Head of Reinsurance Operations

Looking for a role that will have a meaningful impact within Ceded Reinsurance? This is a unique opportunity for an experienced reinsurance leader to shape and transform Markel's ceded reinsurance operating model, driving strategic delivery, financial integrity, operational excellence, and enterprise-wide oversight across the US and Bermuda. What part will you play? If you’re looking for a place where you can make a meaningful difference, you’ve found it.

The work we do at Markel gives people the confidence to move forward and seize opportunities, and you’ll find your fit amongst our global community of optimists and problem-solvers. We’re always pushing each other to go further because we believe that when we realize our potential, we can help others reach theirs. Join us and play your part in something special!

Reporting to the Senior Director, Finance Operations the Head of Reinsurance Operations is responsible for providing strategic leadership and enterprise-wide accountability for all post-placement reinsurance activities across the US and Bermuda, including reinsurance operations, recoverables, collateral management, accounting, and reporting. The role ensures that reinsurance strategy is translated into strong financial outcomes, robust governance, effective controls, and scalable operating processes.

Acting as a trusted advisor to Finance, Actuarial, Underwriting, and Executive stakeholders, the Head of Reinsurance Operations will drive cross-functional collaboration, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the ceded reinsurance value chain. With accountability for reinsurance performance and the control environment, the role plays a critical part in ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of ceded reinsurance data and reporting.

A key priority will be leading the transformation of ceded reinsurance systems, data, and processes toward a best-in-class target operating model. This includes enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining workflows, reducing complexity and manual intervention, and establishing a robust data foundation to support informed decision-making and future growth.

The role will serve as deputy to the Senior Director, providing leadership across business-as-usual operations and strategic transformation initiatives, with clear accountability for transformation delivery, governance, and operational resilience.

• Act as a senior leader within Finance, shaping and executing the reinsurance operating model in line with enterprise strategy and risk appetite. Deputise for the Senior Director on all reinsurance matters, representing the function at ExCo, Board and external forums as required.
• Lead the design and delivery of strategic transformation initiatives, including ceded reinsurance system implementation and architectural improvements across finance.
• Own the integrity, completeness and timeliness of reinsurance financial results within the general ledger. Provide insightful, decision‑grade analysis on financial performance, including drivers of volatility, retention optimisation, reinsurer exposure, credit risk and bad debt.
• Act as a strategic partner to Finance, Actuarial and Capital teams, contributing to financial planning, capital management and performance management through high‑quality reinsurance insight and challenge. Ensure alignment of reinsurance reporting with regulatory and internal management requirements.
• Establish and continuously enhance a robust reinsurance control framework, ensuring key risks are identified, assessed and mitigated. Own and maintain reinsurance policies, standards and procedures, driving consistency and governance.
• Provide inspirational leadership to the reinsurance team, promoting a high‑performing, inclusive and accountable culture. Set clear expectations, drive performance outcomes and develop capability aligned to future business needs. Coach and mentor to develop technical specialists, building a resilient and scalable team. Champion continuous improvement, innovation and learning across the function.
• Develop and maintain influential internal and external relationships,…