Marine Underwriter in London

Role Purpose: Support the execution of the business plan by underwriting acceptable risks in ASR’s chosen market sectors, demonstrating “the technical underwriter” approach and actively seeking opportunities for profitable growth.

Role Responsibilities:

• Actively contribute towards the successful delivery of the team business plan in alignment with the overall ASR Business Plan and Strategy.
• Ensure processes and procedures are followed in accordance with ASR target operating model, including the risk and governance framework.
• Optimise business performance management by providing accurate and timely management information.
• Act as a role model, promoting ASR brand and culture: internally & externally.
• Support the Head of MA in mentoring the junior Underwriters and Underwriting Assistants, initially across ASR and thereafter across the Marine division.
• Work in partnership with colleagues across ASR to leverage relationships and opportunities, ensuring effective two-way communication through regular team meetings.
• Actively participate at various internal and external meetings in London and/or in countries ensuring that ASR is suitably represented.
• Business plan achievement - seek out and accept risks compliant with the business plan and ASR’s standards/risk appetite.
• Monitor all aspects of existing accounts under own remit on an ongoing basis.
• Provide data and other assistance as required for the preparation of the Business Unit budget and business plan.
• Ensure risks are written within the agreed parameters, making sound long-term decisions on risks that are written, with a focus on smart, rationale underwriting.
• Build, maintain, optimise relationships with brokers, clients, reinsurers, Lloyd’s and stakeholders.
• Develop an in-depth understanding and knowledge of high profile, strategically important client relationships in a timely manner to benefit and strengthen the business unit’s position externally and that of the Marine department internally.
• Ensure all risk processes are adhered to for own lines of business underwritten and that any risks outside of agreed parameters set out in the business plan are reviewed for sign-off pre acceptance.
• Conduct peer review of underwritten risks in accordance with procedures, prior to Business Unit Manager sign-off.
• Provide input to reinsurance purchase policy as required.
• Liaise with and assist the claims management company when required in the settlement of claims.
• Ensure accurate entry of risks and documents into ASR’s operational systems.
• Provide support to Assistant Underwriters / Underwriting Assistants to ensure all underwriting processes are completed in a robust and consistent manner to meet ASR’s required standards.
• Maintain underwriting records accurately and efficiently.
• Provide input into optimisation of support systems.
• Coordinate closely with the Business Developers and the Head of Marine to maximise new business opportunities – both those proactively initiated and as they reactively appear.
• Coordinate across lines of business to ensure new business cross selling opportunities identified are optimised.
• Actively demonstrate risk based decisions and management of risks within your business area per ASR’s risk framework, including recording of losses or near misses.
• Implement data controls in accordance with data governance framework and manage breaches that arise in an appropriate manner.
• Demonstrate awareness of, and adherence to the document management policy, whether as document author, reviewer, or user.
• Where appropriate, manage the relationships with outsourcers.
• Continuously learn and share how to better utilise and embrace technology-based underwriting to improve underwriting services for both clients and brokers.
• Operate within agreed authority levels, as determined by the Board.
• Any other reasonable tasks as directed by your manager(s).

Skills & Experience:

Essential:

• Possess in-depth knowledge, expertise and experience of relevant Marine Cargo underwriting.
• Effective planning and organisational skills.
• Strong understanding of risk management and governance framework and how function fits into it.
• Underwriting discipline.
• Proven ability to effectively set rates through a comprehensive understanding of the market and ASR's underwriting philosophy.
• Ability to promote own profile and ASR to brokers and clients.
• Ability to provide innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Effective communication and relationship management skills.
• Advanced negotiation skills.
• Ability to use appropriate systems to the technical level required.
• At least 5 years of experience as Marine Underwriter or combination of Underwriter and claims handler.
• Effective team player.

Desirable:

• Marine Liabilities (Freight forwarders, Hauliers, Ports and terminals).
• French language proficiency.
• ACII qualified or working your way toward qualification.