Head of Actuarial Development and Analytics in London

Argenta Group is headquartered in London and has a presence in Australia, employing over 280 people globally. We are proud of our unique and rich history of trading in the Lloyd's market, both as a Syndicate and Members' Agency, and to be part of the Hannover Re Group. Our long-standing workforce are our greatest asset; the expertise and knowledge they bring has resulted in our successful track record and continues to shape our future growth strategy.

About the role

The Actuarial Function evaluates business performance by providing the business with clear, risk-based views in order that informed decisions can be made to support business strategy. Reporting to the Chief Actuary, you will provide actuarial leadership and strategic direction for the modernisation of actuarial processes and operating models. This will include the shift from spreadsheet-based processes to scalable database and Python/R solutions, ensuring automation is delivered in a controlled, prioritised, and business-aligned manner.

The role holder will lead the Actuarial Development and Analytics team, accountable for delivering cross-functional actuarial initiatives on behalf of the Chief Actuary, working in close collaboration with the Actuarial and Risk Management teams to drive innovation, continuous improvement, and the consistent application of best practice across the function.

A key part of your responsibilities will be to collaborate with AER (Actuarial, Exposure Management and Risk Management) and develop internal relationships with other departments to aid delivery of projects to be known as the key stakeholder and subject matter expert within the function. You will guide graduate talent, ensuring their development aligns with the team's needs and contributes to overall business performance.

Your key responsibilities will involve:

• Working closely with the Chief Risk Officer, Chief Actuary and Heads of AER teams to shape and deliver cross-functional actuarial initiatives, providing senior actuarial input where complex judgement or coordination across teams is required.
• Providing actuarial cover and resilience across the AER function during periods of transition, absence, or elevated workload.
• Working closely with the Chief Actuary, Chief Risk Officer, and Heads of AER teams to ensure critical actuarial outputs and decision-making are maintained.
• Working with Heads of Actuarial teams to define the technology and data strategy for the Actuarial teams.
• Responsible for governance around technology and to collaborate with IT to ensure alignment with Argenta Group standards.
• Deploying flexible actuarial capacity from the Actuarial Development and Analytics team to absorb surplus, non-standard, or time-bound work that does not sit naturally within established BAU ownership.
• Collaborate proactively with all internal functions, ensuring alignment with other group wide projects and initiatives and provide actuarial support as required.
• Provide support for the Risk team where possible maintaining independence from the other teams within Actuarial for those tasks.
• Leading the transition from spreadsheet-based processes to scalable database and Python/R-driven solutions across Actuarial teams, improving efficiency, data quality, and automation.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational workflows, making recommendations to Heads of Actuarial teams based on current inefficiencies and future needs.
• Collaborate seamlessly with heads of departments across Actuarial teams to develop and execute solutions that drive both operational and strategic goals.
• Lead the development and maintenance of core actuarial processes in line with industry best practices and technological advancements, ensuring continuous improvement and quality control.
• Drive continuous improvements around MI and data quality, including the delivery of visualisation and analysis dashboards.
• Manage and support core databases crucial to Actuarial team activities, ensuring they are up-to-date, reliable, and capable of supporting evolving business requirements.
• Maintain awareness of new technologies and industry trends, ensuring that the team stays ahead of advancements relevant to actuarial work, data science, and process automation.
• Steer the adoption of best practices across the teams, ensuring consistent quality and operational standards are met. This includes coding best practice.
• Providing direction and leading a fully effective and engaged team, including responsibility for resourcing, performance management, coaching and developing team members.
• Undertake any other related duties as may be reasonably required.

Working for a regulated Company, you will be expected to perform your duties to the highest of standards, in accordance with the following Conduct Rules as specified by the FCA:

• You must act with integrity
• You must act with due care, skill and diligence
• You must be open and co-operative with the FCA, PRA and other regulators
• You must pay due regard to the interests of customers and treat them fairly
• You must observe proper standards of market conduct.

Skills & Experience

• FIA qualified/experienced (or equivalent).
• Exceptional knowledge of programming languages e.g. R or Python, databases including coding in SQL and visualisation tools e.g. Power BI.
• Ability to work with the change function.
• Strong understanding of Actuarial methodologies and processes.
• A good understanding of the classes of business underwritten by Syndicate 2121.
• Excellent work ethic, with an exceptional eye for detail and will operate at a professional level at all times.
• Forward thinking with a mind-set to challenge, deliver and succeed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships.
• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proactive individual, who challenges existing processes and is able to influence others.
• Flexible in your approach to work and able to manage and prioritise various diverse, competing projects and workloads in order to deliver in this high performing team.

Behaviours

These five behaviours sit at the heart of how we work at Argenta:

• Supporting each other: Treat each other with dignity and respect, valuing our differences, so we can all be ourselves and achieve our goals.
• Generating creative solutions: We do not settle for things that are not right; we do not walk by, we seek creative solutions.
• Owning the delivery: We set clear objectives and deadlines; we are accountable and own the delivery end to end, knowing others will too.
• High performing professionals, recognising the importance of wellbeing and balance in our lives.
• Building longstanding relationships: Collaboration with our clients and those we work with is key; we work as a team to ensure the best outcomes.