At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee multiple specialty underwriting teams in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Global specialty insurance platform with a high-performing culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: London-based role requiring strong analytical and communication skills.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in specialty insurance with proven leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 € per year.
A highly regarded global specialty insurance platform is seeking a Head of Specialty to oversee a portfolio of established and developing specialty lines, including aviation, energy and broader specialty classes. This is a senior leadership opportunity focused on portfolio oversight, underwriting team management and driving performance across multiple business lines.
Providing strategic oversight, operational discipline and leadership to a high-performing but fast-paced environment. The successful individual will lead several underwriting teams and work closely with senior executives, broker relationship leaders and portfolio stakeholders to ensure delivery against plan, strong governance standards and continued growth across the portfolio.
The business is open-minded on background and would consider individuals from underwriting, broking, actuarial or potentially consulting environments, provided they bring strong specialty market credibility, exceptional organisational capability and proven leadership experience.
Key responsibilities include:
- Oversight of multiple specialty underwriting teams
- Managing and developing underwriting leadership
- Portfolio performance oversight across top and bottom-line metrics
- Governance, controls and underwriting discipline
- Senior broker and stakeholder engagement
- Supporting strategic growth initiatives
- Talent attraction and team development
The environment is entrepreneurial, high-performing and demanding. This role would suit someone commercially sharp, resilient under pressure and comfortable operating at pace within a dynamic leadership team.
Ideal profile:
- 10+ years’ experience within specialty insurance/reinsurance
- Leadership experience across underwriting, broking or actuarial functions
- Strong analytical and commercial capability
- Experience managing senior stakeholders and high-performing teams
- Aviation exposure would be highly advantageous
- Strong presence, credibility and communication skills
- London-based. 5 days in the office
Head of Specialty employer: Avencia Talent Solutions
As a leading global specialty insurance platform, we pride ourselves on fostering an entrepreneurial and high-performing work culture that empowers our employees to excel. With a focus on talent development and strategic growth initiatives, we offer exceptional opportunities for career advancement while ensuring a collaborative environment where innovative ideas thrive. Located in the heart of London, our office provides a dynamic setting for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the specialty insurance sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Specialty
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the specialty insurance world, especially those in underwriting or broking. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s portfolio and recent developments in the specialty lines. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in driving performance and growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong personal brand. Share your insights on platforms like LinkedIn about trends in aviation or energy insurance. This will position you as a thought leader and catch the eye of hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Specialty
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Specialty role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant specialty insurance background to catch our eye!
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, showcasing your strategic oversight and portfolio management skills. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the position!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Quantify your successes in previous roles, especially those related to managing underwriting teams and driving performance. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avencia Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Specialty Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific specialty lines mentioned in the job description, like aviation and energy. Brush up on current trends, challenges, and opportunities in these areas so you can speak confidently about them during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing underwriting teams. Think of situations where you drove performance or navigated challenges, and be ready to discuss how you can bring that same energy to their fast-paced environment.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves senior broker and stakeholder engagement, think about how you’ve successfully built relationships in the past. Be prepared to share strategies you’ve used to maintain strong governance standards and ensure delivery against plans.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
This position requires a sharp commercial mindset. Prepare to discuss how you've used analytical skills to drive portfolio performance and make strategic decisions. Highlight any experience you have with top and bottom-line metrics to show you understand the business side of specialty insurance.
