ABOUT DESCARTES UNDERWRITING
Join Descartes and contribute to our mission: Building Resilience in a World at Risk.
Descartes is a corporate insurance group for worldwide companies and institutions. Descartes was born from a conviction that the growing complexity of corporate and climate risks demands a new approach to insurance. At the forefront of AI and Data analysis, Descartes utilises cutting-edge technology combined with a new generation of data sources, to model, assess and manage risks.
Since 2019, Descartes has secured a leading position in parametric (re)insurance combining scientific & technological expertise with a new approach. Parametric insurance, also known as index-based insurance, indemnifies clients within days based on pre-defined payout structures when a specific triggering event occurs, the payout process is both fast and transparent. The company has been financed with over $141M by investors including Highland Europe, BlackFin, Serena, Cathay, Eurazeo and Battery Ventures.
Our highly diverse and specialized team of 250+ people includes the largest modelling team in the industry featuring tech and modeling innovators, scientists in physics and climatology, as well as insurance veterans and underwriters. With a global footprint and strong US presence, Descartes serves a diverse portfolio of clients in more than 60 countries, with 20+ offices spread across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin and North America.
Find out more on https://descartesunderwriting.com/careers.
ABOUT YOUR ROLE
The very fast growth of our Property and Cyber lines across Europe, at the core of our company’s strategy, leads Descartes to structure the team under the leadership of an Underwriting Manager.
The Underwriting Manager - Property & Cyber requires strong industry expertise and business acumen. The role involves collaborating closely with internal teams (R&D, Tech, Operations, Legal, Commercial) and external partners, particularly European corporate brokers.
Descartes redefines traditional insurance through data and technology. Guided by Underwriting leadership, our Tech teams collaborate to build innovative models and robust tools, empowering underwriters to scale operations and drive profitable growth efficiently.
As a Property & Cyber Underwriting Manager, your key missions will include:
Portfolio underwriting and growth
Maintaining and expanding our broker network in France and Europe through frequent interactions, visits and industry events, in close coordination with our European commercial teams;
Discussing market trends and opportunities with brokers to understand client needs, optimize our product offering, and supervising your team’s broker interactions;
Conducting structuring and risk analysis work, issuing insurance proposals for public sector and corporate clients in France and Europe, and overseeing your team’s proposals within underwriting authorities;
Leading bespoke growth initiatives, such as partnerships with specialized distribution networks to gain market shares in specific segments or geographies.
Underwriting excellence and Tech Innovation
Being responsible for technical documentation, underwriting authorities and governance audit trail, as well as ensuring insurance contracts redaction or analysis meets guidelines;
Participating in the development of Descartes’ proprietary technological platform (models and pricing tools) to maintain our competitive edge by working closely with our tech or R&D teams.
Team management
ABOUT YOU
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Graduated from an Engineering school or Actuarial school;
Demonstrated success in P&C underwriting or a closely related field, gained in France or abroad.
SKILLS
Analytical skills: you have a structured mind and a natural drive to always dig deeper to understand the "why" behind the numbers. You keep the key figures in mind—whether you're running quick mental math during a broker negotiation or aligning on logic with our internal scientific teams;
Tech-savviness: you have a hands-on curiosity for AI and new technologies, with a strong "test and learn" mindset. You don’t need to be a python-coder, but you should be ready to progressively speak a common language with tech teams to move projects forward together;
Strong execution skills with attention to detail;
Strong written and verbal communication skills;
Fluency in French and English is required.
MINDSET
Highly driven and results-oriented, with an entrepreneurial mindset;
Eager to embrace an innovative approach to traditional insurance;
Collaborative team player comfortable working cross-functionally;
Able to operate in a fast-paced, high-growth environment;
Continuous learner with high grit, committed to excellence and to Descartes long-term vision.
WHY JOIN DESCARTES UNDERWRITING?
Team up with genuinely brilliant minds and top-level experts, where every day is a chance to learn something new and sharpen your own skills;
Have a genuine impact, knowing that the decisions you make everyday truly matter for the business;
Be part of a dynamic multicultural and diverse team;
Join a company with a true purpose – bring resilience in a world at risk;
Get a competitive salary, bonus and benefits.
At Descartes Underwriting, we cherish the value of diversity whatever it may be. We are committed to fighting against all forms of discrimination and for equal opportunities. We foster an inclusive work environment that respects all differences.
With equal skills, all our positions are open to people with disabilities.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Step 1: HR Interview with our Talent Recruiter
Step 2: In person manager and technical interview (short case study)
Step 3: In person team interview to meet our team and discover our offices
