Context for the Role:

To support the executives of Orvia Underwriting Limited and the Chief Risk Officer of Ardonagh Europe in providing leadership to Orvia Underwriting Limited and its Branches, specifically with respect to its Risk & Compliance function, to achieve its objectives.

Purpose of the Role:

Be the principal Executive manager for risk and compliance within Orvia Underwriting Limited.
Contribute to the strategy and business planning of Orvia Underwriting Limited, notably from a risk and compliance perspective.
To develop a strategic approach to risk and compliance for Orvia Underwriting Limited in Ireland and its Branches (EU/UK).
To provide expert leadership through planned integrations for Orvia Underwriting Limited.
To ensure that the Risk & Compliance function is appropriately resourced and directed such that it is effective in delivering appropriate advice, guidance and challenge to the business on risk and compliance matters.
To be a trusted advisor/critical friend to the business to help achieve good customer outcomes and positive regulatory relations.
Working with the business to ensure that all material risks (including Financial, Financial Crime, Legal & Regulatory (incl. Customer & Conduct), M&A, Operational risks) that may impact Orvia Underwriting Limited and its Branches are identified, assessed and have appropriate controls that are appropriately monitored.
To maintain an independent mindset and effectively challenge:
the executives of Orvia Underwriting Limited where necessary to achieve a robust second line of defence;
to challenge any potential undue influence from Group management or functions, inclusive of risk and compliance, i.e. if this may hypothetically conflict with the risk and compliance obligations of Orvia Underwriting Limited and its Branches.
To provide effective and efficient risk and compliance support whilst facilitating a good working knowledge of regulatory risk requirements within the business, through strong communication and training.
To establish and ensure that there is on-going operation, adherence and promotion of relevant Policies and Business Standards evidenced by policies, controls and procedures.
Ensure that Orvia Underwriting Limited adheres to external as well as internal (Ardonagh) Compliance Obligations.
To facilitate appropriate risk reporting through the governance structure of Orvia Underwriting Limited, including – where merited – working with the Chief Risk Officer of Ardonagh Europe and team to enable a degree of consistency in Segment/Platform/Group risk reporting.
As an integral role within the overall Ardonagh Group second line of defence, work with assurance functions such as Internal Audit to achieve an appropriate level of assurance for Orvia Underwriting Limited for the purposes of segment, platform and Group management.
To provide open and honest regulatory liaison, building a strong working relationship with regulatory bodies, notably the Central Bank of Ireland and the Irish Insurance Institute.
To advocate risk and compliance, champion a positive risk culture and help provide an appropriate ‘tone from the top’ on risk and compliance matters.

Qualifications & Experience:

Educated to at least Degree level and/or relevant professional qualification, and/or equivalent professional experience.
Specialised Knowledge – Current and actively maintained knowledge of the regulatory environment affecting European specialist insurance intermediaries operating on a pan-European basis as Managing General Agents (MGA). Working knowledge of the Central Bank of Ireland and Irish Insurance Institute handbook. Good knowledge of MGA operations and processes.
Skills – Microsoft Office package to an intermediate level
Professional Certification – Compliance or Risk Management Qualification or Chartered Insurer preferred.
Experience – Extensive experience in a Risk and Compliance field, preferably in an insurance broking or MGA environment. Experience of significant Central Bank of Ireland and Irish Insurance Institute liaison, managing projects, particularly in the area of risk, compliance, GDPR, controls and governance frameworks.

Person Specification:

High-functioning executive, capable of working in a dynamic, success-driven business.
Excellent interpersonal and social skills.
High level of knowledge of working in a regulated environment, particularly related to specialist insurance broking and Managing General Agents.
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Initiative, proactivity, enquiring approach, resourcefulness.
Adaptability, ability to embrace and respond positively to change.
Analytical and investigative skills, logical reasoning and problem solving skills – individually and collaboratively.
Ability to work under pressure.
Ability to quickly learn and work with new processes and systems and to train others on systems and processes.
Integrity and assertiveness when dealing with complex / business critical issues.

The Company

Orvia Underwriting is a pan‑European MGA built on connection and capability—delivering precise, insight‑driven underwriting and exceptional service for brokers and insurer partners.

At Orvia Underwriting, we believe in connection through expertise. Our pan‑European platform brings together the strongest underwriting talent in the industry. Orvia is a home for specialists who want to push boundaries, learn from one another, and consistently deliver market‑leading results.
We connect brokers and insurance capacity through deep underwriting expertise and a culture defined by collaboration and trust. Our success is built on strong relationships and a shared commitment to delivering the right outcomes for our partners.
Service is our competitive edge. Fast, reliable and responsive, we are built around the needs of brokers. Powered by deep capacity partnerships, our underwriting combines speed, precision and consistency, strengthening confidence at every interaction.

A destination for exceptional talent. Attracting and developing top underwriting professionals is central to our ambition. We invest in our people, creating opportunities to grow, lead and shape the future of underwriting at Orvia.

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Head of Risk & Compliance

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