Lead Sustainable Underwriter
UNITED KINGDOM Accounting / Management control
Job description
Location : Guildford/hybrid
Salary: Dep on exp + car allowance + annual bonus + benefits
Role purpose
AZ UK is strengthening its focus on driving Sustainability initiatives and activity across the business. A Commercial Sustainable Underwriting Lead is needed to specifically focus on driving Sustainability initiatives, ambitions and targets in respect of commercial sustainable underwriting . The role holder will report into the AZC Chief Underwriting Officer within the Commercial Business Area, and will be the key responsible person for driving sustainable underwriting initiatives in the commercial area.
The Lead will be responsible for delivering the underwriting initiatives in line with the wider AZ UK Sustainability Strategy and with the Global Sustainability Strategy and local laws and regulations. The role holder will proactive lead, implement and drive Sustainability underwriting initiatives in the commercial business area . To achieve the ambitions and targets the role holder will be required to manage internal and external stakeholders and to collaborate closely with different business functions.
Key responsibilities:
· Deliver the AZC sustainable underwriting elements of the UK Sustainability strategy, ambitions and targets that aligns with the Global strategy, enables business growth and meets customers’ needs. Lead implementation and delivery of Sustainable Solution (SuSo) certification and portfolio decarbonisation initiatives for AZC, in line with UK strategy and industry standards and methodologies, such as PCAF.
· Proactively identify initiative value, impact, areas for improvement and drive and track progress in Sustainable underwriting activities.
· Establish relevant and accurate reporting and data for Sustainable underwriting initiatives . Ensure quality of reporting is in place for appropriate steering and monitoring of KPIs and targets, including providing transparent and regular updates to key stakeholders and governance forums.
· Actively participate in relevant AZ-UK governance forums (incl. Sustainability Forum) and the Sustainability Working Groups representing sustainable underwriting for AZC.
· Key contributor and subject matter expert for managing underwriting-related climate risk in Commercial including providing regular input into established risk processes, scenario analysis and risk scanning exercises.
· Act as the provider of subject-matter expertise for Sustainable underwriting matters . Monitor and provide insight on future trends, competitor activity and industry developments to maximise Sustainable underwriting and product opportunities.
· Act as a the accountable owner for commercial sustainable underwriting to the UK Head of Sustainability and align closely with the central Sustainability team to manage key risks, find opportunities, report progress and deliver against targets in line with the UK Sustainability strategy.
· Lead and embed underwriting-related processes and sound governance process in line with Corporate rules and the Allianz Standard for the Integration of Sustainability (ASIS)
· Collaborate and build relationships with internal stakeholders, including senior leaders and subject matter experts to achieve relevant initiatives and targets. Strong focus on working in partnership with the AZP Sustainable Underwriting lead to share best practice, deliver on UK-level targets and align working practices and approaches.
· Build strong relationships, interaction and engagement with H7 on Commercial Sustainable underwriting matters, including responding to data / information requests and representing the UK on key initiatives.
· Deliver the AZC sustainable underwriting contribution to external reporting requirements including TCFD reporting, NFSI reporting, CSRD, ClimateWise and other regulatory reporting requirements for Sustainable underwriting initiatives.
· Collaborate and work with AZ Commercial Underwriting and Pricing functions including Account Managers, Underwriting Governance, Portfolio Steering, Pricing & Analytics teams.
Skills & experience:
· Demonstrable knowledge of ESG frameworks, methodologies, standards, and trends. Examples include PCAF, EU/ Green Taxonomy, CSRD, TCFD, TCND and ISSB.
· Data Management and Impact Measurement – experience in non-financial business monitoring and reporting preferred.
· Underwriting / Pricing / Product / Claims – Experience in core insurance activities.
· Creative and Innovative Thinking - Proven track record in change management, transformation and strategy development
· Qualified to 2.1 degree level or equivalent in any discipline OR significant and relevant business experience.
· ACII or equivalent qualified, or making progress towards professional development
· A self-starter who is proactive and can manage their own priorities and deliver impact self-sufficiently.
· Goal-oriented with the ability to successfully manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and to meet all deadlines.
· A passion for teamwork and collaboration
Background:
· Significant experience in the P&C Insurance industry or sustainability-related experience. Experience in underwriting or portfolio management preferred.
· Previous experience in project management and delivery, including tracking initiatives and reporting / monitoring progress. A strategic mindset, with the ability to understand the detail but also how this feeds into the bigger picture.
· Excellent communication, presentations and influencing and relationship management skills, with a high appreciation, and experience of managing stakeholder expectations and motivations.
· Knowledge, passion and expertise across all aspects of Sustainability. Inc. understanding of external drivers, groups/influencers and insurance industry activity to date.
· Experience and proven track record in reporting to and working with Boards, ExCo and senior internal and external stakeholders.
· Able to navigate within a complex structure and work closely with internal teams.
· A driven, can-do attitude, with a positive mindset and entrepreneurial spirit.
What we will offer you
Recognised and rewarded for a job well done, we have a range of flexible benefits for you to choose from- so you can pick a package that’s perfect for you. We also offer flexible working options, global career opportunities across the wider Allianz Group, and fantastic career development and training. That’s on top of enjoying all the benefits you’d expect from the world’s number one insurance brand, including:
· Annual bonus scheme
· 30 days holiday plus bank holidays
· Car allowance
· Private Medical Insurance
· Contributory pension scheme
· Life cover
· Group Income Protection
· Flexible buy/sell holiday options
· Flexible working arrangements
· A discount up to 50% on a range of insurance products including car, home and pet
· Retail discounts
Our ways of working
Do you need some flexibility with the hours you work? Let us know as part of your application and if it’s right for our customers, our business and for you, then we’ll do everything we can to make it happen.
Here at Allianz, we are signatories of the ABIs flexible working charter. We believe in supporting hybrid work patterns, which balance the needs of our customers, with your personal circumstances and our business requirements. Our aim with this is to help innovation, creativity, and you to thrive - Your work life balance is important to us.
Our Purpose and Values
We secure your future
Be Brave | With Heart | Everyone Counts | Inspiring Trust
Our purpose and values are more than just words on a website - they are the why and how of Allianz. They influence everything we do and guide us how to do it. Created by our people, for our people, they shape our culture, bring us together, and inspire us to be the best. Building an inclusive culture for us all to succeed.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Allianz, we value diversity and inclusion and back this up with our accreditations. Allianz is EDGE certified for gender inclusion, members of the Women in Finance Charter, members of the Stonewall Diversity Champion programme, signatories of Business in the Community’s Race at Work Charter, and an Armed Forces Covenant gold standard employer.
We have a range of employee networks focusing on gender inclusion, cultural diversity, LGBTQIA+, disability and long term health conditions (including neurodiversity), intergenerational and life stages, parents and carers, mental wellbeing, menopause support and armed forces and veterans, all supporting you to bring your best and authentic self to work.
Join us - Let’s Care for Tomorrow