Senior Underwriter

 

Description:

As a Senior Underwriter, you'll be trusted with our largest and most complex risks, act as a key technical leader within the team and play an important role in developing both our people and portfolio.

You'll become a trusted deputy to the Team Manager, helping shape underwriting strategy, supporting team development and contributing to the future success of the business.

If you're looking for a role where your opinions matter, your expertise is valued and your impact will be visible, we'd love to hear from you.

The Opportunity

You'll join a collaborative team responsible for a specialist Life Science portfolio covering:
 

  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Biotechnology businesses
  • Medical device manufacturers
  • Clinical trials
  • Research & Development organisations
  • Cosmetics businesses
  • Vitamins and supplement manufacturers
     

This is one of the most technically diverse and intellectually stimulating classes of business within Commercial Lines, offering exposure to complex and varied risks that challenge and develop your underwriting expertise.

What You'll Be Doing

Technical Underwriting
 

  • Managing a portfolio of complex Life Science renewal business
  • Taking ownership of larger and higher-value accounts
  • Making sound, commercially balanced underwriting decisions
  • Negotiating profitable renewals and retention strategies
  • Supporting portfolio growth whilst maintaining underwriting discipline
     

Broker Relationship Management
 

  • Building and strengthening broker relationships
  • Becoming a trusted underwriting partner
  • Identifying opportunities to retain and grow quality business
  • Contributing to a more relationship-led approach across the portfolio
     

Team Development & Leadership
 

  • Acting as a technical referral point for colleagues
  • Coaching and mentoring less experienced underwriters
  • Sharing insight, expertise and best practice
  • Supporting the Team Manager as a trusted deputy
  • Participating in leadership and trading discussions
     

Strategic Contribution
 

  • Supporting the future growth of the Life Science proposition
  • Influencing how the team develops and evolves
  • Contributing ideas that improve performance, service and broker experience
     

What We're Looking For

We're open-minded about background and recognise that exceptional talent doesn't always come from a perfect match on paper.

You'll Ideally Bring

Essential Experience
 

  • Strong underwriting experience within:
    • Life Sciences
    • Property & Casualty
    • Commercial Combined

You'll Also Have
 

  • Strong technical underwriting capability
  • Confidence handling complex commercial risks
  • Commercial awareness and sound judgement
  • Experience building broker relationships
  • The ability to influence and support others
  • A collaborative and positive approach
     

Highly Desirable
 

  • Life Science underwriting experience
  • Experience mentoring or coaching colleagues
  • Exposure to larger, more complex commercial risks
  • CII qualifications (or willingness to work towards them)
     

What Success Looks Like

Within your first year you'll be:
 

  • Managing complex and strategic Life Science risks
  • Supporting the development of junior underwriters
  • Becoming a recognised technical expert within the team
  • Helping drive portfolio growth and retention
  • Playing an instrumental role in shaping the future direction of the portfolio

Organization Markel
Industry Other Jobs Jobs
Occupational Category Senior Underwriter
Job Location Leeds,UK
Shift Type Morning
Job Type Full Time
Gender No Preference
Career Level Experienced Professional
Experience 3 Years
Posted at 2026-09-15 5:24 pm
Expires on 2026-10-30