AVP – Reinsurance Portfolio Manager
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid, 3 days in office)
Level: Senior Individual Contributor (AVP-equivalent)
Overview
Oliver James is partnering with a leading global reinsurer to hire an AVP, Portfolio Manager to play a critical role in the growth of it’s alternatives business – an innovative, fast-growing area focused on non-traditional reinsurance, capital solutions, and structured risk financing.
This is a high-visability role supporting a ~$600M portfolio and sits at the intersection of technical accounting, portfolio ownership, underwriting collaboration, and financial analysis. The individual will be the most senior Portfolio Manager for Alternative Solutions in North America and a key partner to underwriting, finance, claims, and global stakeholders.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys end to end ownership of their work product, thinking holistically about financial contracts, and helping build structure in a complex, evolving product set. This role is not a fit for individuals interested in a narrow focus on journal entries, reporting mechanics and “closing the books”.
What You’ll Do
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Own and manage a portfolio of Alternative Solutions facultative policies and treaties, ensuring accuracy, data integrity, and compliance
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Serve as a go-to subject matter expert for your assigned client portfolio across the global organization
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Interpret and operationalize complex insurance and financial contract language into accounting systems
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Partner closely with Underwriting, Claims, Finance, and Actuarial on portfolio performance, cash flows, and contract terms
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Oversee cash flow activity, including payments and aged balances
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Ensure proper documentation and controls across underwriting, accounting, and claims workflows
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Participate in quarterly closes, internal controls (ICS), and stakeholder reporting
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Support process improvement, change initiatives, and adoption of new tools
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Coach and mentor other Portfolio Managers; opportunity to grow into people leadership over time
What We’re Looking For
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5+ years of experience in insurance or reinsurance, with exposure to technical accounting, portfolio management, settlements, or credit control
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Strong foundation in insurance contracts and accounting fundamentals (CPA or equivalent background is a plus, not a requirement)
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Comfortable taking ownership and learning quickly in a non-traditional, evolving product space
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Able to zoom out and manage a portfolio strategically and dive into details when required
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Strong communicator who builds credibility through transparency, curiosity, and follow-through
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Advanced Excel skills; Power Query experience preferred (Power BI a plus)
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Experience coaching or informally leading others is valued
Why This Role
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Strategic growth area for the business heading into 2026 and beyond
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Exposure to innovative capital and financing solutions, not traditional commoditized reinsurance
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High visibility with senior underwriting, finance, and global leadership
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Real opportunity to shape how this portfolio is managed as the team consolidates and scales
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Backed by a global organization known for technical rigor and long-term thinking
About the Company
Our client is a leading global reinsurer, operating in ~160 countries and known for combining technical excellence with innovation. Employees work alongside top-tier actuaries, underwriters, data scientists, and finance professionals to solve complex risk challenges. The business offers a collaborative, inclusive culture with a strong commitment to integrity, curiosity, and performance.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, you’re encouraged to apply directly or contact [email protected]
