Head of Underwriting & Claims

The Role

The Head of Underwriting & Claims provides strategic, technical and people leadership for HRUK’s UW&C department. Working closely with the wider Business Development teams and colleagues across the Hannover Re Group, the job holder shapes HRUK's underwriting and claims strategy, capabilities and client proposition, helping ensure HRUK is a trusted and innovative partner in the UK protection market while delivering sustainable growth for the Branch.

The role is responsible for developing an engaged and high-performance team that combines technical excellence with commercial awareness and outstanding client service. The job holder sets clear direction, develops talent and creates the energy and confidence needed to respond to the changing needs of HRUK and its clients.

The Head of Underwriting & Claims builds strong and trusted client relationships,ensuring HRUK is perceived as a trusted partner and is easy to do business with. They anticipate how the UK protection market is developing and translate changes in technology, data, regulation, distribution and customer expectations into relevant services, improved capabilities and value for clients and HRUK. #LI-DNI

Duties & Responsibilities:

Leadership and People Development
Lead, inspire and develop the UW&C team, building future capability and leadership succession while creating an inclusive and positive culture where everyone is motivated to perform at their best, contribute ideas and continually develop. Set clear expectations for performance, accountability and collaboration.

Business Development
Work closely with Branch colleagues on client strategies, tenders, treaty implementations, propositions and new business opportunities. Ensure that UW&C expertise supports commercially sound decisions and strengthens HRUK’s client proposition.

Market Engagement
Build strong and trusted relationships with market stakeholders, developing a deep understanding of clients’ businesses and future needs. Ensure HRUK is perceived as a valued partner, easy to do business with and committed to their success. Represent HRUK across the UK protection market, building the Branch's profile through industry engagement, client interaction and thought leadership.

Strategy & Innovation
Develop and deliver the UW&C plans to support sustainable growth. Embed the L&H and Group strategies and translate into clear priorities. Maintain a clear view of developments affecting UK protection including medical advances, customer expectations, regulation, data and technology. Translate these developments into innovative propositions, services and capabilities for clients and HRUK.

Technical Leadership & Governance
Shape and maintain HRUK's UW&C philosophies, policies, authorities and operating practices. Provide senior technical judgement and challenge, identifying emerging risks and ensuring compliance with treaties, regulation, risk appetite and Group standards.

Service Delivery
Overall responsibility for the quality, consistency and responsiveness of underwriting and claims services. Establish appropriate service standards, use client feedback to drive improvement.

Insight
Utilise UW&C and other relevant MI to identify trends, emerging risks and opportunities. Work with other Branch departments to turn technical evidence into clear and timely recommendations for clients and HRUK.

Continuous Improvement
Lead improvements to services, processes, systems and ways of working, constructively challenging established practices where necessary, adopting technology and automation to improve quality, efficiency, insight and client experience.

Group Collaboration
Work collaboratively across HRUK and the wider Hannover Re Group, bringing together technical, commercial and research expertise and sharing

About You:

Qualifications Required

- ACII or equivalent qualification

Experience

- Minimum 15 years’ experience in Underwriting/ Claims with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role

- Excellent knowledge of the UK life insurance market with strong stakeholder relationships

- Experience across underwriting & claims operations, philosophy and research & development

Skills

- Team leadership and talent development

- Strategic thinking

- Commercial awareness

- Client relationship management

- Influencing and negotiation

- Communication and thought leadership

- Change and innovation leadership

- Analytical decision-making

Person Specification

Communicating and Influencing
Excellent negotiation skills and demonstrated capacity to influence decisions and manage relationships with key stakeholders. Adapts communication style depending on audience.

Problem solving
Ability to break down complex issues and identify trends, patterns and interdependencies. Pragmatic approach to assessing risks when developing solutions.

Delivery and Accountability
Accountable for individual and team deliveries to support the overall Branch objectives. Creates an environment where challenge is expected and encouraged and holds individuals accountable for same. Efficient and responsive ensuring deadlines are met.

Client Focus
Develops a deep understanding of the market and client’s needs in order to win and retain business and be recognised as a preferred business partner.

Team Player
Focuses on building and maintaining a positive team culture and developing crossfunctional relationships. Embraces diversity of thought, ideas and skills to engage the team and deliver objectives. Continuously strives for process improvement.

Life at Hannover Re UK:

Atmosphere : Work in a global team that values innovation, agile decision-making and mutual respect. We challenge convention, encourage open feedback and foster a community where everyone’s voice matters.
Benefits : From structured onboarding to a comprehensive range of benefits, we invest in your well-being every step of the way. Our offerings include health and wellness initiatives, personal and professional development opportunities and a support system designed to help you thrive in all aspects of your growth and daily life.
Prospects : Bring your expertise and curiosity – here, you'll have the space to drive change and own your ideas. We’ll keep you engaged with fresh challenges, mentorship, skill-building opportunities and the freedom to shape your path.