Strategic Projects Lead - Industrial and Specialty Risks - CDI

ABOUT DESCARTES UNDERWRITING

Join Descartes and contribute to our mission: Building Resilience in a World at Risk.

Descartes is a corporate insurance group for worldwide companies and institutions. Descartes was born from a conviction that the growing complexity of corporate and climate risks demands a new approach to insurance. At the forefront of AI and data analysis, Descartes utilises cutting‑edge technology combined with a new generation of data sources to model, assess and manage risks.

Since 2019, Descartes has secured a leading position in parametric insurance, also known as index‑based insurance, indemnifying clients within days based on pre‑defined payout structures when a specific triggering event occurs; the payout process is fast and transparent. The company has been financed with over $141M by investors including Highland Europe, BlackFin, Serena, Cathay, Eurazeo and Battery Ventures.

Our highly diverse and specialised team of 250+ people includes the largest modelling team in the industry featuring tech and modelling innovators, scientists in physics and climatology, as well as insurance veterans and underwriters. With a global footprint and strong US presence, Descartes serves a diverse portfolio of clients in more than 60 countries, with 20+ offices spread across Europe, Asia‑Pacific, Latin and North America.

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ABOUT YOUR ROLE

Descartes Insurance is undergoing a rapid growth phase: to ensure its successful execution, scalability and long‑term sustainability, your role as Strategic Projects Lead will be pivotal.

Your mission will articulate around the following strategic drivers:

• Contribute to Descartes Insurance “industrial and specialty risks” growth initiatives, such as projects related to international expansion, the launch of new products or distribution partnerships.
• Drive cross‑team collaboration, aligning closely with other Descartes key teams, such as Reinsurance and our commercial teams in Europe.
• Support the roll out of AI and new technologies to improve operational efficiency from pipeline management to deals binding, dashboards and reportings.
• Contribute to setting clear underwriting rules and a robust control framework including underwriting guidelines, processes and controls, data quality standards, etc.
• Lead Descartes Insurance “industrial and specialty risks” underwriting team coordination effort: meeting or seminar preparation, escalation of challenges and difficulties encountered by the team, action plans, etc.

Your missions will evolve in the future as Descartes is growing fast and many exciting projects are waiting for you. It's a unique opportunity to take a closer look inside a fast‑growing scale‑up with huge ambitions!

ABOUT YOU

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduated from a Business or Engineering school.
• 5 – 10 years’ experience in strategic projects management, preferably in the Insurance or Tech sector.

SKILLS

• Strategic and analytical thinking: you have a structured mind and a natural drive to always dig deeper to understand the why.
• Tech‑savviness: you have a hands‑on curiosity for AI and new technologies, with a strong test and learn mindset.
• Strong execution skills with attention to detail and quality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluency in French and English is required.

MINDSET

• Highly driven and results‑oriented, with an entrepreneurial, impact‑driven mindset.
• Eager to embrace an innovative approach to traditional insurance.
• Collaborative team player comfortable working cross‑functionally.
• Able to operate in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.
• Continuous learner with high grit, committed to excellence and to Descartes long‑term vision.

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 (think 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.
• You can benefit from punctual home office days.

At 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.