Head of Commercial Claims, Europe

**Location**

Madrid, Spain
**Job type**

Full-Time
**Work mode**

Hybrid
**Job level**

Management & Leadership
**Job ID**

10723
**Company**

Munich Re Specialty - Global Markets
**Employment type**

Regular
**Area of expertise**

Claims & Underwriting

About us

At Munich Re Specialty - Global Markets (MRS-GM), it is our ambition to become the leading Primary Specialty Insurance provider, underpinned by an effective and adaptable strategy, superior products and industry leaders working in a supportive environment to achieve this.

At the heart of our success is a strong culture where people are encouraged to be present, bold and curious, allowing them to achieve their individual goals.

Please see our website for more information.

Head of Commercial Claims, Europe

The Head of Commercial Claims - Europe is a vital part of the MRSGM Claims Leadership team and will help build Claims capabilities in new markets and adapt for its rapidly growing business. The Head of Commercial Claims - Europe will be responsible for leading, building, and scaling the company’s European claims offerings across Spain, Ireland, and Germany, and other countries within Europe as the business grows.

Initially, the role will involve identifying, prioritising and setting up core operations by working closely across functions for seamless end-to-end processes. This role will also assist with building and onboarding strategic partners, defining local claims governance and compliance processes, and contribute to the development of systems and tools, while also simultaneously establishing local teams to help the business scale in the European markets.

The Head of Commercial Claims
- Europe will also oversee claims handling and many related multi-dimensional functions that are required as part of a growing claims department. Over time, the position will evolve into a regional leadership role with oversight of multiple country claims teams and operational governance. This role also collaborates with many key stakeholders and executives, including from Underwriting, IT, Finance, HR, and Legal.

**Responsibilities**:
**Claims Management & Oversight**
- Directly handle a variety of specialty lines and P&C complex claims in Spain, Ireland and Germany during build-out phase.
- Ensure claims best practices are defined, adhered to and updated for their local markets.
- Oversee claims managed by TPAs underwritten in multiple European countries, ensuring adherence to all local regulations and SLAs.
- Present and communicate with executive and senior leadership across Claims, Underwriting, and other Departments regarding claims, trends, and operational performance.

**Team Leadership & Build-Out**
- Develop people strategy in local markets to ensure all business needs are met.
- Build, train and lead claims teams of adjusters to adapt in high-growth environment.
- Establish a culture of technical excellence, customer service, and regulatory compliance.

**Operations & Governance**
- Develop and implement claims processes, MI reporting, and reserving controls across Europe.
- Partner with central/global claims operations to ensure consistency and data accuracy.
- Establish performance frameworks for TPAs and vendors, including audits and escalation protocols.

**Regulatory & Market Engagement**
- Ensure compliance with local regulatory requirements.
- Serve as the European claims leader with regulators, brokers, and other stakeholders as required.
- Work closely with Underwriting, Distribution, and Finance to align claims strategy with business goals.

**Strategic Growth & Integration**
- Provide input into European Underwriting strategy from a claims perspective.
- Align claims handling practices across European markets within MRS GM standards.
- Support integration of new products, lines of business, and distribution channels into claims workflows

Knowledge and Skills
- Extensive Claims Senior Leadership experience with a growing primary insurer.
- Strong technical background in multi-line commercial claims (casualty, property and specialty).
- Demonstrated success in building or scaling claims functions across multiple countries and in matrixed structures.
- Proven experience managing TPAs and vendors, with measurable improvements in performance.
- Familiarity with EU claims regulatory frameworks; direct regulator engagement experience preferred.
- In-depth knowledge and experience with P&C/ Specialty claims operations.
- Strong leadership and people development skills; ability to inspire and manage multicultural teams.
- Exceptional communication skills; credibility with brokers, underwriters, and senior executives.
- Fluent in English required, fluent in Spanish preferred; additional European languages (especially German are a plus).
- Ability to lead through transition with solution-oriented mindset and adaptability and work in a dynamic matrixed environment.
- Collaborative and approachable style to work effectively with a multi-f