At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth in Life & Health transactions and develop innovative reinsurance solutions.
- Company: Join Swiss Re, a leading provider of reinsurance and risk transfer solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values fresh perspectives and innovative thinking.
- Why this job: Shape the future of reinsurance while collaborating with industry leaders.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in Life & Health re/insurance with strong strategic and technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We're looking for a strategic and proactive Business Development Manager to help drive growth in our Life & Health (L&H) transaction business, with a particular focus on Structured and Financial Solutions and Full Risk Transfer Transactions.
Swiss Re Life & Health partners with insurers on bespoke reinsurance transactions that address capital, financial market challenges and risk transfer. The L&H Business Development team sits at the front end of this transaction value chain. We identify emerging transaction opportunities, develop origination strategies together with our Market Units, Transaction Teams and clients to turn market insights into innovative reinsurance solutions.
This role offers significant exposure to senior leaders across Market Units and Transaction teams, providing the opportunity to influence strategic priorities and shape the future direction of our Life & Health transaction business. You'll help anticipate where the market is heading and shape the next generation of transactions through strategic initiatives and proactive client engagement in close collaboration with originators and structurers.
Our work focuses on three key areas:
- Transform market trends into transaction opportunities: Turn developments across insurance, capital markets and regulation from client needs into concrete transaction leads.
- Drive proactive transaction origination: Proactively identify and target new opportunities across assigned markets, develop related commercial narrative and foster engagement aligned to clients' capital, financial and risk management needs.
- Advance strategic growth initiatives: Support high-priority Business Unit initiatives and strategies that expand our transaction franchise, strengthen origination capabilities and shape the future of reinsurance transactions.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Develop new Life & Health reinsurance transaction opportunities across UK & Ireland, EMEA and selected global markets, with a focus on Structured and Financial Solutions and Full Risk Transfer transactions.
- Partner with Transaction Originators, Structured Solutions, Market Units and other technical experts to shape and drive origination of innovative reinsurance transactions.
- Create deep understanding of clients' strategic, capital and financial objectives, and shape differentiated value propositions that address their evolving needs.
- Anticipate regulatory, macroeconomic and industry developments and translate market insights into commercially compelling transaction opportunities and client propositions.
- Influence and collaborate across Swiss Re to strengthen our transaction capabilities, develop new client solutions and advance our transaction proposition.
- Act as a senior contributor, building trusted relationships across internal and external stakeholders while driving strategic initiatives without direct people management responsibility.
You will report directly to the Head of L&H Business Development.
What We’re Looking For:
- 8+ years of experience in Life & Health re/insurance, with proven experience in complex reinsurance or capital solutions transactions.
- A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for identifying opportunities, pushing boundaries, developing business cases and creating long-term client value.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into commercially compelling client propositions and strategic business opportunities.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams, including client markets, structuring, underwriting and actuarial functions.
- Strong technical expertise in actuarial, capital management, structured solutions or financial reinsurance, combined with a commercial mindset.
- Solid understanding of Life & Health reinsurance products in UK&I or EMEA.
- Strong understanding of reinsurance treatment under Solvency II, IFRS and/or other relevant capital or accounting frameworks.
- Bachelor's degree in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Finance, Economics or a related discipline.
This is your opportunity to join Swiss Re Group - one of the world's leading wholesale providers of reinsurance, insurance and other innovative forms of insurance-based risk transfer. Our business at Swiss Re is about understanding and analysing the major risks that concern the world - from natural catastrophes to climate change, from ageing populations to cybercrime. We combine experience with expertise and innovative thinking to create new opportunities and solutions for our clients.
We operate a hybrid working model, with a minimum of three days per week in the office.
Business Development Manager employer: Swiss Re
Swiss Re is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where actuaries can thrive in their careers while leading innovative reinsurance pricing solutions. With a strong focus on collaboration and employee development, the company provides ample opportunities for professional growth and a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance. Located in the UK & Ireland, Swiss Re fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the Life & Health sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Swiss Re. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Swiss Re.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Swiss Re's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swiss Re
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Swiss Re.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Swiss Re will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Swiss Re employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
