Head of Underwriting Management in Slough

About Argenta

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

Reports to the Underwriting Director/ Active Underwriter Syndicates 2121 & 6134, responsible for the oversight of underwriting performance of the Syndicates. Produces management information supporting driving underwriting performance and the execution of the underwriting strategies. Acts as the contact point for queries raised by the Lloyd's Underwriting Performance Department. Management of the Assistant Underwriting Manager and Underwriting Analyst. This is a Certified position under the Senior Manager Certification Regime (SMCR).

Key responsibilities

• Supports the Underwriting Director/ Active Underwriter Syndicates 2121 & 6134, by assessing underwriting performance across ASML. Works with the underwriting teams in identifying areas of concern, taking appropriate steps to remediate.
• Monitoring performance relative to business plans, including any deviations from planned line sizes, aggregate exposure and modelled losses, and recommending remedial action.
• Attends weekly underwriting meetings and the monthly URCC meetings to ensure oversight of performance. Review, analyse and challenge the risks written and the performance of the underwriters.
• Creates accurate and timely reports and management information on the underwriting performance for all Syndicates managed by ASML.
• Ensures the production and submission to Lloyd's of the annual Syndicate Business Forecasts (SBF) and supplementary information.
• Assists with the reserving process for all ASML Syndicates. Attends reserving meetings and challenging ultimate premiums, loss projections and adequacy of reserves.
• Oversees the application of the price modelling tools and co-ordinating and enforcement of the agreed PBQA process, delegated underwriting authority process and peer review processes.
• Reviewing and signing-off all regular underwriting reports and returns that are required to be presented formally within ASML or submitted to Lloyd's or other regulators.
• Establishing the Business Plan timetable in conjunction with other departments and co-ordinating the delivery of the plan to that timetable, including Business Plan data feed into the internal model.
• Overseeing the application of the agreed Underwriting Controls and Guidelines and the Lloyd's Minimum Underwriting Standards.
• Overseeing and reviewing the output from and the development of the Risk MOT.
• Providing direction and leading a fully effective team, including responsibility for resourcing, performance management, coaching and developing team members.
• Drive continuous improvements to processes. 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 and experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent. ACII qualified, preferable.
• Proven London Market experience of underwriting review and analysis, with broad class knowledge, at a senior level.
• Deep knowledge of underwriting information, with demonstrable experience of analysing this information and interpreting results.
• Excellent knowledge of the regulatory Lloyd’s environment and a good understanding of Lloyd's Minimum Underwriting Standards.
• Sound understanding of Company, PRA, FCA, Lloyd's and other Regulators' compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of underwriting systems, including Binder Cloud.
• Business planning experience and strong analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build rapport and engage with a range of stakeholders.
• Experience of managing people.
• Advanced Excel skills (VBA).
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and work-streams simultaneously.

Behaviours

• 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.
• Being Committed: 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.