At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in specialty analytics and drive innovative reinsurance solutions.
- Company: Join Willis Re, a forward-thinking brand in the reinsurance industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a diverse and inclusive work environment with growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with top professionals and make a significant impact in the industry.
- Why this job: Shape the future of reinsurance with cutting-edge analytics and technology.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in reinsurance and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
The Role
As Head of Specialty Analytics, you will lead a high functioning team as part of the scale-up of this iconic brand. This role is multifaceted. We are looking for a leader who is willing to support Brokers in our most complex transactions, shape the design of an industry-leading technical stack and build out a globally minded, highly specialised, and seamlessly connected team of specialty analytics experts with high commercial impact. Deep expertise in Reinsurance with a leading reinsurance broker or global reinsurer is a prerequisite. The role holder will be a market figure with deep roots in the London/Bermuda specialty markets, with additional experience in US E&S/mid-market being beneficial. Internally, you will work collaboratively with colleagues within the data and analytics function, technology and broking. You will report to the Head of Data and Analytics (International) and be a key member of the global leadership team of the analytics function.
Business Knowledge
- Market Knowledge – holds a broad and deep subject matter knowledge of trends and practices within the reinsurance industry, supported by knowledge of current market and economic conditions and the risks that these might pose to insurers.
- Deep subject matter knowledge across a range of insurance lines, products, territories and distribution channels.
- Able to translate actuarial output into business value, ensuring various customers, including boards are able to understand the practical implications of the analyses performed.
Client Advisory & Portfolio Insight
- Serve as a strategic advisor to clients, providing deep actuarial insight into portfolio performance, risk dynamics, and optimal reinsurance structures.
- Act as a trusted strategic advisor to insurers across a range of initiatives, including growth opportunities, risk management and emerging technologies.
- Support the development of bespoke reinsurance programmes that meet client-specific objectives across risk mitigation, capital relief, and volatility management.
Pricing, Modelling & Structuring
- Establish and deliver on a roadmap of analytical tools to develop best-in class reinsurance analytics tools to support producing brokers with leading advisory and insights.
- Extensive technical experience of pricing techniques, including exposure rating, experience rating, credibility weighting, profit and ROC optimisation relevant to the reinsurance industry.
- Apply actuarial methods to price treaty reinsurance across a range of perils and lines, leveraging exposure data, loss experience, and catastrophe model outputs.
- Lead the delivery and set standards for the team in presenting benchmark analyses that inform negotiations and enhance the credibility of placement strategies with reinsurers.
Market & Placement Support
- Partner closely with brokers to craft analytical placement narratives and support reinsurer engagement during the marketing and negotiation process.
- Adapt modelling outputs and performance indicators to strengthen our value proposition and differentiate our offering in a competitive market.
Innovation & Process Development
- Experience of extensive project delivery work on actuarial systems and tools to lead the design and build of market-leading analytical tools and methodologies that improve pricing accuracy, workflow efficiency, and client-facing outputs.
- Good understanding of the latest emerging technologies including AI, Data Science, Generative AI, Data ingestion to be able to identify opportunities for development using these.
Leadership, Management, Mentoring & Quality Assurance
- Can identify, grow and nurture talent within the team, creating career development opportunities for all colleagues.
- Ability to create a vision and culture for the team around goals and expectations and motivating the team to innovate and enhance processes and analyses.
- Capability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines across the team to ensure timely and effective delivery.
- Able to navigate ambiguity effectively.
- Support team members with their analytical and technical development while ensuring delivery excellence across the team.
- Develop peer review processes and support the broader capability-building agenda of the analytics function.
- Able to plan long term deliverables and ensure tasks are planned and completed accordingly and that any delays or complications are communicated early and resolved appropriately.
Internal & External Collaboration
- Develop trusted relationships with brokers, clients, reinsurers, and internal stakeholders, serving as a critical link between technical insight and commercial strategy.
- Manage timely analytical support to RFP responses, new business pursuits, and long‑term client engagement strategies.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Degree-qualified professional with significant experience in specialty analytics, reinsurance, insurance, or advisory.
- Extensive experience in leading large teams.
- Deep understanding of treaty reinsurance pricing approaches and portfolio analytics.
- Experience working across multiple lines of business including Property, Casualty, Marine & Energy, Cyber, Credit & Political Risk, or similar classes.
- Experience with catastrophe model interpretation and integrating technical outputs into reinsurance structuring.
About Willis Re
We combine specialist broking with analytics, modeling and research to help insurers optimize risk transfer, strengthen balance sheets and achieve sustainable growth. Our approach is relationship-driven, transparent and outcome-focused. At the heart of Willis Re is a focus on delivering the most cutting‑edge analytical solutions to enable more informed, better decision‑making for risk selection, portfolio optimization, and capital management.
The launch of Willis Re brings a strategic advantage of being unhindered by legacy, an ability to leverage data, statistical models and advanced technologies with the best knowledge and expertise to deliver more efficient and effective reinsurance outcomes. This places Willis Re in a unique position to build a truly analytically driven business, focused on creating solutions for the reinsurance industry that are future‑led and forward thinking.
Willis Re will also leverage recognized technical expertise from WTW’s Insurance Consulting & Technology business including their advanced modeling and analytical capabilities. Alongside this will be WTW’s Research Network, an award‑winning business supporting and influencing science to improve the understanding and quantification of risk.
Willis Re is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive, and flexible work environment. We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, age, gender, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, disability, orientation, or any other legally protected categories.
If you have a need that requires accommodation, please email us at talentacquisition@willisre.com. We look forward to hearing from you! If you’re curious, collaborative, and ambitious, you’ll find the opportunity at Willis Re to shape something extraordinary.
Head of Speciality Analytics employer: Willis Re (UK) Limited
Willis Re is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where Capital Advisory Specialists can thrive. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are encouraged to enhance their skills through diverse projects and cross-functional teamwork, all while enjoying the dynamic environment of the insurance capital markets. The company's commitment to integrity and excellence ensures that team members are well-supported in delivering high-quality advisory solutions to clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Speciality Analytics
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Speciality Analytics
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 Willis Re (UK) Limited.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Willis Re (UK) Limited. 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 Willis Re (UK) Limited
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Willis Re (UK) Limited 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 Willis Re (UK) Limited, 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 Willis Re (UK) Limited'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.