Head of North America and Retro, Facultative GB
Head of North America and Retro, Facultative GB

Head of North America and Retro, Facultative GB

London Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Willis Towers Watson

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the North America and Retro team, driving business growth and client relationships.
  • Company: Join WTW, a global leader in insurance and risk management, committed to diversity and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, professional development opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.
  • Other info: We embrace diversity and provide equal opportunities for all applicants.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and client success in the reinsurance market.
  • Qualifications: Significant experience in Property Broking and strong relationship-building skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

Description

Head of North America and Retro team leader position within the Direct & Facultative GB business unit, reporting to the Head of Facultative GB. Responsibility for running the NA & Retro team, placing, retention and servicing of existing cedants as well as the development and successful conversion of new business. The NA & Retro team within Facultative GB acts as a London Desk to service all WTW territories, focussed on Property.

The Role:

  • Set team growth strategy for the NA & Retro team within GB; spearhead new business opportunities as required and manage the team budget.
  • Attract top-tier broking talent including senior producing hires as well as develop existing talent within the team.
  • Understand the cedants’ business and needs and determine appropriate solutions, structure, price and placement strategies that meet the cedants’ needs and wishes.
  • Establish and maintain active relationships with our cedants, regional Facultative teams around the world and reinsurers.
  • Work closely with US regional offices
  • Liaise with cedants and build strong relationships.
  • Grow existing portfolio by identifying new-new, and/or new from existing opportunities.
  • Provide technical, industry and subject matter expertise where required.
  • Draw on expertise within the team and across the Group for clients as required.
  • Understand, apply and where necessary explain the BU policies and procedures.
  • Work collaboratively and transparently with colleagues withing GB and across the group

Business Development

  • Responsibility for supporting the drive of the sales process and business area practice activity in relation to winning, retaining and developing profitable new clients.
  • Assist with the development and maintenance of prospects including research, initiation of contact, meetings, responding to RFPs, new business presentations, accurately maintaining CRM database in order to create and convert sales opportunities.
  • Respond quickly and accurately to new business introductions, as well as renewal submission.
  • Actively identify opportunities to work with colleagues across the business to capitalise on account penetration and cross-selling opportunities.
  • Develop and maintain knowledge of relevant products and services offered by WTW.
  • Networking – internally with other BUs, within the sector, and with external specialists.

Placement Management

  • Work closely and maintain working relationships with key reinsurer contacts in the London and international market.
  • Ensure transparency of agency and other commitments made to carriers and cedant clients.
  • Manage compliant processing of contracts/MRC’s as per FCA and contract certainty requirements.
  • Assist with loading of data into the relevant WTW systems, including the Broking Platform.
  • Check contracts, market presentations and client documentation as appropriate.
  • Assist with and design programme and pricing structures to best meet the client’s needs and wishes based on knowledge of the client, the reinsurance market and industry sector proposition.
  • Ensure marketing is wide, yet tailored to the client’s needs, to ensure the best outcome.

Operational and Service Delivery

  • Proactively develop appropriate solutions and proposals for cedants to ensure optimum client retention rates.
  • Communicate effectively with clients, cedants, colleagues and markets.
  • Development of service plans that define the engagement and timing of engagement with the cedant.
  • Ensure adherence to Group policies, procedures and all regulatory requirements.
  • Provide feedback on corrective action required to retain cedants or enhance process performance, actively supporting the implementation of any actions that are put in place.

Qualifications

The Requirements:

  • Significant prior experience of Property Broking is essential.
  • Deep knowledge of Facultative reinsurance and understanding of the Retrocession marketplace.
  • Proven track record of delivering high levels of client service.
  • Skilled at building effective relationships, at all levels, with existing clients, prospects, associates, and reinsurers.
  • Ability to represent WTW with integrity and credibility.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
  • Knowledge of WTW products and services.
  • Experience of working, and adherence to processes and systems to support client service delivery.
  • Experienced knowledge of reinsurance markets globally to deal effectively with cedant client and WTW needs.
  • Preferably ACII qualified or working towards the ACII qualification.
  • Foreign language skills are a plus, but not a requirement.

At WTW, we believe difference makes us stronger. We want our workforce to reflect the different and varied markets we operate in and to build a culture of inclusivity that makes colleagues feel welcome, valued, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment throughout our organisation. We embrace all types of diversity.

We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email

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Head of North America and Retro, Facultative GB employer: Willis Towers Watson

WTW is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee development, making it a fantastic place for professionals in the insurance sector. With a strong focus on team growth and collaboration, employees are encouraged to build meaningful relationships while benefiting from comprehensive training and networking opportunities within a dynamic work culture. Located in a vibrant market, WTW offers unique advantages such as access to top-tier broking talent and a commitment to fostering a diverse workforce, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered.
Willis Towers Watson

Contact Detail:

Willis Towers Watson Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of North America and Retro, Facultative GB

✨Tip Number 1

Network actively within the reinsurance and broking community. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to meet potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships in this sector can significantly enhance your visibility and opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the Property Broking and Facultative reinsurance markets. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the field and ability to provide valuable insights.

✨Tip Number 3

Consider reaching out to current or former employees of WTW to gain insights into the company culture and expectations for the Head of North America and Retro role. This can provide you with valuable information that can set you apart during the selection process.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and developed client relationships in your previous roles. Highlighting your leadership skills and client service achievements will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for this position.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of North America and Retro, Facultative GB

Leadership Skills
Strategic Planning
Business Development
Client Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Communication Skills
Technical Knowledge of Property Broking
Facultative Reinsurance Expertise
Market Analysis
Cross-Selling Techniques
Project Management
Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
Data Management Skills
Networking Skills
Team Development and Mentoring

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Property Broking and Facultative reinsurance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage teams, develop client relationships, and drive business growth.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your understanding of the role and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined. Mention your experience in building effective relationships and your approach to client service.

Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention any successful projects you've led, new business opportunities you've developed, or improvements in client retention rates that you have achieved.

Demonstrate Industry Knowledge: Highlight your knowledge of the reinsurance market and any relevant products and services offered by WTW. This will show that you are well-prepared and understand the industry landscape.

How to prepare for a job interview at Willis Towers Watson

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of North America and Retro, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your strategies for growth and talent development.

✨Understand the Market

Familiarise yourself with the current trends in Property Broking and Facultative reinsurance. Be ready to discuss how these trends impact client needs and how you can leverage them to attract new business.

✨Build Relationships

Highlight your experience in building strong relationships with clients and reinsurers. Prepare to discuss specific instances where your networking skills led to successful outcomes, as relationship management is key in this role.

✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise

Be prepared to showcase your knowledge of WTW products and services, as well as your understanding of the reinsurance market. This will help establish your credibility and show that you can provide valuable insights to clients.

Head of North America and Retro, Facultative GB
Willis Towers Watson
Location: London
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