ABOUT DESCARTES UNDERWRITING

Descartes was born out of the conviction that the ever-increasing complexity of risks faced by corporations, governments and vulnerable communities calls for a renewed approach in insurance. Our team brings together industry veterans from the most renowned institutions (AXA, SCOR, Swiss Re, Marsh, Aon, ...) and scientists on top of their field to bring underwriting excellence. After 5 years of existence, Descartes has secured a leading position in parametric insurance for weather and climate-related risks utilizing machine learning, real-time monitoring from satellite imagery & IoT. After a successful Series B raise of $120M USD, we launched Descartes Insurance, a 'full stack' insurer licensed to underwrite risk by the French regulator ACPR. With a growing corporate client base (400+ and counting), our diverse team is headquartered in Paris and operates out of our 17 global offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Descartes is trusted by a panel of A-rated (re)insurers to carry out its activities.

ABOUT YOUR ROLE

In close collaboration with the leadership for Descartes Insurance Solutions, you will lead regional business development activities based in Texas. 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Expand Descartes’ corporate broker network in the North American market, building strong relationships to generate new opportunities & secure renewals;
• Develop and promote the value proposition of Descartes’ parametric products as a pro-active element within brokers' strategic toolkit;
• Understand and identify North American market needs for parametric offerings in order to generate meaningful business opportunities;
• Represent Descartes externally at Broker, Client and Industry meetings & events; including occasional public speaking engagements;
• Develop and adapt sales & marketing strategies (incl. digital) for the North American market.

TEAM WORK

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Paris-based Underwriting & BD teams to optimize business opportunities & meet ratio objectives;
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth underwriting and claims settlement processes;
• Monitor insurance industry, and parametric specific, developments in the North American market, effectively communicating insights internally;
• Travel: this position will entail business travel, including overnight stays.

ABOUT YOU

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5 years experience in the North American Property & Casualty insurance market, in a business development and/or underwriting capacity;
• Candidates with experience from a brokerage firm or underwriting company highly preferred.

SKILLS

• Fluency in English (written and verbal communication) – required;
• Good command of one additional language (e.g. Spanish) – valued;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Strong consultative selling skills with a focus on problem solving;
• Strong analytical capabilities and financial acumen.

MINDSET

• Results oriented, high energy, and self-motivated with the ability to work in a dynamic and multi-cultural environment;
• Excellent team player with an entrepreneurial mindset and value of diversity;
• Motivated to help businesses’ and communities’ build resilience to climate change.

WHY JOIN DESCARTES UNDERWRITING?

• Opportunity to work and learn with teams from the most prestigious schools and research labs in the world, allowing you to progress towards technical excellence;
• Commitment from Descartes to its staff of continued learning and development (think annual seminars, training etc.) ;
• Work in a collaborative & professional environment ;
• Be part of an international team, passionate about diversity ;
• Join a company with a true purpose – help us help our clients be more resilient towards climate risks;
• A competitive salary, bonus and benefits based on candidates experience & qualifications.

At Descartes Underwriting, we cherish 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.