Head of Financial Lines - Southeast Asia

Job Summary 

This role is based in Singapore and reports to the Regional Head of Financial Lines, Asia. You will be developing and executing the Line of Business (LoB) strategy and proactively support the development of the global LoB strategy. You will be managing all local LoB portfolio to ensure the successful achievement of the global Allianz Commercial LoB targets. You will be managing all local LoB underwriting staff as well as develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers and clients. 

Key Responsibilities 

Lead and Manage Underwriting Team 

• Lead and manage local team, including direct reports and matrix management of functional reports. 

• Support the Regional Head of Financial Lines in ensuring that the cost centre budget is within plan. 

Underwriting Strategy 

• Develop and execute local UW strategy for line of business. 

• Support the development of global Underwriting LoB strategy, in line with Allianz Commercial Chief Underwriting Office (CUO). 

• Support the development of cross LoB regional business strategy. 

Steering and Controlling 

• Steer and control local line of business portfolio to drive achievement of financial targets (e.g. full combined ratio). 

• Drive underwriting planning process and monitor adherence to plan, taking corrective action as necessary. 

• Proactively liaising with functional areas to review performance of end to end Underwriting life cycle. 

Underwriting Approach and Compliance 

• Ensure underwriting consistency and underwriting discipline and adherence to all corporate guidelines and authority levels, including Rules and Principles, Underwriting Authorities, corporate governance rules, and local regulatory framework. 

• Referral / case Underwriting of key clients as required. 

Product Development 

• Proactively support development and implementation of new and modified products. 

• Proactively support development and implementation of pricing tools. 

• Maintain executive contacts and accompany the Underwriting of all core or strategic accounts. 

Market and Relationship Management 

• Proactively support acquisition of new business and retention of existing business (including client and broker negotiations where necessary). 

• Coordinate with local Distribution team to drive successful execution of strategic plan. 

• Communicate local LoB strategy externally. 

• Positively represent Allianz Commercial internally within the Allianz Group, and externally to the market. 

• Proactively drive involvement of functional areas in Underwriting process, including e.g. Distribution, Risk Consulting, Claims and Operations. 

Key Experience / Education / Skills 

Required Experience and Education 

• Significant experience in Underwriting management position in relevant line of business. 

• Expert understanding of regional / local LoB insurance markets and competitor landscape. 

• Well recognized relationship building with brokers at peer group level and well established within local market. 

• Expert understanding of legal and regulatory framework. 

• Significant experience in leadership and development of direct teams internationally and within complex global matrix environments. 

• Preferably Degree in Economics, Law, or other appropriate discipline. 

• Completion of professional insurance qualification (e.g. CII). 

Technical Skills 

• Risk Assessment and Management: Ability to assess risk inherent exposures and natural hazards relevant to LoB. 

• Pricing and Market management: Analyze current performance against benchmarks applying how the market operates and functions, the business needs and customer needs. 

• Contract Drafting and Interpretation: Design, develop and implement consistent, robust wordings. 

• Policy Management: Robust understanding of policy administration life cycle, information collection, policy issuance, premium bookings, credit control, cancellation. 

• You should be able to integrate AI-driven insights into your work to optimize outcomes and support broader organizational goals.  

General Skills 

• Communication & Presentation: Ability to express ideas and messages clearly, both written and verbally.  Ability to "sell" an improvised or prepared audience winning story. 

• Influencing skills: Ability to persuade and motivate others to act, without executive authority. 

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze highly complex data, from multiple sources, in detail; identify and resolve issues before they transpire. 

• Managing people: Ability to lead and manage a team of underwriters. Includes the ability to delegate tasks, steer team direction/goals, etc. 

• Fluent in English. Fluency in local language is a plus.