Director, Head of Catastrophe Research & Validation

Director, Head of Catastrophe Research & Validation

Full-Time 100000 - 130000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
American International Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead AIG’s Catastrophe Model Research & Validation Team and drive innovative risk strategies.
  • Company: Join a global leader in insurance solutions with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
  • Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic culture that values inclusion, collaboration, and continuous learning.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on global catastrophe risk modelling and climate change initiatives.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in catastrophe research, strong programming skills, and a relevant advanced degree.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 € per year.

Join us as a Director, Head of Catastrophe Research & Validation to take your career to the next level with a global market leader.

How you will create an impact

This role will lead AIG’s Catastrophe Model Research & Validation Team. The job holder will lead the development of AIG’s internal view of risk for Natural Catastrophe, Terrorism, and other First Party Perils. Working with the Head of Catastrophe Risk Management and other Analytics Leaders, the job holder will define strategy and implement industry leading analytics, research practices, and model development. The role offers high visibility and the opportunity to interact with and advise senior management across the business functions, as well as an ability to influence global catastrophe risk modelling and exposure management efforts.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

  • Lead AIG’s Global Catastrophe Model Validation function, managing and mentoring a team of managers and scientists in the US & London and at our offshore team in India.
  • Work with Global Actuarial Leadership to define a vision, strategy, and standardised best practice for AIG’s view of risk worldwide.
  • Lead end to end catastrophe model evaluation across the company.
  • Define and implement the AIG View of Risk.
  • Validate new and existing vendor models.
  • Propose adjustments to vendor out of the box views.
  • Implement model change and upgrades.
  • Maintain close relationships with Reinsurance Broker and Model Vendor partners, and leverage their insights and experience to benchmark AIG’s own View of Risk.
  • Lead AIG’s assessment of climate change and impacts to climate related perils worldwide, providing thought leadership on topics related to climate change and climate variability.
  • Lead AIG’s climate change engagement with regulators such as the PRA, Lloyd’s, Japan FSA, and multiple State Regulators in the United States.
  • Work with Enterprise Risk Management partners to ensure view of risk principles are clearly documented and communicated in line with AIG’s model risk management policies.
  • Drive short and medium term efforts to transform internal catastrophe modelling process.
  • Closely collaborate with functions such as Risk Engineering, Actuarial, Underwriting, and ERM to share insights and best practices across the organisation.
  • Partner with the Data Office on strategic data initiatives, including supporting vendor/data provider capability assessments and contract reviews.
  • Drive a culture that promotes collaboration and accountability within a diverse and inclusive environment.

What you'll need to succeed:

  • 10+ years of experience in catastrophe research or model development, with hands on knowledge of multiple model vendors, and preferably experience at an Underwriting company.
  • PhD or Master’s degree in Climate Science, Natural Hazards, Applied Statistics, or a related subject.
  • Strong programming skills such as R, Python, and SQL.
  • Experience at an Underwriting Company or a Broker is a bonus - a demonstrated understanding of the importance of modelling to the Underwriting process is essential.
  • Comprehensive understanding of the science of catastrophe modelling, and hands on experience writing model reviews and validation for internal stakeholders and regulators.
  • In-depth knowledge of catastrophe models including their strengths and weaknesses.
  • A thorough understanding of climate change and its impact on insurance, and demonstrated experience presenting and discussing catastrophe risk research in internal and external forums.
  • Proven experience developing personal networks and leveraging relationships with brokers, vendors, and other market colleagues to stay ahead of trends and developments in the cat modelling industry.
  • Someone who is proactive, and challenges existing processes, can influence others and drive a process to a conclusion while meeting critical deadlines.
  • An ability to communicate technical concepts in a non-technical manner, to a wide range of audiences.
  • Experience managing multiple on-the-go projects, including prioritisation and planning, and developing strategic roadmaps.
  • Strong people management and team development skills.

At AIG, we value in-person collaboration as a vital part of our culture, which is why we ask our team members to be primarily in the office. This approach helps us work together effectively and create a supportive, connected environment for our team and clients alike.

Enjoy benefits that take care of what matters

At AIG, our people are our greatest asset. We know how important it is to protect and invest in what’s most important to you. That is why we created our Total Rewards Program, a comprehensive benefits package that extends beyond time spent at work to offer benefits focused on your health, wellbeing and financial security—as well as your professional development—to bring peace of mind to you and your family.

Reimagining insurance to make a bigger difference to the world

American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a global leader in commercial and personal insurance solutions; we are one of the world’s most far-reaching property casualty networks. It is an exciting time to join us — across our operations, we are thinking in new and innovative ways to deliver ever-better solutions to our customers. At AIG, you can go further to support individuals, businesses, and communities, helping them to manage risk, respond to times of uncertainty and discover new potential. We invest in our largest asset, our people, through continuous learning and development, in a culture that celebrates everyone for who they are and what they want to become.

Welcome to a culture of inclusion

We’re committed to creating a culture that truly respects and celebrates each other’s talents, backgrounds, cultures, opinions and goals. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging through learning, cultural awareness activities and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). With global chapters, ERGs are a cornerstone for our culture of inclusion. The talent of our people is one of AIG’s greatest assets, and we are honored that our drive for positive change has been recognized by numerous recent awards and accreditations.

AIG provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected categories. AIG is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants and employees with disabilities. If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please send an email to candidatecare@aig.com.

Director, Head of Catastrophe Research & Validation employer: American International Group

AIG is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a comprehensive Total Rewards Program that supports health, financial security, and professional development. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and inclusion, AIG fosters a vibrant work culture in London where innovative ideas thrive, and employees are empowered to influence global catastrophe risk modelling. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the insurance industry.

American International Group

Contact Detail:

American International Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director, Head of Catastrophe Research & Validation

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.

Show Off Your Expertise

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your knowledge in catastrophe research and modelling. Share insights from your experience and discuss how you can add value to their team.

Prepare for Interviews

Do your homework before interviews! Understand the company’s approach to catastrophe risk and think about how your skills align with their needs. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your past work and how it relates to the role.

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at AIG.

We think you need these skills to ace Director, Head of Catastrophe Research & Validation

Catastrophe Research
Model Development
Climate Science
Natural Hazards
Applied Statistics
R Programming
Python Programming

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Director, Head of Catastrophe Research & Validation. Highlight your experience in catastrophe research and model development, and don’t forget to showcase your programming skills in R, Python, and SQL!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your understanding of climate change impacts and how your experience aligns with AIG’s vision and strategy.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, make sure to highlight your people management and team development skills. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven collaboration in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at American International Group

Know Your Models Inside Out

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the catastrophe models you'll be discussing. Familiarise yourself with their strengths and weaknesses, and be ready to explain how they impact underwriting processes. This will show your expertise and help you engage in meaningful conversations.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your experience in driving collaboration and accountability within diverse teams.

Stay Current on Climate Change Trends

Given the role's focus on climate change impacts, be prepared to discuss recent developments in this area. Research current trends and how they relate to catastrophe modelling. This will not only showcase your knowledge but also your proactive approach to staying ahead in the industry.

Communicate Clearly and Effectively

You'll need to convey complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences. Practice explaining your work in simple terms, ensuring that even non-technical stakeholders can grasp the key points. This skill is crucial for influencing decision-making and gaining buy-in from senior management.