Vice President, Ceded Reinsurance

Skyward Specialty

9d•$200,000 - $265,000•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join our executive team as Vice President, Head of Ceded Reinsurance. In this critical role, you will set the strategic direction of the company’s ceded reinsurance operations, driving innovative risk transfer solutions to optimize capital efficiency and safeguard the organization’s financial strength. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of the ceded reinsurance function, lead a high-performing team, and act as a key advisor to senior executive leadership and the board on reinsurance strategy, performance, and industry trends.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Risk Management, or a related discipline required.
Experience: Minimum of 10+ years in reinsurance, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing large ceded re portfolios/programs in a complex (re)insurance environment.
Technical Mastery: Advanced knowledge of reinsurance markets, contract structures, alternative risk transfer mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., NAIC, Solvency II).
Leadership Skills: Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams, implementing change, and driving organizational results.
Strategic Communications: Exceptional communication, presentation, and influence skills, with experience advising executive management and boards.
Analytical Expertise: Sophisticated analytical and problem-solving skills, including proficiency in reinsurance financial modeling and data-driven decision making.
Relationship Management: Effective negotiator with a proven track record of building and maintaining strategic partnerships across the global reinsurance ecosystem.
Attention to Detail & Integrity: Uncompromising commitment to operational excellence, detail, and ethical standards.

Nice To Haves

MBA, CPCU, ARe, or other advanced/equivalent credentials strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute forward-looking reinsurance strategies that align with the company’s growth, capital management, and overall enterprise risk objectives.
Team Leadership and Talent Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of reinsurance professionals to foster a high-performance culture focused on innovation, accountability, and excellence.
Reinsurance Placement & Program Optimization: Oversee the design, placement, and optimization of treaty and facultative reinsurance programs globally, including negotiations with reinsurers and brokers to achieve best-in-class outcomes.
Contract Management & Governance: Direct and enhance contract review, drafting, and ongoing management processes to ensure full alignment with underwriting objectives, compliance with regulations, and efficient claims recovery.
Data Analytics & Reporting: Drive advanced analytics and reporting capabilities to proactively assess reinsurance performance, emerging risks, and market opportunities. Prepare and present strategic insights, recommendations, and performance updates to C-suite and board-level stakeholders.
Relationship & Stakeholder Management: Cultivate and strengthen long-term partnerships with global reinsurers, brokers, and industry bodies. Act as the company’s ambassador in the reinsurance market.
Regulatory & Risk Oversight: Ensure all ceded reinsurance activities adhere to regulatory, accounting, and internal standards. Drive robust risk control, governance, and audit processes.
Industry Leadership: Monitor and anticipate industry developments, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic trends. Represent the company at industry conferences, roundtables, and professional associations.