At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mortality pricing and portfolio management for UK & Ireland, shaping reinsurance solutions.
- Company: Join Swiss Re, a global leader in reinsurance with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and global benefits package.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the insurance market while engaging with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Qualified actuary with strong experience in Life & Health reinsurance and mortality pricing.
The predicted salary is between 92000 - 138000 £ per year.
About the Role
In this high-impact, client-facing role, you will play a leading role in shaping reinsurance solutions across the UK & Ireland protection market. You will apply your technical actuarial and modelling expertise across new business pricing, portfolio monitoring, and strategic initiatives in the UK&I market as well as working closely with clients and senior colleagues across Swiss Re’s global network. The role offers significant commercial exposure, alongside direct engagement with senior stakeholders across the business, providing a platform to influence pricing decisions, portfolio performance, and market strategy. You will also represent Swiss Re externally, contributing to the firm’s market presence through client interactions and industry events. This is a line management role with three direct reports.
Main Activities
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients’ pricing and reinsurance teams, acting as a trusted partner across new business and portfolio monitoring matters.
- Lead the development and management of Terms of Trade for UK & Ireland, Life & Health protection products, primarily across individual and group mortality.
- Own the development of pricing assumptions, ensuring they are robust, evidence-based, and aligned with portfolio experience and market strategy.
- Lead pricing of traditional reinsurance tenders across new and established products, taking ownership of recommendations and associated sign‑off within agreed authority.
- Work with clients on pricing and product development opportunities, providing commercial insight and solutions.
- Shared accountability for the U.K.&I in‑force portfolio, including rate reviews, recaptures, benefit changes, and broader optimisation actions.
- Monitor mortality portfolio performance and deliver clear management reporting to senior stakeholders, highlighting key risks and opportunities.
- Represent the Market Unit as local mortality portfolio owner within Swiss Re's global forum, contributing to pricing, portfolio, and market strategy.
- Lead and develop a small team, ensuring high-quality delivery and a strong performance culture.
About the Team
Our London-based Life & Health pricing team delivers reinsurance pricing across a wide range of products in the UK & Ireland insurance markets, alongside in‑force portfolio management and performance monitoring activities. We work closely with colleagues across client management, underwriting, claims and reporting teams, ensuring a collaborative and integrated approach. Our team is diverse, driven, and characterised by a strong sense of community. We tackle complex and challenging work with a shared commitment to high standards, maintaining a culture that is curious, supportive, and encourages continuous learning.
About You
- Qualified actuary (FIA/FFA/FSA or equivalent) with several years’ post‑qualification experience.
- Strong understanding of Life & Health (re)insurance markets, products, and trends, with proven mortality pricing experience (experience across other lines is advantageous).
- In‑depth knowledge of mortality risk, modelling and analysis, including mortality improvement concepts and frameworks.
- Excellent grounding in relevant statistical and actuarial modelling techniques.
- Comfortable working with modern analytics tools and platforms, for example: Python, R, and Power BI (including DAX/PowerPivot).
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients and internal stakeholders.
- Experience working in a client‑facing environment.
- Highly motivated, with the ability to deliver high‑quality work under tight deadlines while managing multiple priorities.
- Demonstrates sound judgement and strong decision‑making capability.
- An appetite for a multi‑dimensional role combining technical depth with client interaction.
Compensation & Work Model
The base salary range for this position is between £92,000 and £138,000 for a full‑time role. The specific salary offered considers the requirements, scope, complexity and responsibilities of the role, the applicant's own profile including education/qualifications, expertise, specialisation, skills and experience. In addition to your base salary, Swiss Re offers an attractive performance‑based variable compensation component, designed to recognise your achievements. Further you will enjoy a variety of global and location specific benefits. Eligibility may vary depending on the terms of Swiss Re policies and your employment contract. Our company has a hybrid work model where the expectation is that you will be in the office at least three days per week.
Head Mortality Pricing and Portfolio Management - L&H UK & Ireland (Hybrid, 80-100%) employer: Crossell
Swiss Re is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth, our diverse Life & Health pricing team fosters a culture of continuous learning and high performance, while providing significant commercial exposure and opportunities to influence key market strategies. Enjoy competitive compensation, a hybrid work model, and a supportive community that values innovation and client engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Mortality Pricing and Portfolio Management - L&H UK & Ireland (Hybrid, 80-100%)
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like Crossell). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Crossell. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Mortality Pricing and Portfolio Management - L&H UK & Ireland (Hybrid, 80-100%)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Crossell.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Crossell. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crossell
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Crossell to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at Crossell, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding Crossell's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.
