Our Opportunities

Introduction

Bell & Clements is a specialist insurance company offering expertise in underwriting, broking and capacity management provisions for Excess and Surplus (E&S) lines insurance solutions. The unique combination of broking and underwriting divisions provides the ability to quote and bind risks through inhouse binding authorities, while providing customers with access to Lloyd’s, US and international markets. Bell & Clements has been part of the Munich Re Group since 2007 and is a registered Lloyd’s broker. There are over 150 staff based across the London headquarters and two U.S offices in Virginia and New Jersey with close collaboration throughout.

Bell & Clements offers industry leading technology solutions that benefit both customers and inhouse processes. Being part of the Munich Re Group enables an inclusive culture that is progressive and ambitious with an established employee benefits program.

Why join us?

We are a responsible employer, a value-adding partner, and an innovative name in the insurance market. Building on a proven industry background over 35 years, we have developed and grown a unique and market-leading brand. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Munich Re, we have access to the expertise, products and risk appetite of one of the largest and most successful insurance groups in the world. Our business is continuing to grow, and a key commitment is to not only expand our team through recruiting new roles but also through development opportunities to ensure we are always supporting our talented experts in their career journey. Our talent pool makes us who we are, and our inclusive culture means we are looking to continue to build our team with broad expertise, diverse backgrounds, and ambitious employees.  Being part of Bell & Clements provides access to multiple health and wellbeing benefits, work and life balance initiatives (including hybrid working), financial wellbeing packages as well as training, development and career opportunities.

The Role – Deputy Chief Underwriting Officer, based in Bell and Clements London Office.

Overview

To assume a prominent role in all aspects of the management of the B&C Underwriting department. To assist the Chief Underwriting Officer in the achievement of corporate targets through excellent business appreciation, and sound understanding of client needs. To regularly deputise for the CUO and assist in directing the Underwriting divisional activities to achieve objects and targets set for financial and trading performance, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

To work closely with the Chief Underwriting Officer

• To plan and implement strategy for the management and development of the underwriting Department, to meet the B&C agreed organisational objectives.
• To lead the organisation by defining a clear vision, organisational goals, strategies, and business plan.
• To effectively communicate the vision and priorities of the organisation to the employees within the Company and other stakeholders.
• To recommend the yearly Underwriting budget for Board approval and manage resources within budget guidelines.
• To work with MRSI Corporate Underwriting team, understanding and applying CU underwriting pricing and product guidelines, and engaging in ongoing dialogue.
• To produce quarterly written report on targets and performance for B&C's Board.
• To exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence in the direction of and performance of the business via the management team.
• To manage and develop the management team.
• To maintain, promote and develop the Company's culture, values, reputation, and success in its markets and with all staff, clients, suppliers, partners, and regulatory official bodies.
• To be accountable to stakeholders for the performance of the Company.
• To contribute to the development and evaluation of operational strategy and performance with the management team.
• To ensure activities meet and are compliant with quality management, health and safety, legal and regulatory requirements and that robust governance is in place.
• To attend Board Meetings and other committee meetings and contribute effectively to discussions and decisions.
• To keep accurate records, deal with correspondence, maintain relevant files, registers, and other records either personally or through delegation to other members of team.
• To review the performance of Senior Managers.
• Ensure the availability of adequate resources.

Your Profile:

Underwriting

• To underwrite B&C Managed U/W property business in accordance with applicable underwriting authority, underwriting guidelines, internal directives, targets, and client strategies.
• To take an active involvement in B&C’s strategic initiatives.
• To produce reports for Underwriting committees, QBR, or other committees as required.
• To assist the Chief Underwriting Officer and other Underwriters on the management of all aspects of B&C's managed underwriting business.
• Building, maintaining, and managing underwriting plans for each of the managed underwriting areas.
• To arrange and provide renewal information from clients, which may be used for servicing and marketing requirements.
• To see that a regular and systematic programme of client calls/visits is agreed and maintained according to the size and complexity of each account either personally or by delegated staff.
• By careful inspection and review of the client's business, identify its needs, and in the light of economic and general business factors:

-             Renew, review, and revise existing covers.

-             Devise new covers to keep pace with the client's progress and development.

-             Formulate appropriate insurance structures and marketing strategies.

• To develop innovative insurance solutions and products in addition to conventional covers in close co-operation with other business units.
• To develop new and existing business relationships.
• To maintain existing business relationships with all other parts of Munich Re and other markets, and work closely MRSI Corporate Underwriting
• To analyse underwriting and claims statistics.
• To embrace and actively implement the core principles of Continuous Conversations (Commitments, Feedback and Development) as part of daily activities and with other colleagues.
• Take ownership of and make personal and professional development a priority as part of Continuous Conversations.
• In line with Continuous Conversations, establish and achieve development aspirations and needs through the setting of commitments and giving and receiving frequent, constructive feedback (referring to resources provided for support).
• To abide by the policies and procedures of Bell & Clements Ltd.

Competencies

• Entrepreneurship
• Financial Awareness and Budget Management
• Professional Judgement
• Decision Making
• Business Development
• Client Relationships
• Leadership Skills
• Regulation & Relationship with Regulators
• Business Acumen
• Collaborative Working
• Analysis and the use of Information
• Balancing stakeholders
• Action Oriented
• Communicate effectively.
• Build effective teams

Key Skills and Experience

• Professional insurance underwriting experience
• Experience of underwriting delegated US Insurance or facultative insurance.
• Significant management experience
• Experience overseeing multiple insurance product lines.
• Property or Personal Lines experience preferred.
• Experience of working directly with Coverholders preferred, but at least experience of working with a Broker.
• Some experience of modelling or RLD analysis preferred.

About us

Benefits

• This position is offered on a permanent basis.
• Annual salary will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
• Annual leave - 25 days per year (not including bank holidays), increases with length of service.
• Health & Wellbeing – our offering includes private medical insurance for employees, their partners and their families, a Digital GP service, and an allowance of up to £550 per year for any activities and/or equipment which supports health and wellbeing.
• Hybrid and remote working – to support your work balance we have introduced hybrid working. You will be provided with designated office desk space, with support to work from home up to a maximum of three days per week.
• Flexible working hours – the opportunity to flex your working hours.
• Professional Qualification Support – (discretionary) financial support covering the cost of professional qualifications, including institute membership, exams, study materials and completion bonuses.
• Team fun – warm and social culture with regular get togethers.

Equal Opportunities

Bell and Clements is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or parental status.