Operations Project Team Lead - CDD

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 (re)insurance combining scientific & technological expertise with a new approach. Parametric insurance , also known as index-based insurance, indemnifies clients within days based on pre-defined payout structures when a specific triggering event occurs, the payout process is both 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 specialized team of 250+ people includes the largest modelling team in the industry featuring tech and modeling 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 Underwriting is seeking an external Operations Project Leader to support our Operations Team during the parental leave of the current Project Leader (6 to 9 months).

You will report to the Head of Operations, and you will be a key contributor of the deployment of Operations team’s projects.

Our Operations Team underpins every aspect of Descartes Underwriting and Descartes Insurance activity, ensuring that our business processes run smoothly and efficiently from lead generation all the way to accounting flows and claims payments. In an environment where the Salesforce platform plays a critical role in our daily operations, the Operations Project Team implements, maintains and runs business tools that help our business logic.

Joining us means supporting impactful projects, collaborating across departments and countries, gaining in-depth understanding of complex insurance proceedings, and being part of a team that’s always looking for ways to improve and innovate while maintaining accuracy, compliance, and a positive experience for policyholders.

You will be in close and effective cooperation with all business units and play a vital role in the following activities:

Team Leadership and Development:

Lead, mentor, and empower the Operations Project team

• Proactively develop the skills and expertise of team members to enhance their performance and career growth, notably in project management and deployment of best practices;

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the team, proactively identifying opportunities for process optimization and innovation within the Operating Platform in collaboration with other departments to improve the overall efficiency of the company.

Strategic Planning and Roadmap:

• Develop a deep understanding of our users' needs by engaging regularly with stakeholders across Operations, Finance, Marketing, CIO office and Business Development teams, to improve process and workflow integrations, specifically in operations solutions;

• Contribute actively to defining the strategic direction of the Operating Platform, maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the interconnections between various tools in close collaboration with the Product team;

• Define and maintain the team's roadmap, effectively managing priorities to align with business objectives, encompassing both project initiatives and ongoing operational tasks (run) in close collaboration with the Product team.

Stakeholder Management and Communication:

• Ensure seamless and proactive communication with both internal users and the technical development team (DSD);

• Coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure project alignment and successful outcomes;

• Ensure clear and consistent communication of the team's progress, both internally within the team and externally to relevant stakeholders.

Project Execution and Guidance:

• Provide guidance and oversight for the planning, execution, and monitoring of all projects within your team's scope;

• Champion the delivery of high-quality projects within agreed scope, ensuring alignment with business goals;

• Ensure adherence to data governance policies and promote data quality standards within operational projects;

• Build and manage a pool of external consultants, ensuring their effective integration to provide flexibility and specialized expertise as needed.

ABOUT YOU

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Completed a master’s degree from a leading Engineering school or Business school with a specialization in Data Analytics or/and Engineering sciences or/and Risk management or/and operations;

• 5-10+ years’ experience in a similar position (technology or IT environment) or in a consulting position in a fast-paced environment;

• Experience managing projects with multiple stakeholders and fostering alignment;

• Previous experience in insurance is valued but not mandatory.

SKILLS

• Good interpersonal skills & ability to work with different profiles;

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and compelling manner;

• Curiosity & basic understanding of the best practices and technical landscape of the development software lifecycle;

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and technology development processes;

• Fluency in French and English;

• Interested in Artificial Intelligence;

• Previous experience with SQL and familiarity with SQL is a plus.

MINDSET

• Eager to learn more about the insurance industry;

• Results oriented, high energy, with the ability to work in a dynamic and multi-cultural environment;

• Excellent team player with an entrepreneurial mindset and value of diversity;

• Strong desire to learn and commitment to the organization’s mission.

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.