Business Development Executive - Reinsurance (AVP or VP)

Business Development Executive - ReinsuranceDescartes is hiring a Business Development Executive - Reinsurance (AVP or VP depending on experience) to grow our reinsurance and retrocession business in the Americas. Reporting to the SVP, Business Development – Reinsurance & Retrocession, you will originate and close new reinsurance business, deepen relationships with reinsurance brokers and cedents, and position Descartes' parametric solutions as a strategic tool in their risk transfer programs.This role calls for an experienced reinsurance professional with an entrepreneurial, builder's mindset — someone who combines strong market credibility and technical understanding of reinsurance structures and Nat Cat risk with the energy to build a pipeline and win business in a fast-growing company.You will work closely with the SVP, the wider Americas business development team, and Descartes' underwriting and modelling teams in the US and Paris, and will travel regularly to be in the market with brokers, cedents and partners.Responsibilities:Originate, structure and close new reinsurance and retrocession business, and secure renewals, in line with the reinsurance sales plan set with the SVP and the Head of Americas.Build and maintain a strong, well-qualified pipeline across target cedents, segments and perils; keep CRM and forecasting up to date.Personally lead deals through the full sales cycle, from prospecting and submission to negotiation and binding.Contribute to the reinsurance business plan and targets, identifying priority opportunities and markets.Expand and deepen Descartes' network of reinsurance brokers, cedents and reinsurers across the Americas.Develop and promote the value proposition of Descartes' parametric products as a complement to traditional indemnity reinsurance programs.Represent Descartes at reinsurance renewals, industry meetings and events, including occasional public speaking engagements.Work closely with underwriting and modelling teams to translate cedent needs into tailored parametric structures and pricing.Ensure submissions are complete and well-positioned, and that business written meets Descartes' underwriting standards and guidelines.Feed broker and cedent feedback into product development to expand the addressable market.Monitor reinsurance market developments, renewal dynamics and competitor activity, and share insights with the SVP and wider team.Collaborate with the Americas business development team (retail, wholesale and ART) and colleagues in other Hubs to pursue cross-channel and global opportunities.Support knowledge sharing and, where relevant, mentor more junior team members.About You:A minimum of five years in reinsurance in a business development, broking or underwriting capacity.Proven track record originating and closing reinsurance business with cedents and reinsurance brokers.Strong understanding of reinsurance structures (treaty and facultative) and the renewal cycleUnderstanding of Nat Cat perils and catastrophe modelling concepts.Established network among US reinsurance brokers, cedents and reinsurers.Consultative selling and negotiation skills, with the ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder deals.Strong analytical capabilities and financial acumen.Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.Experience with retrocession, ILS or alternative risk transfer.Expertise in the parametric risk space.Experience in a scaling company, MGA or insurtech environment.Why Join Descartes Underwriting?Unique opportunity to have significant impact on emerging risk solutions across the industry and within Descartes;Be a key player in an innovative, fast-growing business success story in the parametric industry;Learn, grow fast, and go deep in a high-conviction, tech-driven environment;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.Benefits & Perks:Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance plansLife and disability insurance401k savings plan and matching employer contributionGenerous paid time offGenerous paid parental leaveAt Descartes Underwriting, we cherish the 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.