Lead Underwriter in London

The Role

As Lead Underwriter, you will be responsible for building and maintaining a profitable ESG/EIL sub-portfolio, aligned to the wider Liability strategy and business plan. You will act as a senior market representative, technical referral point, and key contributor to the long-term development of the ESG Risk Solutions offering in the UK & Ireland.

The role carries leadership responsibility, with scope to build and manage a team over time, and involves close collaboration with distribution, claims, risk consulting, and international stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, manage and optimise a profitable ESG / Environmental Liability portfolio in line with underwriting appetite and risk tolerance

• Define and implement product strategy, identifying growth opportunities and emerging ESG risks

• Underwrite complex risks, including pricing, structuring and portfolio optimisation

• Act as a senior referral point and escalation contact for underwriting decisions

• Develop strong broker and client relationships across the UK and London Markets

• Represent the business at market events, forums and trade associations

• Drive cross-sell opportunities in collaboration with Distribution and other Product Lines

• Deliver meaningful MI and use analytics to inform underwriting and strategic decisions

• Contribute to internal projects, initiatives and strategic development

• Support the development, coaching and future management of junior underwriters

• Ensure compliance with internal underwriting guidelines, authority levels and regulatory requirements

Key Performance Measures

• Delivery against financial KPIs (GWP, COR, rate, retention, new business)

• Portfolio profitability and growth

• Underwriting quality and compliance

Technical & Professional Requirements

• Strong technical expertise in Environmental Liability / ESG-related risks

• Deep understanding of underwriting strategy, portfolio management and pricing

• Knowledge of UK insurance regulation and legal frameworks

• Ability to assess complex risks and make sound commercial decisions

• Confident working with data, analytics and market insight

Experience & Qualifications

• ACII qualified or equivalent technical qualification

• 10+ years\’ experience within the relevant Product Line, UK or comparable international markets

• Proven leadership experience (minimum 3 years), with a track record of developing high-performing teams

• Strong broker network and market presence within the London Market

Personal Attributes

• Commercially minded with strong influencing and negotiation skills

• Confident, credible and proactive market presence

• Innovative thinker with the ability to drive change and growth

• Highly organised, resilient and comfortable working to deadlines