRS-GM Australia)

Munich Re Specialty was formed as a stand-alone division in 2023, and brings together the wider Munich Re group’s primary specialty business units. Complementing an already strong presence in the UK and the US, Munich Re Specialty – Global Markets (MRS-GM) has been tasked with executing a wider plan to build a broader International footprint.

The head of MRS-GM Australia is responsible for creating and executing a comprehensive strategy for the Australia market, including:

- Develop long-term relationships with global, regional and local brokers to drive business to MRS-GM.
- Put “boots on the ground” - recruiting and developing a local team, starting with underwriters.
- Implement a scalable, efficient operating model in Australia that can effectively facilitate our further growth plans in Australia/New Zealand, and potentially the broader APAC region.
- Be the face and voice of MRS-GM in Australia.
- Work effectively and collaboratively with other entities of the Munich Re Group operating in Australia.

The Role

Overall responsibility for establishing and growing MRS-GM’s presence in the Australian market.

To ensure that MRS-GM employs effective underwriting teams that support and comply with the business plan for Australia and that Lines of Business (LoB) are profitably underwritten.

To facilitate maximum return on investment for MRS-GM while maintaining the company’s reputation and integrity, demonstrating care for customers and respect for its regulatory obligations.

Responsibilities

General Responsibility

- In close collaboration with the MRS-GM Senior Management, create and execute a comprehensive strategy for the Australian / New Zealand market.
- Develop long-term relationships with global, regional and local brokers to drive business to MRS-GM.
- Put “boots on the ground” - recruit and develop a local team, starting with underwriters in the relevant Line of Businesses.
- Implement a scalable, efficient operating model that can effectively facilitate our further growth plans in APAC.
- Actively engage with all stakeholders in the international organization and Munich to ensure that all best UW and business practices of Munich Re are known and applied.
- Actively develop and implement the data strategy of the company with the aim to foster a data culture and promote data-driven decision-making processes.

Leadership:

- Be the face and voice of MRS-GM in Australia.
- Recruit, lead and motivate direct reports to implement our Australian business strategy, global underwriting strategy and product-led philosophy / mindset.
- Co-ordinate and maintain the underwriting team/s to achieve business objectives and targets, ensuring that they fulfil operational and regulatory requirements.
- Support staff development by objective setting via continuous conversations approach.
- Ensure Divisional knowledge sharing & industry best practice to build our underwriting capability and the knowledge of our staff.
- Conduct and develop effective relationships with both Lloyd’s & Regional Brokers/ Great Lakes and key clients, to secure new business and strengthen existing trading relationships that falls within the Underwriting business plan.
- Conduct and develop effective relationships with Local & Regional Market peers, to keep abreast of market developments that may affect trading effectiveness.
- Produce ad-hoc management reports as and when required.
- Ensure that company procedures and systems are followed and maintained for the account, as per procedures and compliance manuals.
- Conduct peer review, ensuring compliance with the business plan and adherence to authority limits.

Help drive forward good conduct for the business to deliver the best outcomes for customers / policyholders.

Key Skills & Experience

- Extensive, proven experience as a successful business leader in the primary insurance industry, with a sustained record of business development execution, in particular of delivering results internally and value to clients.
- An influential business leader, well-connected and highly regarded within the Australian insurance market with a portfolio of strong broker relationships.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills within a regulated financial services business to become the approved person in the role.
- Develop and maintain market awareness, implement innovative changes that impact our business positively.
- Ability to develop, articulate strategic plans to gain and maintain market share, and to inspire teams to achieve ambitious goals.
- Ability to consistently exercise sound judgment and solve complex problems through a combination of analysis, wisdom, judgment, and experience.
- Entrepreneurial, can-do attitude, naturally curious about “what’s next”.
- Ability to gain credibility with senior individuals, through technical and business leadership combined with professional integrity, both within and outside of the company.
- A multicultural and international mindset with excellent people, change and conflict management skills, and strong emotional intelligence. Able and willing to work closely with (and be overseen by) colleagues in London.
- Solution-oriented and commercial – “how can we make this work” rather than “I have to follow procedure”.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal and people skills as this person will be the “glue” that holds the Australia operation together (and the face of it).

Qualifications

- University Degree and/or relevant professional qualification.

Your career with us

At MRSG, you’ll find the flexibility, development and support you need to excel your career combined with a competitive salary and a benefits package that promotes wellbeing and work-life balance, on top of the standard features that include a non-contributory pension, private medical care, life assurance and more

Diversity & Inclusion

Creating an inclusive environment is a crucial part of the Munich Re culture, and we are committed to our Diversity & Inclusion Policy. We also seek to provide a fair and supportive work environment which provides learning and development opportunities for all.

Working together, we are an employer of choice by building the workforce for today and the future. We make it happen. Together.

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