IntroductionAt Pen, we don't just underwrite risk, we unlock possibility. We're a dynamic underwriting and distribution business backed by the strength of Gallagher and powered by a belief that every challenge has a solution. With entrepreneurial energy, niche expertise, and a bold growth mindset, we're transforming what it means to be an MGA in today's insurance landscape. Whether you're shaping new products, solving complex problems, or collaborating across teams, your ideas and initiative will help deliver smarter solutions for our clients—and move the industry forward. Here, agility meets stability. Creativity meets execution. And your career meets real opportunity. At Pen, we champion innovation, value accountability, and thrive on building something better together. If you're looking to join a team that's rewriting the future of underwriting, we'd love to hear from you.
OverviewThe role supports the profitable growth and controlled operation of Pen's Smart Follow & Facility Underwriting division. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Underwriting Lead is responsible for leading the day-to-day underwriting and technical operation of the in-house, rules-based Smart Follow facility. Responsibilities underwriting oversight, referral management, delegated authority compliance, quality assurance, data reporting, operational robustness and performance monitoring. The role acts as the principal technical contact for the smart follow and facility team and serves as the first escalation point below the Managing Director, ensuring business is written in accordance with agreed underwriting guidelines, authority levels and facility objectives.
How you'll make an impactUnderwriting leadershipOversee day-to-day underwriting activity and ensure risks are processed consistently within the facility rules and delegated authoritiesReview and determine referrals within personal authority, escalating material or complex matters to the Managing Director or capacity provider as requiredProvide technical guidance, coaching and case support to London and GCoE colleaguesMaintain clear underwriting guidance, referral criteria, authority records and decision audit trailsFacility and workflow managementAct as the day-to-day contact for underwriting queries from brokers, internal stakeholders and facility colleaguesManage referral queues, priorities and service levels across the facilityCoordinate quote, bind, endorsement and renewal activity, ensuring hand-offs are controlled and timelyIdentify recurring referral themes or process constraints and recommend rules, workflow or training changes and escalate within the business as appropriatePeople and stakeholder supportSet day-to-day priorities for the underwriting team and support capability developmentWork closely with operations, technology, finance, claims and compliance stakeholdersEscalate material performance, conduct, control or capacity issues promptly and clearlyPortfolio performance and MICoordinate facility MI and reporting, including premium, utilisation, quote conversion, referral volumes, turnaround times and bordereaux qualityMonitor capacity deployment and portfolio development against plan and agreed appetitePrepare performance materials for the Managing Director, Pen and Gallagher stakeholders, capacity providers and governance forumsUse data to identify emerging trends, exceptions and areas requiring management actionGovernance and quality assuranceLead underwriting file reviews, peer checks, process audits and remediation activityEnsure adherence to binding authority terms, underwriting rules, Lloyd's requirements and internal controlsCoordinate responses to underwriting audits and support ongoing Coverholder oversightEnsure accurate records are maintained for underwriting decisions, referrals, endorsements and bound businessAbout YouEssentialLondon Market underwriting experience, including facilities, delegated authority or program businessStrong technical judgement and experience handling referrals or authority-based decisionsWorking knowledge of binding authorities, bordereaux, audit trails and delegated authority reportingExperience producing and interpreting underwriting and portfolio MIAbility to lead workflow, coach colleagues and communicate clearly with brokers and capacity providersDesirableExperience in smart follow, consortium, follow-market or technology-enabled underwritingFormal team leadership or supervisory experienceExperience using PPL and delegated authority or policy administration platformsCore CompetenciesTechnical underwriting judgement Referral and escalation managementPortfolio and MI analysis Quality assurance and controlBroker and stakeholder communication Team supervision and coachingProcess improvementCompensation and benefitsAt Gallagher, we believe supporting our colleagues goes far beyond the role itself. For more information, visit our Benefits page.
Competitive compensationComprehensive benefits programs designed to support your well-being Career development opportunities and ongoing learning A collaborative, people-first culture with accessible leadership The opportunity to do meaningful work with global reach and local impact At Gallagher, we are dedicated to building an inclusive and authentic workplace. If your past experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to join our Talent Community to stay connected to additional career opportunities. Although this role is listed as full-time, if you're in a job-share partnership, work reduced hours, or have any other flexible arrangement, please still get in touch. We will also offer reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process if required, so please let us know.
Gallagher is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer (Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled)
Lead Underwriter in London employer: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
At Gallagher Benefit Services, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and people-first culture. As a Business Development Director in our Change & Transformation practice, you'll enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for career development while making a meaningful impact on businesses and their employees. Join us in a dynamic environment where your ideas are valued, and you can thrive alongside a community of trusted experts and bold explorers.
