Role Summary

The Group Insurance and Reinsurance Product & Proposition Strategy Manager is a key role responsible for supporting the development and execution of the group-wide strategy for insurance and reinsurance products and propositions. Working under the guidance of the Chief Underwriting & Reinsurance Officer, this role collaborates with the Group Strategy team, community of technical practice/subject matter expertise and Country leadership to drive innovative, customer-centric, and market-competitive insurance offerings. The Manager will contribute to market and customer insights, support product innovation, and evaluate new opportunities to enhance the Group’s insurance and reinsurance position both in the GCC markets and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Supports Strategic Development

• Support the Chief Underwriting & Reinsurance Officer and Strategy Director in developing the group-wide strategy for insurance and reinsurance products and propositions.
• Work closely with the Group Strategy team, community of technical practice/subject matter expertise and Country leadership to align product strategies with corporate objectives and local market needs.
• Actively contribute to the creation of product and proposition roadmaps that support growth, profitability, and market share.

Market and Customer Insights

• Conduct research to develop market and customer insights, analyzing trends, customer behaviors, and competitor activities in the GCC and broader Middle East insurance markets.
• Utilize data analytics, market research, and customer feedback to identify opportunities and inform product development and pricing strategies.
• Provide actionable insights to support strategic decision-making and go-to-market plans.

Product and Proposition Innovation

• Support the design and development of innovative insurance and reinsurance products and propositions that meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to ideation and implementation of new products, incorporating digital and technology-driven solutions where applicable.
• Assist in fostering a culture of innovation across the Group by participating in cross-functional innovation initiatives.

Evaluation of New Opportunities

• Support the identification and evaluation of new business opportunities, including partnerships, new market segments, and emerging technologies.
• Assist in conducting feasibility studies, risk assessments, and financial modeling to support decision-making for new product launches or market expansions.
• Provide recommendations to optimize the product portfolio and enhance profitability.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Country leadership, underwriting, actuarial, marketing, and distribution teams, to support the execution of product strategies.
• Engage with external partners, such as reinsurers, brokers, and technology providers, to support the development of innovative solutions.
• Participate in industry forums and events to stay informed about market trends and regulatory developments.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of products and propositions in terms of market penetration, customer satisfaction, and financial performance.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on strategy execution and market performance.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal governance standards in all products and proposition activities.

Knowledge / Capabilities / Competencies / Skills Required

Insurance Product / Proposition Innovation

• Ability to contribute to the design and launch of innovative insurance and reinsurance products that address customer needs and enhance market competitiveness.
• Familiarity with leveraging emerging technologies (e.g., InsurTech, AI, blockchain) to improve product offerings and customer experiences.

Insurance and Reinsurance Product / Proposition Strategy

• Strong understanding of strategic planning processes to support the development of product strategies aligned with corporate goals.
• Ability to balance profitability, risk, and customer-centricity in product design and proposition development.

Customer and Market Insights

• Proficiency in analyzing customer segmentation, behavior, and preferences in the GCC insurance market.
• Ability to interpret insurance and reinsurance market trends, competitive landscapes, and regulatory environments to inform strategic decisions.

Collaboration and Communication

• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization.
• Clear communication skills to present insights and recommendations to senior stakeholders and external partners.

Analytical and Financial Acumen

• Ability to analyze data and derive actionable insights to support product development and strategy.
• Competence in financial modeling and business case development to evaluate new opportunities.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of product development methodologies, including customer journey mapping and agile project management.
• Proficiency in data analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and market research techniques.
• Understanding of InsurTech trends and digital transformation in the insurance industry.
• Basic knowledge of underwriting, reinsurance, actuarial principles, pricing models, and risk management frameworks.

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to support strategic initiatives.
• Effective communication and presentation skills to convey insights and recommendations.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability to work effectively in the diverse GCC market.

Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English is mandatory given a global focus of the role.
• Knowledge in Arabic is a plus.

Educational Qualifications / Professional Experience

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Actuarial Science, or a related field.
• Preferred: Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) or professional certifications in insurance (e.g., Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute - ACII, Certified Insurance Professional - CIP, or equivalent).
• Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in insurance or reinsurance, with at least 3 years in a role focused on product strategy, development, or innovation.
• Experience in the International insurance markets, with exposure to retail and/or commercial insurance products and specialty lines of business.
• Familiarity with reinsurance structures, underwriting principles, and regulatory frameworks.