Head of Financial Lines, Commercial Insurance

The Head of Financial Lines (Commercial Insurance) is responsible for leading and managing the Financial Lines (Commercial Insurance) portfolio - It sets the underwriting strategy, drives profitable growth, manages portfolio performance and builds strong broker and client relationships. This role also developes techincal underwriting capabilities within the team and ensures strong governance and underwriting discipline. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership - Develop and implement annual business plans that outline growth targets, profitability goals, loss ratio objectives, and distribution priorities. Identify emerging opportunities and risks, leveraging data-driven insights to make informed decisions and adjust strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes.

• Market and Customer Focus - Utilize deep knowledge of market trends, competitive dynamics, and distribution channels to ensure customer needs are met effectively. Work closely with local teams to translate strategy into actionable plans that deliver value to clients.

• Underwriting Governance - Act as a referral point for underwriting decisions requiring authority at this level, ensuring consistency and adherence to established underwriting standards across all markets. This includes identifying opportunities and risks, using data and insights to make informed decisions and implementing changes as needed to achieve desired outcomes. 

• Collaboration and Stakeholder Management - Partner with internal stakeholders—including product, distribution, and operations teams—to deliver business objectives. Collaborate with local underwriting teams to maintain alignment with global standards and best practices.

• Process Improvement and Talent Development - Drive continuous improvement in underwriting processes and operational efficiency for assigned lines of business. Play a pivotal role in developing and nurturing talent to ensure organizational sustainability and readiness for future challenges.

• Technical Underwriting Expertise
  • Proven technical proficiency across all Financial Lines products, serving as the owner of financial-related commercial insurance offerings.
  • Responsible for underwriting strategy, portfolio profitability, product development, team leadership, and broker relationship management.

• Market Influence
  • Maintain a strong network of brokers and intermediaries within Malaysia, leveraging these relationships to grow and strengthen the Financial Lines portfolio for commercial insurance.

• Leadership and P&L Accountability
  • Demonstrated experience in Profit & Loss management, ensuring financial performance aligns with strategic objectives.
  • Ability to manage senior internal and external stakeholders effectively, fostering trust and collaboration.

• Future Opportunity
  • The role offers the opportunity to build and lead a team, shaping the future of the underwriting function and driving long-term success.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 8 - 10 years of underwriting experience, with 5 years specialising in Financial Lines (Commercial Insurance).
• Proven track record in Commercial Insurance environment.
• Strong understanding of Financial Lines product, global trends and risk dynamics.
• Experience managing broker relationships and delivering P&L results.
• Strong technical underwriting capability.
• Excellent communicaiton and negotiation skills. 

You are the heart & soul of Zurich! 
 

At Zurich, we like to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. We take an optimistic approach by focusing on the positives and constantly asking What can go right? 

We highly value the experience and know-how of our employees and offer a wide range of opportunities across business areas to encourage you to apply for new opportunities within Zurich when you are ready for your next career step. 

Let’s continue to grow together!

• Location(s):  MY - Kuala Lumpur, MY - Remote Work 
• Remote working:
• Schedule: Full Time
• Recruiter name: Taren Kaur