Business Development Specialist - Japan Client Services Europe (m/w/d)

We are a global insurance and risk advisory firm delivering tailored solutions to multinational clients. We are expanding our European team to strengthen service to Japanese corporates and brokers operating in Europe.

Role overview

• Responsible for originating and developing non-life (property & casualty) insurance business with Japanese clients across Europe.

• Act as the in-market lead for Japanese business: develop pipeline, structure international programs, coordinate placements and ensure excellent client servicing across jurisdictions.

• Role requires relocation to a European office and frequent travel across Europe.

Key responsibilities

• Prospect, qualify and convert Japanese corporate and insurance brokering opportunities in Europe.

• Lead end-to-end business development activities: market research, proposal development, pitching and negotiation.

• Structure and place multinational/non-life insurance programs (global programs, master policies, local placements, excess/umbrella arrangements) with insurers and local teams.

• Coordinate cross-functional delivery with underwriting, claims, compliance and operations across multiple jurisdictions.

• Maintain and grow long-term client relationships, ensuring culturally appropriate communication and high service standards.

• Prepare commercial proposals, commercial modelling inputs and regular pipeline/reporting for management.

• Represent the firm at client meetings, industry events and trade missions targeting Japanese business.

• Support market intelligence gathering and development of go-to-market initiatives for Japanese clients in Europe.

Required qualifications & experience

• 3–5 years’ professional experience in non-life (property & casualty) insurance, broking or related risk management roles with demonstrable client-facing and placement experience.

• Solid understanding of international/multinational insurance programs and cross-border placement processes.

• Familiarity with Japanese corporate culture, business customs and decision-making processes.

• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills and ability to present solutions to senior stakeholders.

• Fluency in Japanese and English (verbal and written)

• Willingness to relocate to Europe and travel frequently across the region.

Preferred / desirable

• Existing network of contacts in Japanese corporates, brokers or insurers.

• Experience working in a global broking/insurance environment and familiarity with multi-jurisdictional regulatory issues.

• Professional qualifications (e.g., ACII, CPCU, CIP or equivalent).

Personal attributes

• High cultural sensitivity and strong interpersonal skills.

• Self-starter and entrepreneurial mindset with persistence in business development.

• Collaborative team player able to operate within a matrixed, multi-country environment.

• Excellent written, presentation and negotiation skills.

Location, travel & relocation

• Role based in an agreed European office (e.g., Düsseldorf) — final office location to be confirmed.

• Regular travel across Europe.

• Relocation support and package to be discussed for the right candidate.

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead and shape Japanese - client development across Europe within a global firm.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package, professional development and support for relocation.

Marsh Risk is a business of Marsh (NYSE: MRSH), a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information about Marsh Risk, visit marsh.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

Marsh is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age, background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Marsh offers hybrid working arrangements that provide both the flexibility of mobile working and the benefits for collaboration, personal connections and professional development of working in the office. Employees are authorized to work remotely. If needed, some teams also schedule weekly “anchor days” where the entire team meets in person at the site office.