Director, Underwriting Portfolio Engineering

Swiss Re seeks a Director for Underwriting Portfolio Engineering in Zürich to lead data-driven underwriting solutions using Palantir Foundry, Python, and SQL.

This position provides hands-on technical and analytical leadership to transform complex business questions into practical data solutions. The role focuses on delivering data products and workflows that enhance underwriting decisions, accelerate risk identification, and strengthen portfolio steering through direct collaboration with underwriting and portfolio teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop underwriting-specific data products, Palantir workflows, and analytical tools to support portfolio planning, capacity setting, and strategic steering.
• Convert significant portfolio inquiries into reusable analytics and decision-support capabilities.
• Analyze performance metrics, exposures, concentrations, dependencies, and portfolio dynamics to inform strategic decisions.
• Manage the entire lifecycle of solutions, from initial analysis and development through adoption, refinement, and impact measurement.
• Ensure engineering standards, controls, documentation, and governance are maintained for robust and scalable tools.
• Lead mixed teams of engineers, data specialists, and portfolio experts to enhance capability and team effectiveness.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in building, deploying, and maintaining data products, analytical workflows, and decision-support solutions within Palantir Foundry.
• Proficiency in data modeling, transformation, integration, and production-grade development using Python, SQL, or similar tools.
• Ability to analyze performance, diversification, sensitivities, and risk-adjusted returns, translating findings into actionable portfolio decisions.
• Proven track record of delivering solutions from problem definition through design, build, testing, deployment, adoption, and impact measurement.
• Deep understanding of underwriting economics, portfolio management, risk, capital, and capacity within reinsurance or commercial insurance contexts.
• Strong communication skills to explain complex issues clearly and influence senior stakeholders across underwriting, portfolio management, Data, and IT.

What the company offers

• Hybrid work model requiring office presence at least three days per week.
• Flexibility to place the hire in any Swiss Re office across Europe and North America.

About the company

Swiss Re is a global leader in reinsurance, insurance, and risk transfer, dedicated to making the world more resilient. The company fosters an inclusive and flexible environment that encourages fresh perspectives, innovative thinking, and sustainability. It actively supports professionals returning to the workforce after career breaks, ensuring roles match their skills and experience.

• Commitment to building an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and innovative thinking.
• Flexible environment allowing employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Support for sustainability and professional reintegration after career breaks.