Global Underwriting Manager, Specialty Niche

Global Underwriting Manager, GCUO Specialty Niche

Multiple locations:
Madrid, Cologne, London

As a Global Underwriting Manager in GCUO Specialty Niche, you will work closely with the Global Head of Underwriting Management, the Global Product Leaders of Specialty Niche to design and help implement product strategies, operational improvement plans, and associated governance frameworks and controls.

Your mission is to support the growth ambitions of Specialty Niche products through strategic projects and collaboration with regional teams, while developing substantial technical knowledge of product-specific underwriting and its global complexities.

The role requires the ability to manage a complex blend of global priorities and agendas positively and effectively, while driving consistency of approach and operational efficiencies.

A key part of this role is championing innovation—leveraging our data, technology and AI developments to streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and drive delivery of smarter, more efficient underwriting operations. You will play a pivotal role in shaping how digital tools and data-driven insights transform the way we work, ensuring we remain agile and competitive in an evolving marketplace.

The role spans Governance, Operations, Innovation, and Strategy, with a mix of business-as-usual deliverables and strategic project work. You will collaborate closely with Governance, Finance, Risk, Ceded Reinsurance, Pricing, and the three Regional Business Units.

What will your essential responsibilities include?

• Strategic & Financial Responsibilities
  • Review Business Unit premium assumptions for financial plans.
  • Analyze quarterly results and support reforecasting.
  • Lead Portfolio Design Reviews through the PDSG process.
  • Plan expense budgets (third-party fees, non-compensation, headcount, structural).
  • Review Ceded Reinsurance renewal strategy and info packs.
  • Participate in Quarterly Global Business Reviews.
  • Contribute to the 3-Year Strategic Plan and product strategy execution.
  • Support PDSG deep dive selections.
• Underwriting Risk
  • Liaison and maintenance of the Risk Register and Risk Framework (including emerging risks).
  • Underwriting referral management
• Operations
  • Coordinate operational plan development and monitoring.
  • Manage cyber exposure quarterly returns.
  • Support operational process reviews to drive efficiency and client service.
• Governance
  • Plan and execute underwriting reviews.
  • Maintain underwriting rules, guidelines, and Schedule of Authority (SoA).
  • Conduct annual SoA reviews for GCUO and BUCUOs.
  • Review AXA guideline updates and product R&G annual reviews.
  • Contribute to internal audits and application letter processes.
  • Manage question set reviews and GUL updates as needed.
• Innovation & Transformation
  • Participate in strategic projects requiring Specialty Niche representation.
  • Drive operational improvements using existing software packages such as the Microsoft Teams apps and introduce digital and AI-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and decision-making.

You will be reporting to the Global Head of Underwriting Management, Specialty Niche

We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

• Insurance business acumen and Specialty Niche Underwriting literacy; specific knowledge in Crisis Management, Sport, Media & Entertainment, Equine, Livestock and Aquaculture, Life, Accident & Health will be considered a plus.
• Fluent in working in English, written and spoken
• Act independently, think in strategic terms and demonstrate excellent business acumen
• Project management skills using Microsoft apps and change management skills to work with agility and flexibility on global projects
• Interest, curiosity and some experience in AI-driven solutions to enhance operations and strategic decision making
• Stakeholders’ management skills: develop and maintain productive working relationships with internal stakeholders. Provide guidance and seek input from others as needed to achieve the best result possible.
• Capable of working and collaborating with a virtual team, across multiple diverse geographies and cultures.
• Excellent Problem-solving skills:
  Use judgment to identify and solve…