Senior Claims Counsel

Hannover Re; Australia; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Hannover Re Australia in Sydney seeks a Senior Claims Counsel to lead the local claims function and oversee related litigation. You will report to the CFO, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver insights through quarterly reports. The role requires a law background, 5+ years in reinsurance, and strong Excel, communication, and analytical skills within a global team.

Join an international firm with a collaborative culture and opportunities across Australia and New Zealand.

Qualifications

• Experience in law, a law degree or legal studies (advantageous).
• General insurance and/or at least 5 years' reinsurance industry experience, including contract wordings.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Expertise in identifying potential liabilities and recommending risk management strategies.
• A sound understanding of insurance law, regulations and claims processes.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritise effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Well-developed analytical, decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Experience identifying process inefficiencies and implementing improvements.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing claims management activities and partnering with underwriting and technical accounting teams to ensure best practice and professional service delivery.
• Assessing and advising on large and complex claims, coordinating with stakeholders and providing claims data, reports and information to cedants where required.
• Managing litigation matters and liaising with Group Legal Counsel and external legal advisers as appropriate.
• Ensuring compliance with local regulatory requirements and claims management obligations.
• Participating in Claims Counsel meetings and sharing key insights and updates with the local team.
• Monitoring legal developments across Australian and New Zealand jurisdictions and communicating relevant changes internally.
• Supporting internal and external audits relating to claims.
• Building relationships with cedants and service providers, representing Hannover Re within the Australian claims market and at industry events.
• Exploring and evaluating automation and digitalisation trends across the industry for potential application within Hannover Re.
• Preparing and delivering quarterly claims reports to local management, providing key insights and performance updates.

Skills

Legal experience

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Independence & teamwork

Attention to detail

Process improvement

Risk management

Education

Law degree or legal studies

Tools

Advanced Excel

Job description

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Hannover Re – as one of the world’s leading reinsurers, we provide coverage for the risks of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Our strength? Connecting Power: Within our global team of around 4,000 colleagues, we bring together knowledge, perspectives and a strong sense of responsibility. We rely on one another, challenge ourselves and continuously develop both our services and our products. Whether working with risk calculation models, developing digital tools or creating pragmatic solutions for our clients: here, you can contribute your expertise and actively shape what comes next.Sounds good? Get to know us as a reliable employer and find your place with us.

We are somewhat different

In Australia and New Zealand, Hannover Re is a major player in the reinsurance market. Locally, we combine the agility of a small, nimble team with the financial strength and global reach of one of the world’s largest reinsurers.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Claims Counsel to join us in Sydney.

Reporting directly to the Chief Finance Officer, this permanent role is responsible for the management and oversight of claims processes for the branch. In addition, this role is responsible for the management of any litigation and reporting relating to the Claims function.

You can look forward to

• Overseeing claims management activities and partnering with underwriting and technical accounting teams to ensure best practice and professional service delivery.
• Assessing and advising on large and complex claims, coordinating with stakeholders and providing claims data, reports and information to cedants where required.
• Managing litigation matters and liaising with Group Legal Counsel and external legal advisers as appropriate.
• Ensuring compliance with local regulatory requirements and claims management obligations.
• Participating in Claims Counsel meetings and sharing key insights and updates with the local team.
• Monitoring legal developments across Australian and New Zealand jurisdictions and communicating relevant changes internally.
• Supporting internal and external audits relating to claims.
• Building relationships with cedants and service providers, representing Hannover Re within the Australian claims market and at industry events.
• Exploring and evaluating automation and digitalisation trends across the industry for potential application within Hannover Re.
• Preparing and delivering quarterly claims reports to local management, providing key insights and performance updates.

You come equipped with

• Experience in law, a law degree or legal studies (advantageous).
• General insurance and/or at least 5 years' reinsurance industry experience, including contract wordings.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Expertise in identifying potential liabilities and recommending risk management strategies.
• A sound understanding of insurance law, regulations and claims processes.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritise effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Well-developed analytical, decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Experience identifying process inefficiencies and implementing improvements.

You will stand out if you are

• Technology-loving – you embrace HR systems, automation, and data-driven decision making.
• Naturally curious – always asking “how can we do this better?”.
• Process-oriented – with a strong focus on continuous improvement.
• Trusted and grounded – you build credibility through consistency, discretion, and integrity.
• Mature and balanced – able to exercise sound judgement and handle sensitive matters.
• People-centric – approachable, empathetic, and able to build strong relationships across all levels.
• Self-driven – able to prioritise effectively and work with minimal supervision.
• Attention to detail orientated – you see the things others miss and have an eye for numbers and effective use of language.

Applicants must have unrestricted rights to work in Australia (Australian citizenship or permanent residency).

What do we offer you: Are our values, Responsibility, Drive and We Spirit aligned with yours? Culture & environment You’ll join an international organisation with short decision paths, an open feedback culture, and a strong sense of community built on respect, collaboration and mutual support. Benefits We value our people and their contribution to our shared success. Our benefits include structured onboarding, hybrid working arrangements with up to two days from home, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and modern offerings focused on professional development, wellbeing and engagement. Career development You’ll bring your specialist expertise and in return we offer continuous learning, exposure to global perspectives, and the opportunity to contribute ideas, innovate and shape your career. Only together can we achieve our objectives. To learn more about Hannover Re Australia, visit our careers site: https://www.hannover-re.com/de/local-offices/australia/career/ We don’t just offer a job and a title. If you’re looking for an organisation that genuinely values its people and is Somewhat Different, we would love to hear from you. No agencies please.