Contracts Specialist - L&H Re​/Insruance

Locations: Kansas City, MO, US | Chicago, IL, US | Armonk, NY, US | Fort Wayne, IN, US

This is a high-ownership, individual contributor role where you’ll lead end-to-end contract drafting for Life & Health reinsurance deals across the US, Canada, and English Caribbean markets. You’ll work with autonomy, guided by clear frameworks, and collaborate closely with underwriters, client managers, pricing, legal and operations to ensure every contract reflects deal intent with precision and commercial clarity. Reporting to the Head Contracts L&H North America, this role offers direct exposure to live transactions and meaningful influence over how traditional reinsurance deals are structured and executed.

• Own end-to-end drafting of Life & Health traditional reinsurance contracts and addenda with a high degree of independence
• Translate technical and commercial inputs into clear, accurate, and enforceable contractual language
• Ensure all contracts reflect deal structure, underwriting intent, and agreed commercial terms
• Deliver high‑quality contracts within expected timelines
  , managing multiple assignments simultaneously

• Identify and assess commercial, operational and contractual risks embedded in deal structures and contract language
• Apply internal guidelines to determine appropriate positions and approval pathways
• Maintain consistency and deviation discipline across the contract portfolio
• Identify and resolve emerging issues and problematic clauses proactively
• Contribute to the development and refinement of standard wordings
  , helping to raise the bar across the team

• Collaborate with Client Managers and cross‑functional partners to clarify deal requirements and resolve ambiguities
• Act as a trusted advisor on contract wording and risk trade‑offs
  , providing clear analysis and recommended positions
• Participate in contract discussions and wording negotiations with clients where appropriate
• Engage Legal on non‑standard, jurisdiction‑specific or dispute‑related matters to ensure appropriate oversight

The Life & Health Contracts function is a critical enabler of Swiss Re’s reinsurance business across the US, Canada and English Caribbean markets. The team drafts, reviews, and advises on traditional reinsurance agreements between Swiss Re and its clients, working in close partnership with client managers, underwriting, pricing, claims, legal and operations.

The team’s work spans three core areas:

• Structuring and documenting agreements aligned with underwriting intent
• Advising on wording implications and commercial risk trade‑offs
• Supporting disciplined portfolio management through rigorous contract analysis

Contracts play a pivotal role in safeguarding Swiss Re’s risk position while enabling sustainable, long‑term client performance – making this team both a technical centre of excellence and a strategic business partner.

You bring a sharp legal or contracting mind combined with genuine curiosity about the commercial and risk dimensions of traditional reinsurance. You’re comfortable working independently, navigating ambiguity, and engaging directly with senior stakeholders and clients. You take pride in producing work that is precise, well‑reasoned, and fit for purpose – and you’re energised by the complexity and variety that comes with working across diverse markets and deal structures.

• Proven ability to independently draft and review complex reinsurance or insurance contracts
  , including treaty documentation or equivalent financial services agreements
• Experience in Life & Health reinsurance or broader insurance/reinsurance markets, with a solid understanding of reinsurance structures and underwriting concepts
• Sound commercial judgement and risk assessment capability, with the ability to identify contractual risk and apply appropriate positions within established frameworks
• Experience engaging directly with clients in contract discussions or wording negotiations
• Familiarity with workflow tools, contract management…