Underwriting Strategy and Innovation Manager

About the Team

The role will collaborate closely with a talented team of underwriters and business partners to establish and maintain a market-leading underwriting brand. We are seeking someone with a strategic mindset who can effectively engage with clients, providing support across operational and strategic areas. This includes addressing hot topics and their implications for our Canadian Life & Health Reinsurance business.  The role reports to the Head of Life & Health Underwriting and Claims of Canada and English Caribbean and will be part of the Underwriting and Claims Leadership Team.   

About the Role

As an Life and Health Underwriting Strategy and Innovation Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving innovation, strategic planning, and growth initiatives within our reinsurance division. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to identify emerging trends, develop innovative solutions, and shape our strategic direction in the dynamic life and health insurance landscape.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of innovative reinsurance underwriting solutions tailored to address the evolving needs of our clients and the market.
• Identify emerging trends, technologies, and opportunities in the life and health insurance industry, assessing their potential impact on reinsurance strategies.
• Cultivate a culture of innovation within the organization, promoting creativity, experimentation, and continual improvement.
• Collaborate with underwriting and claims leadership to define and communicate the team's strategic vision and objectives.
• Conduct strategic analyses, market assessments, and competitive intelligence to guide decision-making and resource allocation.
• Develop actionable strategic initiatives and roadmaps to drive business objectives and foster sustainable growth.
• Cultivate and nurture strong client relationships and a robust market presence, leveraging them to capitalize on business opportunities.
• Represent Swiss Re at client engagements and within the wider Canadian life and health insurance sector, showcasing expertise and thought leadership on underwriting matters.
• Champion core growth and efficiencies through automation processes and effective business management in underwriting and claims.
• Shape Swiss Re's response to emerging risks, trends, medical advancements, and regulatory shifts impacting underwriting and claims.

About You

• Demonstrate strategic vision for the underwriting function and effectively communicate this vision to stakeholders.  
• Proven track record as a change agent, adept at driving and executing transformative initiatives in underwriting. 
• Foster a positive working culture emphasizing collaboration, performance, and professional development.
• Earn trust and respect through effective, empathetic leadership, and active listening.
• Exhibit unwavering personal accountability for decisions and outcomes, unafraid to challenge conventional approaches.
• Engage with senior leaders and stakeholders, conveying complex ideas with clarity and confidence.
• Embrace innovation, challenging the status quo, and exploring unconventional ideas or approaches.
• Possess extensive and diverse experience in life and health underwriting, claims, product development, or strategic planning (10+ years).
• Apply analytical skills to synthesize complex information, analyze market trends, and derive actionable insights.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, influencing stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Possess a strategic mindset, anticipating future trends and developing innovative solutions to address business challenges.
• Previous leadership roles and tertiary qualifications are preferred.
• Showcase strong project management acumen, adept at managing multiple priorities and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
• Effective communication skills in English are required, with proficiency in French considered advantageous but not mandatory.