Head of Marine Austria and Central Europe - Allianz - Wien

Job description

Allianz Commercial is one of the largest marine insurers in the world, with unmatched depth and breadth of marine capabilities in the industry. We offer a broad portfolio of highly customizable products and have an exceptional appetite for complex marine accounts that demand innovative solutions.

We are looking for a Head of Marine Austria and Central Europe, based in Vienna.

The Impact You Will Have

Reporting to the Regional Managing Director Central Europe and the Head of Commercial Underwriting at Allianz Austria, you will be responsible for developing and executing the Marine underwriting strategy for Austria and Central Europe, aligning with global and regional objectives and supporting the strategy of the global Underwriting Line of Business.

This position focuses on market and relationship management, acquiring new business, retaining existing clients, and coordinating with local Distribution teams to execute strategic plans. Steering and controlling the Marine portfolio to achieve financial targets is essential, requiring proactive planning and collaboration with functional areas to review performance. As a leader, you will provide functional and technical leadership to both the Allianz Austria Marine Underwriting team as well as the Central Europe Marine Underwriting community. You will foster a collaborative environment and delegate work appropriately to ensure high performance.

Some of your specific responsibilities could include:

Provide functional and technical leadership to both the Allianz Austria Marine Underwriting team as well as the wider Central Europe Marine Underwriting community.
Develop and execute the Underwriting strategy for Austria Marine and Central Europe.
Support the development of the global Underwriting LoB strategy, in line with CUO Marine.
Train, develop, and coach experienced staff (including Senior Underwriters) in Austria and Central Europe.
Manage complex referrals from underwriters in Austria and Central Europe, underwrite new and renewal accounts to meet financial targets, and negotiate terms with brokers while maintaining underwriting discipline and adherence to corporate guidelines and regulatory frameworks.
Proactively support the acquisition of new business and retention of existing business (including client and broker negotiations).
Coordinate with local Distribution to drive successful execution of the strategic plan and communicate the LoB strategy externally.
Positively represent Allianz internally within the Allianz Group, and externally to the market.
Proactively drive involvement of functional areas in the Underwriting process, including but not limited to Distribution, ARC, Claims, and Operations.
Steer and control the Austria Marine and Central Europe Marine portfolio to drive achievement of financial targets (e.g. full combined ratio).
Proactively liaise with functional areas to review performance of the end-to-end underwriting life cycle.

What You’ll Bring to the Role

A degree in Economics, Law, or another appropriate discipline is preferred. Ideally, completion of a professional insurance qualification (e.g., CII).
Significant experience in a leadership role in Marine Underwriting, with the ability to delegate tasks and steer team direction/goals.
Expert understanding of regional/local Marine insurance markets and the competitor landscape.
Well recognized relationship building with brokers at peer group level and well established within local market.
Strong ability to assess risk, inherent exposures, and natural hazards relevant to the Marine LoB.
Robust understanding of the policy administration life cycle, information collection, policy issuance, premium bookings, credit control, and cancellation.
Expert understanding of the legal and regulatory framework.
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to analyze current performance against benchmarks, considering how the market operates and functions, as well as the business and customer needs.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence others.
Expertise in integrating AI into various business functions, enhancing efficiency, and fostering a culture of data-driven innovation is crucial.
Fluency in both German and English.

Further Information:

Starting date: immediately I Working hours: 38.5 hours per week | Location: Vienna
Annual gross salary: from EUR 95,000 - depending on qualifications there is a willingness to overpay.

Offers “Allianz”

Job description