Head of Construction, North Asia
Company: International Insurer
Location: Regional Hub (e.g., Hong Kong)
Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and highly accomplished Head of Construction, North Asia to lead our specialized Construction and Engineering underwriting business across the region. Reporting to the Regional Head of Energy & Construction, you will own the regional profit and loss (P&L), drive strategic portfolio growth, and lead a high-performing team of underwriters. This role requires an expert technical underwriter with a robust broker network and proven leadership capabilities in the international insurance market.
Key Responsibilities
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Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the underwriting strategy for the Construction portfolio across North Asia, ensuring alignment with global corporate objectives and profitable growth.
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Portfolio Management: Oversee the performance, risk appetite, and profitability of the regional Construction book. Implement disciplined underwriting controls, pricing frameworks, and risk-selection guidelines.
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Team Management & Mentorship: Lead, develop, and empower a regional team of construction underwriters. Foster a collaborative culture focused on technical excellence, accountability, and continuous professional growth.
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Broker & Client Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with major international brokers, key local intermediaries, and top-tier corporate clients to secure a robust pipeline of new business.
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Technical Underwriting & Referrals: Serve as the final regional authority for complex, high-value, or non-standard construction risks (e.g., CAR, EAR, civil engineering, infrastructure projects), ensuring robust risk engineering assessments and wording reviews.
Requirements & Qualifications
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Experience: 10+ years of dedicated experience in Construction and Engineering underwriting within a major commercial insurer or reinsurer.
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Leadership: Proven track record of team management, with demonstrated success in managing, coaching, and developing underwriting professionals.
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Market Expertise: Deep, practical knowledge of the North Asia insurance market, including its distinct regulatory landscapes, risk profiles, and distribution channels.
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Technical Mastery: Superior technical knowledge of complex infrastructure, civil engineering, and commercial construction risks, alongside strong capabilities in portfolio analytics and planning.
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Education & Credentials: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Risk Management, or a related field. Professional insurance qualifications (such as ACII or ANZIIF) are highly preferred.
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Soft Skills: Outstanding negotiation, communication, and executive stakeholder management skills. Fluency in English is required; proficiency in a North Asian language (e.g., Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese) is a distinct advantage.
