SVP, Head of Claims, Continental Europe

As a leading provider of insurance and reinsurance with worldwide operations and employees in Bermuda, U.S., U.K., Continental Europe and Asia, we recognize that our success is derived directly from those who matter the most: our people. At Sompo International, our values of integrity, collaboration, agility, execution and excellence underpin our culture and our commitment to providing an employee experience that attracts and engages the best talent in the industry. As we continue to grow, we strive to find diverse, innovative and driven professionals to join our teams and offer a broad range of career and development opportunities at all levels, in multiple business areas, in each of our locations throughout the world. Our compensation and benefits programs are market driven and competitive, with excellent family friendly policies and flexible working provisions.

Are you looking for your next opportunity?

Sompo has a unique opportunity as SVP, Head of Claims Continental Europe in our European Leadership Team.

Reporting directly to the Head of Strategy, Continental Europe, the role will be responsible for developing and managing the European Claims Department in an efficient, effective and scalable manner as the company grows in Europe. The successful applicant will be required to deliver a high level of customer satisfaction and a profitable claims experience through the implementation of direct and indirect business claim handling procedures and risk management processes.

Candidates should be able to provide insight and analysis on complex high profile/high exposure losses, develop the existing claims team, manage metrics and reporting requirements and deliver agreed upon claim service to clients and brokers in a timely and professional manner.

The role requires exceptional interpersonal and communication skills as the candidate will be expected to liaise with customers and work closely with executives and senior management across the company. They will need to be able to demonstrate a strong track record of working within a technical claims environment and will be part of an innovative team with a diverse set of responsibilities as would be expected of someone in a senior role. This role will provide the candidate with an exciting opportunity to develop a market leading claims function.

Location: This position will be based out of one of our Continental European offices (Switzerland, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Netherlands or Belgium). We strive for collaboration, which is why we offer a work environment where our employees thrive and develop long lasting careers.

Our business, Your impact, Shared opportunity

What you’ll be doing:

• Managing Claims personnel and processes in multiple countries.
• The candidate will continue to develop & maintain a claims strategy to facilitate the delivery of a consistent, outstanding, claims service across Europe.
• Taking a leading role in negotiating claims settlements and establishing adequate claims reserves.
• Ensuring adherence to the Corporate Governance standards, the Risk Management framework and all related risk analysis and investigation procedures flowing from this policy and the Insurance Claims Handling Manual.
• Monitoring service providers’ KPIs and ensuring the smooth operation of outsourced claims handling.
• Participating as senior leader in the wider global Sompo claims team.
• Mentoring and training more junior members of the team.
• Working with the leads of each function to ensure the claims function forms a close symbiotic working relationship across the company.
• Presenting claims information and trend analysis to executive management and to the Board.
• Providing colleagues with MI designed to continually improve quality of underwriting.
• Fostering and managing relationships with key clients and brokers.
• Managing relationships with service providers, including TPAs, outsource providers, panel lawyers and adjusters.
• Working closely with the executive team to drive Sompo’s profile, reputation and growth across the Continent.

What you’ll bring:

• 15+ years of experience working in Claims and (senior) management positions in Europe, wider experience is a plus
• High degree of technical claims expertise across multiple lines of business.
• Deep insurance industry knowledge, underpinned by relevant qualifications and a strong track record of accomplishment
• A strong visible leader who can carry people with him or her and is able to lead from the front, able to empower others and let them lead where they have the skills and capability to do so
• Strong leadership & interpersonal skills and a team-player. Deep knowledge of international management processes and corporate dynamics as well as a thorough understanding of the market and industry environment; Able to provide clear direction through periods of change
• Ability to work within a collaborative, team-oriented environment on a global basis
• Strong understanding of economic relationships, business models in the insurance industry and knowledge of strategy development
• Good understanding of the insurance regulatory environment in Continental Europe and its influence in business development, underwriting and claims management strategies
• Naturally connects and builds strong relationships with others, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively
• The highest levels of integrity
• Educated to degree level, legal qualification desirable but not essential.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Problem solving capabilities.
• Language skills: English, any further language is a plus
• Willingness to travel internationally as required

Our Benefits

We continuously evaluate and update our benefit programs to ensure that our plans meet the needs of our employees and their dependents. Below are a few highlights of our inclusive benefit programs:

• Expansive Health & Wellness Benefits
• Generous Retirement & Savings Plans
• Global Parental Leave & Adoption Assistance

In today’s world, what do we stand for?

We strive to create exceptional value for our clients and shareholders while maintaining Sompo as an attractive place to work. We foster an environment of ongoing, open dialogue between managers and their direct reports, and believe in an organizational environment where everyone belongs. We proudly are a multi-racial, multi-cultural, global enterprise. We reject all forms of racism, bigotry, prejudice and injustice and continue to invest in building out an inclusive and diverse work environment.

About Us

Expert Partners.
Clarity in complexity.
Unwavering commitment.

We’re Sompo, a global provider of property, casualty, and specialty insurance and reinsurance. Building on Sompo Holdings’ 130 years of innovation, we’re committed to applying all of our experience to simplify yours.

Our dedication to you shows up in the care we put in every detail, working to create a frictionless risk management journey for everyone we serve.

We lead with your priorities, meticulously crafting solutions, sharing insights, and understanding your needs.

Around the world, our 9,000+ employees use their expertise to learn, improve and find clear answers for your complex challenges.

Because when you choose Sompo, you choose the ease of expertise.

Sompo is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce.

To learn more about visit our website at www.sompo-intl.com