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Job Title


Lead Underwriter - Sydney


Company : Descartes Underwriting


Location : Sydney, New South Wales


Created : 2025-04-30


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

2 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicantsGet AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.Direct message the job poster from Descartes UnderwritingDescartes was born out of the conviction that the ever-increasing complexity of risks faced by corporations, governments and vulnerable communities calls for a renewed approach in insurance. Our team brings together industry veterans from the most renowned institutions (AXA, SCOR, Swiss Re, Marsh, Aon, ...) and scientists on top of their field to bring underwriting excellence. After 6 years of existence, Descartes has secured a leading position in parametric insurance for weather and climate-related risks utilizing machine learning, real-time monitoring from satellite imagery & IoT. After a successful Series B raise of $120M USD, we launched Descartes Insurance, a ''full stack'' insurer licensed to underwrite risk by the French regulator ACPR. With a growing corporate client base (400+ and counting), our diverse team is headquartered in Paris and operates out of our 18 global offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Descartes is trusted by a panel of A-rated (re)insurers to carry out its activities.ABOUT YOUR ROLEAs the Lead Underwriter based in Sydney, you will be a key contributor to the global underwriting team.Your key missions will include:Actively contribute to the growth in Australia and New Zealand in partnership with the commercial team;Drive the underwriting strategy by developing in-depth knowledge of the local insurance market along with Descartes technical capabilities to identify growth areas;Regularly attend meetings with clients and industry conferences with commercial team, drive collaboration with the commercial team;Ensure the compliance with the technical standards defined by the software engineering team;Closely follow the portfolio performances;Actively participate to the design of new technical tools to support the growth of the company;Maintain excellent relations with Descartes Underwriting''s risk carriers;Assist the development Descartes Australian branch by supporting the commercial team in the identification of new business;Actively contribute to the pricing and structuring of parametric insurance solutions for Descartes clients and prospects;Closely monitor the performances of the portfolio.ABOUT YOUEXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONSGraduated from a Business or Engineering school/academic institutions with a specialization in data science, computer science, applied mathematics, or related;5-9 years of significant experience minimum (post graduation) in data science, probability and catastrophy modelling, risk analysis, and advanced statistics;Advanced knowledge of actuarial and pricing concepts used in the evaluation of risks;Prior experience in structuring, pricing & underwriting (parametric) insurance covers for climate risks is a plus;Knowledge of coverage forms and policy language;Understanding of the insurance market, including the compliance framework.SKILLSProficiency in statistics, probabilities, applied mathematics and machine learning methods;Eye for quality, autonomous and attention to detail;Fluency in English (written and verbal communication) is required;Good command of one additional language (e.g. Chinese, French, Italian, German, Spanish) is valued.MINDSETInterested in insurance industry and emerging risks modeling (climate);Strong team spirit and ability to work under pressure;Eagerness to solve complex problems and technical challenges;Rigorous, creative and meticulous mind;Strong desire to learn and acquire responsibility;Results oriented with the ability to work in a fast-paced and multi-cultural environment.WHY JOIN DESCARTES UNDERWRITING ?Opportunity to work and learn with teams from the most prestigious schools and research labs in the world, allowing you to progress towards technical excellence;Commitment from Descartes to its staff of continued learning and development (e.g annual seminars, training etc.);Work in a collaborative & professional environment;Be part of a dynamic international team, passionate about diversity;Join a company with a true purpose help us help our clients be more resilient towards climate risks;A competitive salary, bonus and benefits : 80-110k full package;Local Visa sponsorship (existing 482 Visas only) will be approved for the right candidate on a case-by-case basis.At Descartes Underwriting, we cherish value of diversity whatever it may be. We are committed to fighting against all forms of discrimination and for equal opportunities. We foster an inclusive work environment that respects all differences.With equal skills, all our positions are open to people with disabilities.RECRUITMENT PROCESSStep 1: HR Interview with our Head of RecruitmentStep 2: In person team interview to meet our team and discover our officesSeniority levelSeniority levelAssociateEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionBusiness Development and OtherIndustriesInsuranceReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Descartes Underwriting by 2xSign in to set job alerts for Underwriter roles.Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 1 month agoSt Leonards, New South Wales, Australia A$80,000.00-A$85,000.00 2 weeks agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 3 weeks agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia $90,000.00-$150,000.00 5 days agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 1 day agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia A$180,000.00-A$200,000.00 2 weeks agoManly, New South Wales, Australia 1 day agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 3 weeks agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 1 day agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 months agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 4 weeks agoSenior Underwriter, Protection, AustraliaSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 18 hours agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 days agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 5 days agoSenior Business Analyst - Financial CrimeSydney, New South Wales, Australia 3 weeks agoNational Underwriting Manager - LiabilityMillers Point, New South Wales, Australia 1 week agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 8 months agoNorth Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks agoUnderwriter/Senior Underwriter, Australia Accident & Health DivisionSydney, New South Wales, Australia 3 weeks agoNational Underwriter Manager - Accident & HealthWere unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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