SME Team Manager

Overview

• Cigna Insurance Middle East is looking to appoint a team manager who will be responsible for leading the SME underwriting function for Middle East (excluding KSA).
• The focus of this role will be management of SME underwriting team, processes and renewal strategies.
• The successful candidate will work closely with the broader Underwriting team, as well as with the Sales and Client Management, Product and Actuarial functions.
  
  

• Team Leadership and Management:
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of SME underwriters, ensuring high performance and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Set clear performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Encourage an environment of continuous improvement, incorporating peer-to-peer coaching and training.
• Underwriting Operations:
• Oversee the underwriting process for SME clients, ensuring adherence to company guidelines and risk appetite.
• Review and approve complex underwriting cases and provide guidance on risk assessment.
• Liaison with the SME sales team and client managers on strategy and market experience.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of underwriting decisions.
• Guide the development and implementation of the SME renewal strategy.
• Monitor the performance of the MEA portfolio, identifying trend and areas of risk and opportunity.
• Collaborate on SME Pricing:
• Contribute to discussions on rating structure proactively and during rate reviews.
• Collaborate with actuarial on identifying new rating factors and improving the sophistication of regional book rates.
• Stakeholder Management:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including sales, client managers and brokers.
• Act as a point of escalation for complex underwriting issues and concerns.
• Compliance and Risk Management:
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Identify and mitigate underwriting risks through effective risk management practices.
• Stay updated on industry developments and regulatory changes.
  

• Excellent knowledge of the end-to-end underwriting workflow
• A clear understanding of the MEA health insurance market
• Previous people management skills would be an advantage, along with evidence of strong team development skills
• Expertise in MS Excel - experience with any data analytics software (R, SQL, Alteryx or equivalent) would be an advantage
• The ability to manage a wide range of stakeholders with different perspectives
• The ability to encourage and inspire an environment of continuous improvement
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to manage stakeholder expectations and deliver under pressure