THE OPPORTUNITY
Our client is a leading African reinsurer with an established presence across Africa and international markets. Its India branch, based in the GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), opened in February 2026 and is a key part of its growth in the region. An affiliated underwriting agency has operated in GIFT City for 14 years, giving the branch established broker relationships and market credibility from day one.
We are looking for a senior Property Facultative Underwriter to establish and grow the branch’s property facultative book. You will write business in the GIFT City market, build broker relationships, and lead the 1 January renewal campaign, working closely with the Head of Branch and the treaty and engineering underwriters. This is a newly created, foundational role in a small and growing team. As the branch scales and adds lines
of business, you will build and lead a team of your own, with a clear path into a broader leadership role.
1. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
• At least 8–10 years’ reinsurance underwriting experience, with property facultative as the core specialism
• Underwriting experience gained on the reinsurer side, rather than in broking or primary/commercial insurance
• Proven track record of managing a meaningful property portfolio, with clear underwriting authority and influence
• Strong broker-facing skills, with the ability to present, negotiate and win business credibly
• Excellent spoken and written English
Advantageous
• Experience of a branch launch, startup or book build-out
• Experience leading or mentoring underwriters
• Exposure to additional lines of business that could support the branch’s future expansion
• A relevant degree or professional insurance qualification
2. Location and Travel
• Based full-time at the branch office in GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
• Must live in, or relocate to, the Gandhinagar/Ahmedabad area (relocation support available).
• Remote or Mumbai-based working is not possible.
• Some travel within India to meet brokers and clients.
3. Personal Qualities
• Entrepreneurial, self-driven and motivated to build something new.
• Confident and credible with brokers and clients.
• Resilient and comfortable in a fast-moving new operation.
• Professional, polished and articulate.
4. Key Functions
4.1 Underwriting
• Underwrite property facultative reinsurance for the Indian market.
• Assess, price and structure risks within the branch's appetite.
• Lead the renewal campaign and build the new business pipeline.
4.2 Broker and Market Development
• Build and grow relationships with brokers and cedants.
• Present the branch's capacity and appetite to the market.
• Represent the branch at client, broker and industry events.
4.3 Portfolio Management
• Help set underwriting guidelines, pricing and referral processes.
• Monitor portfolio performance and report to the branch and group.
• Work with finance and compliance on regulatory reporting.
4.4 Leadership and Growth
• Act as the senior technical lead for property.
• Build and lead a property underwriting team from 2027.
• Support expansion into new lines of business.
5. Accountabilities
• Reports to the Head of India Branch (Principal Officer).
• Works with the branch underwriting team, finance, compliance and group underwriting.