At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop climate risk models and collaborate with teams to underwrite innovative insurance policies.
- Company: Descartes Underwriting, a leader in climate risk solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the insurance industry while tackling climate challenges.
- Qualifications: Degree in maths, statistics, or data science; 4+ years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Reporting to the Underwriting Manager & Director of Descartes UK, you will be a key contributor to the development and deployment of climate risk models for the pricing, underwriting and monitoring of weather‑related parametric policies for corporates and public entities.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the business team and brokers to understand client needs and risk transfer challenges to successfully underwrite new business and renew accounts.
- Conduct thorough analyses for product design and coverage structuring in order to meet the needs and expectations of the clients.
- Improve and develop pricing models in order to model the risk, underwrite policies for corporates and public entities, and monitor the portfolio performance and accumulation.
- Contribute to insurance proposal and underwriting documentation in order to finalise policies for corporate clients and public entities worldwide.
- Operate in the London market, leading discussions and projects with brokers and partners.
- Collaborate with various divisions of Descartes in order to sustain the growth of the portfolio (e. g. R&D teams, Legal, Operations, Risk Management).
- Technical & Business
Leadership: help both the underwriting strategy and the review of the work conducted by Underwriting Data Scientists, providing guidance on technical modeling matters & business requirements.
Qualifications
- Graduated from a leading academic institution with a degree in mathematics, statistics, data science, physics or related.
- 4 years of significant experience minimum (post‑graduation) in data science or related.
- As a plus: track record of experience in leading a (small) team and managing business projects.
- As a plus: prior experience in structuring, pricing & underwriting parametric insurance covers for climate risks.
Skills
- Proficiency in Python (e. g. pandas, scikit-learn).
- Strong background in statistics and mathematics, showing clear understanding of probabilities.
- Eye for quality, autonomous and attention to detail.
- Fluency in English (written and verbal communication) is required.
- Good level of one additional language (e. g. Chinese, French, Italian, German, Spanish…) is a plus.
- Mindset
- Interested in insurance industry and climate risks modeling.
- Strong team spirit.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Eagerness to solve complex problems and technical challenges.
- Rigorous, creative and meticulous mind.
- Strong desire to learn and acquire responsibility.
- Results oriented with the ability to work in a fast‑paced and multi‑cultural environment.
Benefits
A competitive salary, bonus and benefits.
At Descartes Underwriting, we cherish value of diversity whatever it may be.
We are committed to fighting against all forms of discrimination and for equal opportunities.
We foster an inclusive work environment that respects all differences.
With equal skills, all our positions are open to people with disabilities.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Underwriter/Data Scientist - London
✨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 Descartes). 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 Descartes. 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 Senior Underwriter/Data Scientist - London
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 Descartes.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Descartes. 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 Descartes
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Descartes 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 Descartes, 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 Descartes'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.
