ABOUT DESCARTES UNDERWRITING

Our mission is to help corporations and public sector organizations build their long-term resilience. To make it happen, we protect them from emerging risks, which are becoming increasingly significant and severe due to the growing unpredictability and complexity of the world.

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

The People team's mission is twofold - both equally important:

• Support Descartes growth and resilience globally;
• Bring the best possible experience for all employees in all our locations. 

The team is led by a global Chief People Officer who joined the company in mid-2024, sits at the Executive Committee and shapes the People agenda, sponsored by the founders. The People team is currently composed of 8 people.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE

Direct support to the Chief People officer:

• Strategy definition and implementation: drive the evolution of our organization by co-defining and steering Descartes’ people strategy - incl. creating roadmaps, defining and managing budget, and ensuring successful implementation;

• People team coordination: partner with the CPO to ensure clarity on priorities and foster seamless collaboration across the People team. Facilitate team routines and promote alignment across all HR initiatives;

• Performance steering: build and maintain dynamic HR KPI dashboard(s) to track and communicate impact effectively at all levels of the organization;

• Operational excellence: identify operational weaknesses and improve or create programs and processes to keep them as efficient as possible;

• Project management: lead and execute innovative transversal projects.
  

Example projects include:

• Compensation & benefits policies definition and implementation
  Internal communication revamping;
• Tools or processes optimization (ex.: HR information systems).
  
  
  

ABOUT YOU

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• You have already experienced working in a fast-growing environment;
• 4-6 years’ experience in a fast-paced environment that enabled you to work on a variety of topics with a wide range of stakeholders (e.g. consulting);
• You are interested in People topics, eager to learn and to be hands-on; past experience in HR projects is a plus.

SKILLS

• You have strong project management and analytical skills
• You are recognized for your professional efficiency and ability to structure;
• You have excellent communication skills in a multicultural environment ; you are recognized as a true team player;
• You are fluent in English;
• You recognize yourself in values like: excellence, diversity & respect, humility, grit.

WHY JOIN DESCARTES UNDERWRITING?

• 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;
• You can benefit from punctual home office days.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

• Step 1: HR Interview with our Head of Recruitment
• Step 2: Manager Interview with our Chief People Officer
• Step 3: In-person team interview to meet our team and discover our offices (held remotely if you are abroad)

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.