Head of Reinsurance & Technical Services at AAR Insurance

Overall Purpose of the Job

Reporting to the Principal Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for ensuring sound and disciplined Underwriting, Reinsurance, Key Account management and implementation of the set risk-based rating models within the business. Ensuring the efficient and accurate assessment of risks, and maintaining the company’s underwriting standards.

The incumbent is will also support in developing and implementing underwriting and reinsurance policies, and collaborating with other departments, including managing a team of underwriters, technical and reinsurance staff to achieve business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Risk Assessment and Underwriting:

• Work closely with and support the Business Development teams in business acquisition to ensure acquisition of business and in compliance with risk based pricing as aligned to underwriting guidelines.
• Analyze risk factors and determine appropriate coverage terms, premiums, and conditions while implementing an evaluation of new and renewal businesses as per delegated underwriting authority.      
• Focus on the growth of the profitable property insurance classes such as fire, engineering, marine and political violence and terrorism (PVT).
• Ensure adherence to underwriting guidelines and standards.

Reinsurance Management:

• Develop and implement reinsurance strategies to optimize risk management and capital efficiency. Oversee collection, clean-up and presentation of reinsurance data to reinsurers/reinsurance brokers to ensure the company continues to have in place a robust and optimal reinsurance program
• Manage reinsurance relationships and negotiate reinsurance treaties and facultative placements.
• Monitor and analyze reinsurance arrangements to ensure they are cost-effective and align with the company’s risk appetite
• Co-ordinate request to reinsurers on ‘special acceptances’, waivers and fronting across the region
• Review facultative placement partners and recommend changes based on their underwriting philosophy and pattern of reciprocity.
• Ensure adherence of all regulatory requirements with regards to our reinsurance arrangement.

Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of underwriters/reinsurance/technical officers to ensure productivity and high performance.
• Provide training and development opportunities to team members.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels, effective performance management and motivation of staff.

Policy Development:

• Review and recommend changes in Underwriting and Reinsurance policies, procedures and guidelines/philosophy as necessary to align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements
• Ensure compliance with internal and external regulations.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with the sales, claims, and actuarial departments to support business development and risk management strategies.
• Communicate underwriting and reinsurance decisions and guidelines clearly to stakeholders.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Monitor and analyze underwriting and reinsurance data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee collection, clean-up and presentation of reinsurance data to reinsurers/reinsurance brokers to ensure the company continues to have in place a robust and optimal reinsurance program
• Prepare and present regular reports on underwriting and reinsurance performance to senior management.

Customer Service:

• Provide exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving issues related to underwriting and reinsurance decisions.
• Maintain positive relationships with brokers, agents, reinsurers, and clients.

Product Development and reviews;

• Participate/lead in the Product Reviews Committees/work-streams for both repackaged and new products

Education, Experience & Competencies

• Holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, or a related field.
• Professional Certification in insurance (e.g., ACII, AIIK).
• Possess a minimum of 10 years of experience in underwriting and reinsurance, with at least 5 years in a managerial role.
• In-depth knowledge of insurance principles, underwriting processes, reinsurance markets, and regulatory requirements.
• Possess strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using underwriting and reinsurance tools and software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate high level of integrity and attention to detail.