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 19 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

As part of our strong growth, we are looking for a Project Manager to reinforce the
Innovation & Data team in the R&D department (2 people).
You will report to the Chief of Staff of the Chief Scientific Officer, responsible for
overseeing transversal activities of Descartes Insurance and managing the Data &
Innovation team. 

In order to support the improvement of our current risk modeling capabilities and our
product offering, we handle a vast portfolio of data coming from diverse sources
such as satellite, meteorological stations, IoT sensors and radar.

Your tasks will include :

Data & Sensor Partnerships

• Understand the technical, business and legal aspects related to our insurance products including wording, risk models, data used or claims evaluation;
• Participate to contractual and commercial discussions with our external partners (radar, satellite, weather stations, etc.) used in pricing and claims;
• Support the team when needed in the installation process of IoT sensors across regions, ensuring a smooth client and partner experience.

New Product Development

• Contribute to the innovation roadmap in coordination with other teams;
• Assess the market-fit of our current products, anticipate technological developments, and seek new partners to further strengthen our offering;
• Participate in our technology and innovation watch to help Descartes remain at the forefront of the industry.

Chief of Staff Support & Transversal Projects

• Contribute to Descartes Insurance’s governance and regulatory topics
  • Own the relationship with external partners specific to Descartes Insurance;
  • Coordinate regulatory deliverables throughout the year between teams;
  • Help with the agenda, content, and follow-up of committee actions.
• Assist the Chief of Staff in cross-functional and strategic initiatives
  • Collaborate with R&D, underwriting, software, reinsurance and commercial teams to understand needs and surface new ideas;
  • Help improve data quality and structure within the teams;
  • Define and maintain internal data standards.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts: deploy tools, optimize processes, and enhance team efficiency.

Your missions will evolve in the future as Descartes is growing fast and many
exciting projects are waiting for you !

ABOUT YOU

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduated from an Engineering School or equivalent (e.g. general, mechanical, civil, etc.) with a specialization in business;
• From 0 to 2 years of experience (internships or/and apprentice) in business and/or data related;
• A previous experience in insurance and/or data is valued.

SKILLS

• Rigorous, team spirit, strategic and structured thinker;
• Excellent communication skills to be able to share expectations and business needs of the company;
• Ability to synthesize complex or technical topics to non-technical audiences;
• Fluency in English and French is required (oral and written).

MINDSET

• Eager to learn more about the data and insurance industry;
• Results oriented, high energy, with the ability to work in a dynamic and multi-cultural environment;
• Excellent team player with an entrepreneurial mindset and value of diversity;
• Strong desire to learn and commitment to the organization’s mission. 

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;
  
• You can benefit from punctual home office days.

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: Remote interview with the manager;
• Step 3: In person technical interview;
• Step 4: In person final round interview to meet the team and discover our offices.