Branch Manager / Head of Underwriting Asia

Berkley; Singapore; On-site; SGD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading reinsurer in Singapore is seeking a Branch Manager / Head of Underwriting to oversee strategic and operational development. The ideal candidate should have over 15 years of experience in reinsurance with strong leadership and underwriting expertise. This role involves driving business growth, managing branch operations, and ensuring compliance with underwriting standards.

Qualifications

• Over 15 years in reinsurance, with a strong track record in senior underwriting and management roles.
• Deep expertise in treaty underwriting and pricing strategies.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong marketing, communication, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of underwriting and marketing strategy.
• Oversee branch operations and staff management.
• Monitor aggregate exposures and liaise for premium reconciliation.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Technical expertise in treaty underwriting

Market insight

Stakeholder engagement

Operational efficiency

Job description

Company Details

Berkley Re Asia, part of the Fortune 500 W. R. Berkley Corporation, is a leading reinsurer delivering innovative capacity and underwriting expertise across Asia. With offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Malaysia, our local teams combine deep market knowledge with global strength. We pride ourselves on technical excellence, responsive service, and empowered local decision-making.

The Role

Shape the Future of Reinsurance in Asia-Pacific

The Opportunity:Are you ready to lead and inspire? As Branch Manager / Head of Underwriting, you’ll play a pivotal role in the strategic and operational development of Berkley Re Asia. You’ll oversee underwriting and marketing functions, drive business growth, and ensure our standards of excellence are upheld in every aspect of our operations.

Key Responsibilities:Leadership & Strategy:

• Lead the development and execution of Berkley Re Asia’s underwriting and marketing strategy.

• Oversee branch operations, including staff management and operational excellence.

• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and ethical business practices.

Underwriting Excellence:

• Ensure compliance with underwriting authorities and retrocessional agreements.

• Structure and maintain underwriting guidelines and peer reviews.

• Support treaty and facultative business through prescribed processes.

• Collaborate with actuaries on pricing models and targets.

Business Development:

• Develop marketing plans for new business acquisition and renewal retention.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, brokers, and service providers.

• Provide periodic reports on market activity, product results, and portfolio profile.

Operational Oversight:

• Monitor aggregate exposures and ensure robust reporting systems.

• Liaise with technical accounts for premium reconciliation and claims.

The Candidate - Skills, Qualifications & Experience

As the Branch Manager – Head of Underwriting, you bring a powerful blend of strategic leadership, technical expertise, and market insight that drives underwriting excellence and business growth. Your ability to lead high-performing teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement ensures that underwriting operations are efficient, compliant, and aligned with organisational goals.

• Extensive Industry Experience:Over 15 years in reinsurance, with a strong track record in senior underwriting and general management roles.

• Technical Mastery:Deep expertise in treaty underwriting, pricing strategies, and catastrophe modelling, enabling sound risk assessment and portfolio management.

• Leadership Excellence:Proven ability to lead and inspire multi-disciplinary teams, cultivating a high-performance culture and mentoring future leaders.

• Strategic Influence:A forward-thinking mindset with a focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement in underwriting practices.

• Stakeholder Engagement:Strong marketing, communication, and negotiation skills that build trusted relationships with brokers, clients, and external partners.

• Regulatory Acumen:In-depth knowledge of compliance requirements and regulatory frameworks, particularly within the Asia reinsurance market.

Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping the underwriting strategy, enhancing our market position, and ensuring sustainable growth for the business.