Head of Insurance

Job Title: Head of Insurance (Marine Insurance & Claims)

Location: Mumbai

Office: Emarat Maritime LLC

About the Role

Emarat Maritime LLC is seeking an experienced Head of Insurance to lead its Marine Insurance & Claims (MI&C) Department. This is a senior leadership role responsible for end-to-end management of marine insurance policies, risk assessment, claims handling, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder coordination across the fleet.

The role acts as the Group Principal for all marine insurance matters, providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and crisis-response leadership.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Department Leadership

• Serve as the overall leader of the Marine Insurance & Claims (MI&C) Department.
• Act as the authorized escalation point for all marine insurance and claims matters.
• Represent Emarat Maritime LLC as Group Principal for marine insurance and claims.
• Ensure full implementation of company insurance procedures and departmental manuals (COP).

2. Risk Assessment & Policy Management

• Lead insurance planning, risk mitigation, placement, and renewals for all marine insurance lines.
• Review and approve policy renewals, endorsements, and premium structures.
• Assess voyage-related risks (war zones, piracy areas, sanctions) and advise on War Risk, K&R, and INL coverage.
• Ensure statutory and financial insurance compliance for port entries.
• Monitor policy expiry timelines and coordinate renewals with brokers.

3. Claims Management & Settlement

• Oversee the full claims lifecycle (P&I, H&M, FD&D, LOH) in line with insurer protocols.
• Manage complex and high-value claims in accordance with approval structures and ERP systems.
• Liaise with P&I Clubs, brokers, insurers, surveyors, and legal advisors.
• Approve settlements, recoveries, and RRAs in coordination with the MD/CFO.
• Ensure timely claim closure with complete documentation and reimbursements.

4. Team Performance Management

• Act as mentor and direct supervisor for MI&C team members.
• Allocate claims and policy responsibilities based on complexity and expertise.
• Review claim closures, ERP entries, and broker interactions regularly.
• Drive performance improvement and ensure compliance with departmental procedures.

5. Training, Development & Knowledge Management

• Promote continuous learning and procedural excellence within the department.
• Conduct training on policy requirements, claims handling, and regulatory updates.
• Maintain an up-to-date digital repository of policies, trackers, procedures, and audit records.
• Encourage knowledge sharing and succession planning.

6. Regulatory Compliance & Audit Coordination

• Ensure compliance with internal controls and international regulations (e.g., OPA 90, MLC, Canada Shipping Act).
• Verify vessel insurance certificates for port entry through ERP systems.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of audit observations.

7. Broker, Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary contact for marine insurance brokers, P&I Clubs, surveyors, and legal advisors.
• Appoint, manage, and evaluate brokers and claims handlers.
• Coordinate FD&D matters and complex legal disputes.
• Maintain strong communication with internal and external stakeholders.

8. Reporting, Analysis & Strategic Input

• Prepare insurance, risk, and claims reports for senior management and board review.
• Analyze claim trends, deductibles, loss ratios, and premium movements.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and long-term coverage optimization strategies.

9. Cross-Functional Leadership & Emergency Response

• Represent MI&C in cross-departmental coordination and emergency response situations.
• Participate in QHSE meetings, emergency drills, and incident response teams.
• Act as the main insurance contact during vessel incidents and crisis events.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Masters degree in Law, Risk Management, Insurance Law, or a related field.

Experience

• 1015 years of experience in marine insurance and claims handling.
• Minimum 3 years heading an insurance function (preferred).
• Background as a Marine Insurance Lawyer, Ship Owner representative, or senior insurer/broker professional is highly desirable.

Technical & Professional Expertise

• Strong knowledge of marine insurance policies (H&M, P&I, LOH, FD&D).
• Proven experience managing large fleets and multi-jurisdictional claims.
• Deep understanding of marine insurance regulations and international compliance requirements.
• Strong working relationships with P&I Clubs, brokers, insurers, and adjusters.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strategic thinking and leadership
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Stakeholder and relationship management
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail
• Clear communication and influencing ability
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Change management and innovation orientation

Candidate Must Demonstrate

• Number of vessels managed for insurance coverage
• Experience handling H&M, P&I, Loss of Hire, and FD&D insurance
• Depth of claims handling experience
• Strength of professional relationships with P&I Clubs and brokers

Interested candidates with strong marine insurance leadership experience are encouraged to apply or share their profiles on saily@emaratmaritime.com or can connect on whatsapp on +971 505721201