At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead catastrophe risk management and optimise insurance portfolios for strategic growth.
- Company: Join a leading Lloyd's market insurer with a dynamic and entrepreneurial culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and influence over key business decisions.
- Other info: Collaborative role with significant exposure to senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Shape underwriting strategy and drive portfolio optimisation in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catastrophe risk and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Selby Jennings are working with a leading Lloyd's market insurer to secure a Head of Catastrophe Risk into a senior strategic role within their exposure management and portfolio analytics function. This is a highly visible position sitting at the intersection of underwriting, portfolio optimisation, and reinsurance strategy, with broad exposure across property and specialty lines. The role offers significant influence over capital deployment, risk appetite, and portfolio performance, partnering closely with underwriting leadership and senior stakeholders across the business. Rather than being a purely technical catastrophe modelling role, this opportunity combines deep analytical expertise with commercial decision-making and strategic portfolio management. For the right individual, this represents an opportunity to play a key role in shaping underwriting strategy and driving portfolio optimisation within a fast-growing and entrepreneurial environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to step into a broader, business-facing leadership role within a platform where catastrophe risk and portfolio management are central to underwriting strategy and long-term growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead portfolio modelling and aggregation across property and specialty insurance and reinsurance lines
- Partner with underwriting teams to optimise portfolio composition, capital deployment, and risk appetite
- Integrate catastrophe model outputs into pricing, portfolio management, and strategic decision-making
- Support the design and optimisation of outwards reinsurance structures and purchasing strategies
- Deliver portfolio analytics and business planning insights to senior management and external stakeholders
- Develop tools, automation, and reporting frameworks to enhance underwriting and portfolio management capabilities
- Collaborate with claims, risk, actuarial, and exposure management teams to improve portfolio performance and recovery outcomes
- Conduct competitor benchmarking and market analysis to support strategic positioning
- Ensure portfolio reporting and analytical frameworks meet internal governance and regulatory standards
Role Requirements
- Significant experience within catastrophe risk, exposure management, actuarial pricing, or portfolio management in the London Market or reinsurance sector
- Strong understanding of catastrophe modelling and portfolio optimisation methodologies
- Experience supporting outwards reinsurance strategy, structuring, or pricing
- Ability to translate complex technical analysis into clear commercial recommendations
- Strong stakeholder management skills with experience engaging underwriting and executive leadership teams
- Advanced Excel skills, with SQL, Python, or R advantageous
- Track record of driving process improvement, automation, or analytical innovation
- Commercial mindset combined with strong technical capability and strategic thinking
Head of Catastrophe Risk - Selby Jennings employer: Jobs via eFinancialCareers
Selby Jennings is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment where the Head of Catastrophe Risk will have a significant impact on underwriting strategy and portfolio optimisation. With a strong focus on employee growth, collaboration, and innovation, the company fosters a culture that values strategic decision-making and analytical expertise, providing ample opportunities for professional development and meaningful contributions to the Lloyd's market. Located in the heart of London, employees benefit from a vibrant city atmosphere, extensive networking opportunities, and access to industry-leading resources.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Catastrophe Risk - Selby Jennings
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in catastrophe risk and portfolio management. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate and find roles that match your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Catastrophe Risk - Selby Jennings
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Catastrophe Risk. Highlight your experience in catastrophe risk, exposure management, and portfolio optimisation. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 strategic role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced capital deployment and risk appetite in previous positions. We love a good story that showcases your analytical expertise and commercial decision-making.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your advanced Excel skills and any experience with SQL, Python, or R. These are crucial for the role, so make sure we can easily spot them in your application. We’re looking for someone who can integrate complex data into clear recommendations!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobs via eFinancialCareers
✨Know Your Catastrophe Risk Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of catastrophe risk and exposure management. Be prepared to discuss specific methodologies and how they apply to portfolio optimisation. This will show that you’re not just technically savvy but also understand the commercial implications.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Since this role involves significant interaction with underwriting leadership and senior stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully managed relationships. Prepare to discuss how you’ve influenced decision-making in previous roles, as this will highlight your ability to navigate complex organisational structures.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Innovation
Be ready to talk about any tools or frameworks you've developed that improved portfolio management or analytical processes. Highlighting your experience with automation and process improvement will set you apart, especially in a fast-growing environment like this one.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet, such as how you would approach a specific catastrophe modelling challenge or optimise a portfolio under certain conditions. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly and confidently during the interview.
