**Overview** + Cigna Insurance Middle East is looking to appoint a team manager who will be responsible for leading the SME underwriting function for Middle East (excluding KSA). + The focus of this role will be management of SME underwriting team, processes and renewal strategies. + The successful candidate will work closely with the broader Underwriting team, as well as with the Sales and Client Management, Product and Actuarial functions. **Key Responsibilities :** + **Team Leadership and Management:** + Lead, mentor, and manage a team of SME underwriters, ensuring high performance and professional development. + Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment. + Set clear performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews. + Encourage an environment of continuous improvement, incorporating peer-to-peer coaching and training. + **Underwriting Operations:** + Oversee the underwriting process for SME clients, ensuring adherence to company guidelines and risk appetite. + Review and approve complex underwriting cases and provide guidance on risk assessment. + Liaison with the SME sales team and client managers on strategy and market experience. + Ensure timely and accurate processing of underwriting decisions. + Guide the development and implementation of the SME renewal strategy. + Monitor the performance of the MEA portfolio, identifying trend and areas of risk and opportunity. + **Collaborate on SME Pricing:** + Contribute to discussions on rating structure proactively and during rate reviews. + Collaborate with actuarial on identifying new rating factors and improving the sophistication of regional book rates. + **Stakeholder Management:** + Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including sales, client managers and brokers. + Act as a point of escalation for complex underwriting issues and concerns. + **Compliance and Risk Management:** + Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies. + Identify and mitigate underwriting risks through effective risk management practices. + Stay updated on industry developments and regulatory changes. Target profile and capabilities + Excellent knowledge of the end-to-end underwriting workflow + Min 5 - 10 years experience + A clear understanding of the MEA health insurance market + Previous people management skills would be an advantage, along with evidence of strong team development skills + Expertise in MS Excel - experience with any data analytics software (R, SQL, Alteryx or equivalent) would be an advantage + The ability to manage a wide range of stakeholders with different perspectives + The ability to encourage and inspire an environment of continuous improvement + Excellent written and verbal communication skills + The ability to manage stakeholder expectations and deliver under pressure **About Cigna Healthcare** Cigna Healthcare, a division of The Cigna Group, is an advocate for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Join us in driving growth and improving lives. _Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, disability, sex, childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws._ _If_ _you require reasonable accommodation in completing the online application process, please email:_ _SeeYourselfEMEA@cigna.com_ _for support. Do not email_ _SeeYourselfEMEA@cigna.com_ _for an update on your application or to provide your resume as you will not receive a response._