Head of Underwriting & Distribution, Ireland

About us

At Munich Re Specialty – Global Markets (MRS-GM), it is our ambition to become the leading Primary Specialty Insurance provider, underpinned by an effective and adaptable strategy, superior products and industry leaders working in a supportive environment to achieve this.  

At the heart of our success is a strong culture where people are encouraged to be present, bold and curious, allowing them to achieve their individual goals.  

Please see our website for more information.

Head of Underwriting & Distribution, Ireland

Since its formation as a stand-alone division of Munich Re in 2023, Munich Re Specialty (MRS) has the ambition to become a profitable global primary Specialty insurer. Complementing an already strong presence in the UK and the US, Munich Re Specialty - Global Markets (MRSGM) has been tasked with expanding our primary Specialty business in continental Europe and APAC. We have begun the European expansion journey – starting in Spain, adding to our current operations in Regional UK, Ireland and Germany, while our plans for APAC are moving to implementation in 2026.

Regional primary specialty business written in-country in the local insurance market (as opposed to the wholesale market) falls under the definition of “Commercial”.

In order to successfully establish and profitably grow our Commercial business in the Irish market, we are looking for a Head of Underwriting & Distribution, Ireland to join our team.

We are searching for an exceptional individual with a proven track-record of growth and profitable underwriting across several lines of business (first and third party) in the Irish mid-market. Ideally, our successful candidate has experience across both Commercial (non-Wholesale) and Wholesale business – having underwritten business regionally in Ireland & International.

Knowledge of Lloyd’s of London UW practices is a plus. An entrepreneurial spirit is a must, with a high degree of comfort in building a business presence from scratch and preparedness to roll up the sleeves for tasks both big and small.

Our successful candidate is culturally astute across Europe, having a black belt in stakeholder management across all levels of an organization.

Role Summary

Responsibility for delivering growth and profitability targets for the Ireland business including Sales, Development and Relationship management for commercial  business across the Irish market, by utilising technological solutions, client relationship management, process and operational enhancements to improve the customer experience, and in turn add value for the Munich Re Group.

Enhancing the management of our Irish broker partners, to increase efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness by utilising extensive local and regional experience, developing a unique mix of business and management expertise, plus proficiency with relevant practices, policies, and procedures.

Identify, assess, onboard new MGA/Cover holder opportunities and contribute to overall growth and profitability of MRSGM whilst maintaining strong relationships with current partners, supporting their strategic growth plans.

Generating maximum return on investment for MRS-GM while maintaining the reputation and integrity of the business, demonstrating care for clients and respect for regulatory obligations

Day to Day Responsibilities

• To carry out the function of a Head of Ireland Underwriting & Distribution under the direction of the MRSI UK&I MD.
• Advise, develop and provide leadership in relation to Munich Re Specialty, Global Markets Ireland underwriting strategy, specifically the regulated legal entity of MRRSI which consists of a number of Lines of Business (LoBs)
• The Head of Ireland Underwriting will work on strategic activities with the CUO, Commercial. The role will involve supporting the core renewing portfolio while seeking new business and product opportunities via existing and new distribution channels to deliver sustainable profitable growth.
• All underwriting authority, business planning and IDD activity will be undertaken in conjunction with the CUO, Commercial or the individual holding underwriting authority under a binding authority.
• To maximise profit whilst maintaining Munich Re Group’s reputation and integrity, demonstrating care for customers and in compliance with regulatory obligations.
• To manage LOB underwriters writing business on behalf of MRRSI, to manage underwriting, business planning and all associated regulated activity and be responsible for ensuring such activity is conducted in compliance with Lloyd’s, FCA and PRA Rules.  
• Ensure underwriting is conducted within the parameters of the SBF or other applicable business forecast and in adherence to Underwriting strategy and Group Underwriting Guidelines
• Participate and attend the MRRSI board meetings where necessary and appropriate.
• Ensuring that MRS-GM maintains highly effective underwriting and distribution teams that align with and support the business plan for Ireland while ensuring that each LoB is underwritten profitably
• Generating maximum return on investment for MRS-GM while maintaining the reputation and integrity of the business, demonstrating care for clients and respect for regulatory obligations
• Undertaking the regulatory and supervisory requirements outlined by the CBI for the postholder of the PCF-8 (CEO) designation on behalf of Munich Re Risk Solutions Ltd.

Active Responsibilities

• Leading Commercial Underwriting and distribution for MRRSI Ireland
• Working in close collaboration with the Managing Director UK&I and other members of senior management, developing and implementing a comprehensive, scalable, and sustainable strategy for the Irish market (with the goal of growing the business from ca.€15mn to ca.€50mn within five years).
• Supporting CUOs in achieving their growth objectives and providing them with sales and development support.
• Enhancing existing relationships and establishing new partnerships with global, regional, and local brokers, key clients and capacity provider Great Lakes to drive business growth and expansion
• Developing and growing into the mid-market and selected larger accounts with "boots on the ground" in Ireland - developing the existing local team and building further underwriting and distribution bench-strength as required
• Evolving and refining the existing operating model in terms of scalability and efficiency, in line with MRS-GM's wider European setup
• Proactively engaging with all stakeholders internationally, and in Munich, to ensure that all underwriting and business best practices are known and applied
• Embodying the brand of MRS-GM, serving as the  'face' and 'voice' of business in Ireland
• Supporting staff development by objective-setting via a continuous conversations approach
• As part of MRS-GM's European setup, ensuring knowledge-sharing and industry best practice to further develop underwriting capabilities
• Conducting and developing effective relationships with local and regional market peers - keeping abreast of market developments that may affect business effectiveness
• Producing management reports on a regular basis
• Ensuring that company procedures and systems are followed and maintained, as per procedures and compliance manuals
• Conducting peer review, ensuring compliance with the business plan and adherence to authority limits
• Help drive forward good Conduct for the business to deliver the best outcomes for customers / policyholders.
• Understand all appropriate lines of escalation and the responsibilities  Executive Committee and MRRSI Board 

Key Skills & Experience

• Extensive, proven experience as a successful business leader in the primary insurance industry, with a sustained record of business development execution, in particular of delivering results internally and value to clients.
• An influential business leader, well-connected and highly regarded within the Irish insurance market with an existing portfolio of strong broker relationships.
• Demonstrating knowledge and skills within a regulated financial services business to become the approved person in the role.
• Entrepreneurial, can-do attitude, naturally curious about "what's next".
• Ability to develop and articulate strategic plans to gain and maintain market share, and to inspire teams to achieve ambitious goals.
• Ability to gain credibility with senior individuals, through technical and business leadership combined with professional integrity, both within and outside of the company.
• A multicultural and international mindset with excellent people, change and conflict management skills, and strong emotional intelligence - this person will be the "glue" that holds the Irish operation together (and be the face of it).
• Solution-oriented and commercial - operating with a "how can we make this work" rather than "I have to follow procedure" mindset
• Ability to consistently exercise sound judgment and solve complex problems through a combination of analysis, wisdom, judgment, and experience
• University degree and/or relevant professional qualification
• Relevant insurance qualification

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Munich Re, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion foster innovation and resilience and enable us to act braver and better. Embracing the power of DEI is at the core of who we are. We recognise diversity can be multi-dimensional, intersectional, and complex, so we want to build a diverse workforce that includes a wide range of racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender identities; economic and geographic backgrounds; physical abilities; ages; life, school, and career experiences; and political, religious, and personal beliefs. Additionally, we are committed to building an equitable and inclusive work environment where this diversity is celebrated, valued, and has equitable opportunities to succeed.

All candidates in consideration for any role can request a reasonable adjustment at any point in our recruitment process. You can request an adjustment by speaking to your Talent Acquisition contact.

Learning and innovating today, striving for sustainable societies and business tomorrow

At Munich Re Specialty – Global Markets our approach to ESG is underpinned by our desire to seize business opportunities and to nurture a stimulating and inclusive work environment. Our ESG strategy aims to deliver holistic impacts across environmental, social and governance topics including supporting a number of local initiatives within our community and offering volunteering opportunities for colleagues.

Learn more about sustainability at Munich Re – choose your impact!

#BePresent #BeBold #BeCurious