Head of Strategy & Development, Europe (Location Agnostic)

About us

At Munich Re Specialty – Global Markets (MRS-GM), it is our ambition to become the leading Primary Specialty Insurance provider, underpinned by an effective and adaptable strategy, superior products and industry leaders working in a supportive environment to achieve this.  

At the heart of our success is a strong culture where people are encouraged to be present, bold and curious, allowing them to achieve their individual goals.  

Please see our website for more information.

Head of Strategy & Development, Europe (Location agnostic - UK or Germany)

Munich Re Specialty was formed as a stand-alone division in 2023, and brings together the wider Munich Re group’s primary specialty business units. Complementing an already strong presence in the UK and the US, Munich Re Specialty – Global Markets (MRSGM) has been tasked with executing a wider plan to build a broader European footprint.

The Head of Strategy & Development Europe will assist the CEO and the European Leadership Team (ELT) in various capacities. In particular, the establishment of MRSG presence across several countries in continental Europe will be a key area of attention in 2025 and beyond.

In addition, the further development of our presence in the UK (outside of Lloyd’s) and Ireland also place high on the agenda. Specifically, the Head of Strategy & Development Europe supports the CEO and the ELT in the preparation and tracking of the European strategy - preparing the agenda for ELT meetings and ensuring that all follow-up actions are executed and closed.

Furthermore, the role will lead various initiatives as assigned by the CEO and when required serve as delegate for the CEO in meetings.

Responsibilities:

• Be the CEO’s right-hand person, advisor and “shared brain”.
• Assist in the development, presentation, and monitoring of MRSG Europe’s short- and long-term business strategies, priorities and KPIs.
• Assist the CEO and Country Heads with stakeholder management across the wider Munich Re group, including Re, F&C and ERGO.
• Lead and participate in key strategic projects involving MRSG Europe.
• Provide market insights for each new country to be launched (i.e. Germany and Italy), while working closely with teams of market experts and various central functions.
• Coordinate with the Europe Programme Manager, who provides resources (PMs) and overall guidance, ensuring consistency with overall Project Governance.
• Acting as the strategic leader for a new country, provide a proper hand-over to the incoming Country MD, after the completion of the project phase (i.e. signature of the GLISE binder, go/live) takes place.
• Offer expert guidance to support business decisions in relation to the establishment of presence in new countries via DUA from GLISE while ensuring consistency with the Cooperation Model in place between GM and GL in close coordination with GLISE senior management.
• Act as the “first port of call” for any strategic GLISE-related topics while being actively involved in GLISE strategic projects in Munich and/or in London.
• Act as a strategic GLISE business partner, responsibilities include Binding Authority Agreement addendum / changes oversight to ensure alignment with approved business cases (UW framework, go-to market strategy and broker relationship management stay with CUOs and MDs respectively).
• To advise the CEO on the composition of the ELT over time to create momentum around Europe and to facilitate the development of a “sense of belonging” to Europe.
• Draft agendas for the ELT meetings including ad-hoc offsites; to be drafted to facilitate the creation of an inclusive environment, in an open debate forum to enable the ELT members act as role model with their own teams (i.e. creating a culture in Europe).
• Stimulate attention and discussions in monthly ELT meetings and ad-hoc offsites with specific topics
• Facilitate the development, coordination, and monitoring of the CEO’s and her ELT’s commitments.
• Understand the formal and informal structures of the organization and tap into them as necessary.
• Support the CEO with internal and external communication (via MarComms) and cascade of strategic topics into the MRSG Europe organization.
• Help drive forward good conduct for the business to deliver the best outcomes for customers / policyholders.

Knowledge and Skills

• Entrepreneurial spirit who isn’t afraid of getting their hands dirty with execution – this is critical as the build-out of continental Europe is in its infancy and every pair of “hands on deck” matters
• Works in a proactive and self-directed manner by identifying and executing activities that add value to MRSG Europe, its LT and the CEO.
• A structured thinker and problem-solver with a natural affinity for building storylines that audiences can understand and buy into
• A strong networker and manager of stakeholders with an established portfolio of working relationships within the wider Munich Re group, ideally at corporate headquarters.
• Can switch dynamically between the bigger picture and the required level of detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and preferably another 1-2 European languages.
• Believes in and demonstrates MRSG’s preferred values and behaviours.
• Understands completely and complies with the highest level of ethical judgment and possesses the ability to work with highly confidential information.
• Ability to be impartial and demonstrates sound, collaborative, and analytical decision making while acting as a strategic partner to the CEO.
• At least 10 years relevant industry experience, preferably covering the value chains of both primary insurance and reinsurance.
• University degree and/or relevant professional qualification

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Munich Re, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion foster innovation and resilience and enable us to act braver and better. Embracing the power of DEI is at the core of who we are. We recognise diversity can be multi-dimensional, intersectional, and complex, so we want to build a diverse workforce that includes a wide range of racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender identities; economic and geographic backgrounds; physical abilities; ages; life, school, and career experiences; and political, religious, and personal beliefs. Additionally, we are committed to building an equitable and inclusive work environment where this diversity is celebrated, valued, and has equitable opportunities to succeed.

All candidates in consideration for any role can request a reasonable adjustment at any point in our recruitment process. You can request an adjustment by speaking to your Talent Acquisition contact.

Learning and innovating today, striving for sustainable societies and business tomorrow

At Munich Re Specialty – Global Markets our approach to ESG is underpinned by our desire to seize business opportunities and to nurture a stimulating and inclusive work environment. Our ESG strategy aims to deliver holistic impacts across environmental, social and governance topics including supporting a number of local initiatives within our community and offering volunteering opportunities for colleagues.

Learn more about sustainability at Munich Re – choose your impact! 

#BePresent #BeBold #BeCurious