Senior Underwriter

Senior Underwriter

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Aviva

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive profitable portfolio performance and build strong broker relationships.
  • Company: Join Aviva, one of the UK’s leading insurers with a supportive culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, generous pension, and 29 days holiday.
  • Other info: Access to the Commercial Lines Academy for career development and networking.
  • Why this job: Make impactful decisions and shape the future of commercial underwriting.
  • Qualifications: Significant experience in commercial underwriting and strong technical skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Are you an experienced underwriter looking for your next challenge with one of the UK’s leading insurers? This is an excellent opportunity to take on a high‑impact role where your expertise, judgement and market knowledge will directly influence Aviva’s commercial performance. We’re looking for confident and capable underwriters who bring strong technical ability, commercial awareness and strategic broker management skills.

A bit about the job

As a Senior Underwriter with Aviva, you’ll take a leading role in driving profitable portfolio performance while building strong broker relationships across your region. We offer opportunities across New Business, Existing Business (Renewals), or a blend of both — and we recognise many senior underwriters have a clear preference. We’ll work with you to match your strengths and interests, while still offering the flexibility to broaden your exposure if you choose.

In this role, you will:

  • Underwrite new business, renewals and MTAs using robust technical judgement
  • Lead trading conversations and negotiate complex deals
  • Shape and influence broker relationships at a senior level
  • Use data and insight to make high‑quality, commercially‑balanced decisions
  • Support and coach less experienced underwriters across the team
  • Collaborate closely with regional leaders to drive trading and growth strategies

This role brings visibility, influence and the autonomy to make decisions that matter.

Commercial Lines Academy – Senior Development at Aviva

As part of your development, you’ll have access to the Commercial Lines Academy, which offers:

  • Advanced technical underwriting pathways
  • Multi‑class learning and licensing progression
  • Trading, negotiation and broker‑engagement skills training
  • Leadership and coaching development
  • Market exposure, networking and shadowing opportunities
  • Data‑driven insights to strengthen technical decision‑making

The Academy is a key part of Aviva’s commitment to building and supporting high‑performing underwriting talent.

Skills and experience we’re looking for

  • Significant experience in commercial underwriting or broking (mid‑market or above)
  • Strong technical underwriting skills with the ability to assess and price complex risks
  • Confidence in leading senior trading conversations
  • Experience coaching or supporting junior underwriters (desirable)
  • Solid understanding of FCA requirements and regulatory responsibilities

If you’re commercially driven, analytical and passionate about delivering great outcomes for brokers and customers, you’ll thrive here.

What you’ll get for this role

Our purpose - with you today, for a better tomorrow – is a promise we make to our colleagues too. And one of the ways we live up to that promise is by investing in you. We have so much to offer when it comes to being an Aviva colleague.

  • Salary: Competitive (depending on location, skills, experience, and qualifications)
  • Bonus opportunity - 10% of annual salary
  • Generous pension scheme - Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in.
  • 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days
  • Aviva-funded Private Medical Benefit to help you get expert support when you need it
  • Make your money go further - Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts
  • Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme
  • Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave
  • Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work
  • Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others
  • We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools

We are committed to building an inclusive workforce and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Senior Underwriter employer: Aviva

Aviva is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where experienced underwriters can thrive. With access to the Commercial Lines Academy for continuous professional development, competitive salaries, and a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, Aviva fosters a culture of growth and inclusivity. Located in vibrant cities like Birmingham, Bristol, or Perth, employees benefit from a supportive community and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the insurance industry.
Aviva

Contact Detail:

Aviva Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Underwriter

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the insurance industry, especially those who work at Aviva or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and market knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed broker relationships and driven growth in your previous roles. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your coaching abilities! If you’ve mentored junior underwriters, share those experiences during interviews. It highlights your leadership potential and commitment to team success, which Aviva values.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining Aviva and being part of their mission for a better tomorrow.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Underwriter

Commercial Underwriting
Technical Underwriting Skills
Risk Assessment
Pricing Complex Risks
Broker Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Data Analysis
Coaching and Mentoring
FCA Regulatory Knowledge
Analytical Skills
Strategic Thinking
Communication Skills
Market Knowledge
Decision-Making

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Underwriter role. Highlight your relevant experience in commercial underwriting and any specific achievements that showcase your technical skills and broker management abilities.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with Aviva's needs. Don’t forget to mention your confidence in leading trading conversations and your understanding of FCA requirements.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to include examples of how you've used data and insights to make high-quality decisions in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to drive profitable portfolio performance.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Aviva

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Senior Underwriter, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical ability. Brush up on key metrics and data relevant to underwriting and be ready to discuss how you've used data to make decisions in the past. This shows you can back up your judgement with solid evidence.

✨Broker Relationship Building

Since this role involves shaping broker relationships, think of examples where you've successfully managed or influenced these connections. Be prepared to share specific strategies you've used to build trust and drive growth, as this will highlight your commercial awareness.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

If you've coached or supported junior underwriters, come armed with examples of how you've helped them develop. Discussing your approach to mentoring not only showcases your leadership skills but also aligns with Aviva's commitment to building high-performing teams.

✨Understand Regulatory Requirements

Familiarise yourself with FCA requirements and regulatory responsibilities related to underwriting. Being able to articulate your understanding of these regulations during the interview will demonstrate your professionalism and readiness for the role.

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