Head of Distribution, DACH

Westfield Specialty International; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Westfield Specialty International is seeking a senior leader to establish and strengthen relationships with key focus brokers, specialist brokers, and MGAs across German-speaking markets. The Head of Distribution, DACH will work with underwriting and leadership to develop sustainable distribution opportunities and execute growth in the German specialty insurance market.

The role requires deep broker network development, excellence in stakeholder management, and alignment with Westfield’s

Qualifications

• Significant experience in the insurance industry, preferably in specialty or commercial lines.
• Proven track record in broker management, client engagement, or distribution development.
• Established network within German-speaking insurance markets would be highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen strategic relationships with key brokers, clients, MGAs, and distribution partners across the German market.
• Identify and secure new distribution opportunities aligned with Westfield’s specialty insurance strategy and risk appetite.
• Promote awareness and understanding of Westfield’s underwriting capabilities, line of business, and market proposition.
• Support profitable growth by developing strong commercial relationships with focus brokers, specialist brokers, and corporate in-house brokers.
• Collaborate with underwriting teams to ensure alignment between market opportunities and underwriting strategy.
• Provide market intelligence, broker feedback, and distribution insights to internal stakeholders to support strategic decision-making.

Skills

Insurance distribution

Relationship management

Networking

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Business development

German market knowledge

German & English fluency

Travel readiness

Education

Degree educated or equivalent

Professional insurance qualifications desirable

Job description

Job Description

The role holder will be responsible for establishing and strengthening relationships with key focus brokers, specialist brokers, corporate in-house brokers, and selected Managing General Agents (MGAs) across the German-speaking markets. The role will drive market engagement, enhance brand presence, and contribute to profitable business growth by promoting Westfield’s underwriting capabilities, risk appetite, and specialist product offering.

The Head of Distribution, DACH will act as a trusted market representative, working closely with underwriting and leadership teams to develop sustainable distribution opportunities and support the execution within the German specialty insurance market.

The job holder is responsible for developing and maintaining broker and market relationships and identifying business opportunities. The role does not include authority to underwrite risks, bind insurance contracts, or enter into, execute or conclude agreements on behalf of Westfield Specialty Insurance Europe S.A. (“WSIE”). Such decisions and approvals remain subject to WSIE's delegated authority and governance arrangements.

Contractual terms discussed or developed by the role holder with brokers, MGAs, clients or other third parties are, in the ordinary course, subject to further review and formal approval and execution by the Company's authorised signatories at the Company's registered office in Luxembourg, in accordance with the Company's internal signature and authority policies in force from time to time.

Key Accountabilities & Role Requirements

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen strategic relationships with key brokers, clients, MGAs, and distribution partners across the German market.
• Identify and secure new distribution opportunities aligned with Westfield’s specialty insurance strategy and risk appetite.
• Promote awareness and understanding of Westfield’s underwriting capabilities, line of business, and market proposition.
• Support profitable growth by developing strong commercial relationships with focus brokers, specialist brokers, and corporate in-house brokers.
• Collaborate closely with underwriting teams to ensure alignment between market opportunities and underwriting strategy.
• Maintain a strong understanding of local market dynamics, the competitive landscape, broker structures, and emerging opportunities within the German-speaking insurance markets.
• Provide market intelligence, broker feedback, and distribution insights to internal stakeholders to support strategic decision-making.
• Deliver high standards of professionalism, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement while acting as an ambassador for the Westfield brand.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements, internal governance standards, and company policies.
• Contribute to the successful execution of regional business plans and strategic growth initiatives.

Skills & Competencies Required

• Strong insurance distribution and relationship management capability within the German-speaking insurance markets.
• Proven ability to develop, influence, and maintain trusted long-term business relationships.
• Excellent commercial awareness and understanding of specialty insurance markets and distribution models.
• Strong networking, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to identify and convert business development opportunities into sustainable growth.
• Deep understanding of specialty insurance products, underwriting principles, and risk appetite frameworks.
• High levels of resilience, credibility, professionalism, and personal integrity.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across international teams.
• Fluent German and English language skills are essential.
• Adaptability and willingness to travel within the DACH region and internationally as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Significant experience within the insurance industry, preferably within specialty insurance or commercial lines.
• Proven track record in broker management, client engagement, distribution development, or business development roles.
• Established network and strong market relationships within the German-speaking insurance markets would be highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated success in developing profitable broker and/or MGA partnerships.
• Strong understanding of specialty insurance products and market practices.
• Experience working within an international insurance environment would be beneficial.
• Relevant professional insurance qualifications are desirable.
• Degree educated or equivalent professional experience preferred.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, knowledge, etc. These may be subject to change and additional functions may be assigned as needed by management. #wspi

About Us

Founded in 1848, Westfield is a global leader in property and casualty insurance, delivering superior risk insights and innovative solutions to customers through a diverse portfolio of insurance products. Westfield underwrites commercial, personal, surety, and specialty lines of coverage through a network of leading independent agents and brokers in the United States and specialty products through Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200. As a mutual insurance company with more than 3,000 employees, Westfield has revenues in excess of $4 billion and more than $10 billion in assets.

About The Team

Westfield Specialty International Culture

Our culture is centred around three core values: Excellence, focused on high performance, agility and embracing change; Ambition, where inquisitiveness, challenge and a bold approach is encouraged; and Collaboration, delivering shared goals through collective expertise, diversity of thought and transparency. All three are underpinned by Reward & Recognition, where people are supported & respected, and success is celebrated.

Equal Opportunity Employer

United States: All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

United Kingdom: Westfield is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.