Head of Extreme Weather and Climate, ZRS

$146,500 - $239,800/Yr

Zurich Insurance - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Senior

Remote - Chicago, IL

1,001-5,000 employees

Insurance Carriers and Related Activities

About the position

The Head of Extreme Weather and Climate at Zurich Resilience Solutions (ZRS) is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the US strategy focused on climate resilience and adaptation. This role involves collaborating with clients and internal teams to assess risks, develop tailored resilience plans, and drive innovation in climate-related initiatives. The position also includes Profit & Loss (P&L) accountability and aims to enhance the company's brand in the marketplace through thought leadership in climate resilience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead implementation of the extreme weather and climate resilience strategy for Zurich Resilience Solutions.
• Collaborate with clients to assess extreme weather and climate risks and opportunities, and develop tailored resilience plans.
• Provide expert guidance on extreme weather and climate risk management, including physical, transition, and liability risks.
• Work with internal teams to integrate extreme weather and climate considerations into existing risk management frameworks and solutions.
• Build the Zurich Resilience Solutions brand in the marketplace and at industry events, conferences, and in the media, showcasing our thought leadership in climate resilience.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in climate science, policy, and regulation, and ensure our solutions remain cutting-edge and compliant.
• Lead and mentor a team of extreme weather and climate specialists, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree and 10 or more years of experience in Engineering areas of practice.
• Extensive experience in extreme weather and climate risk management, resilience planning, or related discipline.
• Strong commercial network and business development experience.
• People management experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Proven track record of developing, bringing to market and implementing extreme weather and climate resilience strategies for businesses.
• Strong engineering background.
• Solid understanding of extreme weather and climate science and its practical application, policy, and regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of practical engineering and organizational protection measures for natural hazards, with experience in catastrophe modelling tools and outputs.
• Some knowledge of risk transfer mechanisms, especially underwriting Nat Cat requirements, processes, guidelines, and tools.
• Experience in consulting services, or a commercial mindset with an ability to identify opportunities for providing services and a strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to lead and inspire a team.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Master's degree in an engineering or natural sciences discipline (preferably civil engineering).

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Short term incentive bonuses
• Merit increases
• Ongoing career development opportunities
• Comprehensive employee benefits package for employees and eligible dependents