Head of Underwriting

Senior Leadership | Underwriting Strategy | Portfolio Performance | Profitable Growth
 
Delta Insurance is seeking an accomplished and commercially astute senior insurance leader to head its New Zealand underwriting function and help shape the next phase of the business.
 
Reporting to the Managing Director New Zealand, with a dotted line to the Group Chief Underwriting Officer, the Head of Underwriting New Zealand is a key member of the senior leadership team, with responsibility for underwriting strategy, portfolio performance, product development, people, market engagement and profitable growth.
 
This role extends well beyond technical underwriting. Delta is looking for someone with the presence to guide an experienced team, the judgement to make significant commercial decisions, and the standing to represent the business at a senior level across the New Zealand insurance market.
 
The Opportunity
With overall accountability for NZ underwriting performance and outcomes, you will lead the Portfolio and Products team, working closely with the Managing Director and Group Chief Underwriting Officer to:

• Shape and execute Delta's New Zealand underwriting strategy, appetite and pricing discipline
• Drive portfolio performance and sustainable, profitable growth
• Lead and develop an experienced team, fostering accountability and high performance
• Shape product strategy and identify opportunities for innovation and market development
• Provide senior judgement on complex and material underwriting decisions
• Partner with Distribution to strengthen Delta's market presence and broker relationships
• Build strategic relationships with capacity partners and key industry stakeholders
• Contribute to financial planning, business strategy and senior leadership decision-making

Who are we looking for?
Leadership capability will be critical to success in this role, while a strong network within the New Zealand broker community will be highly regarded.
 
You will be an established  insurance leader who can set direction, make decisions, create momentum and bring people with you. You will be comfortable leading experienced professionals, navigating robust commercial conversations and taking accountability for performance and outcomes.
 
We're interested in talking with senior insurance leaders who bring:

• A strong track record of leading and developing experienced insurance professionals
• Strategic thinking, commercial acumen and sound judgement
• Confidence and presence at senior leadership level
• Strong technical insurance knowledge, with the ability to navigate complex underwriting decisions
• Established relationships and a strong reputation across the New Zealand insurance market
• A collaborative leadership style that sets clear expectations and fosters accountability

Why work for Delta?
At its heart is a clear vision: "We embrace change to make a more resilient world."
 
Delta's values doing the right thing, being passionately curious, enjoying and celebrating the journey, collaborating at your inspirational best, and being proactive and nimble are integral to how the business operates and what it means to be part of the Delta team.
 
Delta offers a compelling range of benefits such as a wellness allowance, medical and travel insurance, flexible working hours and more.
 
Interested in learning more?
You may not be actively considering your next move, but if this opportunity has caught your attention, we welcome a confidential conversation to explore the role, Delta and the broader mandate with no expectation that you need to be ready to apply.
 
This role is based in Auckland.
 
For further information or to request a copy of the full Job Description, contact: [email protected] [021 801 034](tel:021 801 034)
 
Alternatively, apply through this advertisement and we will be in touch.
 
All applications and enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence