Head of Underwriting Operations
Head of Underwriting Operations

Head of Underwriting Operations

Slough Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead underwriting operations, optimise workflows, and drive digital transformation.
  • Company: Fast-growing MGA/Syndicate with a focus on operational excellence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a pivotal role in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Join at a crucial time to shape best-in-class underwriting operations and drive impactful change.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in London Market, expertise in underwriting operations, and strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Be part of an ambitious expansion journey with executive support.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

Are you an experienced Underwriting Operations leader ready to take ownership and drive operational excellence at a fast-growing MGA/Syndicate?

We’re hiring a Head of Underwriting Operations to lead and evolve our client’s operational function, ensuring efficiency, innovation, and outstanding service across the business. You’ll align operations to strategic growth, oversee underwriting processes end to end, steer change initiatives, and deliver critical performance insights to senior leadership. You’ll be the operational heartbeat of the underwriting team – managing platforms, optimising workflows, supporting capacity relationships, and leading technology enhancements.

What you’ll lead

  • Underwriting operations strategy, SLAs, and KPI frameworks – acting as the escalation point for complex operational matters and mentoring a high-performing team.
  • Process optimisation and change – mapping workflows, driving automation, and landing new products and core system implementations as part of a wider digital transformation agenda.
  • Financial and performance management – owning ops budgets, outsourcing/vendor costs, and producing monthly/quarterly MI packs with actionable insights for senior management.
  • Stakeholder, risk and compliance – partnering with Underwriting, Finance, Claims, and Compliance; overseeing sanctions screening and maintaining a robust operational control framework.
  • Data and technical ledger – championing BDX lifecycle quality (mapping, exceptions, cash allocation), premium/claims accuracy, reconciliations, and continuous data improvement.

We’re looking for someone with

  • A strong background running MGA operations with direct Lloyd’s Coverholder controls experience; specialty market exposure ideal.
  • 5+ years’ London Market experience and deep familiarity with Lloyd’s processes.
  • Expertise across underwriting operations, capacity management, claims processes, and financial controls.
  • Solid knowledge of the Bordereaux (BDX) lifecycle, cash allocation and exception management; comfort resolving data queries and improving data integrity.
  • Proven delivery of operational change and digital transformation (including core system rollouts).
  • Proficiency with underwriting platforms and BI/analytics (Advanced Excel, Power BI or similar).
  • A strategic mindset with the ability to streamline workflows, drive automation, and lead a small, dedicated team.

Why now?

This is a pivotal moment to join a respected, growth-oriented MGA/Syndicate. Executive leadership has been strengthened to support ambitious expansion, and this role sits at the centre of that journey – elevating operational performance, enabling scale, and shaping best-in-class underwriting operations.

Apply today. For a confidential conversation, reach out to Jordan.McKenna@Bruinfinancial.com.

Head of Underwriting Operations employer: Bruin

Join a dynamic and fast-growing MGA/Syndicate as the Head of Underwriting Operations, where you will play a crucial role in driving operational excellence and innovation. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through mentorship and strategic leadership opportunities, all while being at the heart of London's vibrant insurance market. With a focus on digital transformation and performance management, we offer a unique environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
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Contact Detail:

Bruin Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Underwriting Operations

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the underwriting and insurance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their underwriting processes and recent changes in the market. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in driving operational excellence for them.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your achievements! When discussing your experience, focus on specific examples of how you’ve optimised workflows or led successful change initiatives. Use metrics to back up your claims – numbers speak volumes in the underwriting world!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that Head of Underwriting Operations role!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Underwriting Operations

Underwriting Operations Leadership
Operational Excellence
Process Optimisation
Change Management
Financial Management
Performance Management
Stakeholder Management
Risk and Compliance Oversight
Data Quality Management
Bordereaux (BDX) Lifecycle Knowledge
Automation Implementation
Underwriting Platforms Proficiency
Business Intelligence/Analytics Skills
Team Leadership
Strategic Mindset

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in underwriting operations and any relevant achievements that align with the role. We want to see how you can bring operational excellence to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Underwriting Operations role. Share specific examples of how you've driven change and improved processes in your previous roles.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a high-performing team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored others and managed teams effectively in the past. We love seeing strong leaders!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Bruin

✨Know Your Underwriting Operations Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of underwriting operations, especially in the context of MGA and Lloyd's processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your expertise in managing operational functions and driving efficiency.

✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills

Prepare to talk about your experience with process optimisation and digital transformation. Have concrete examples ready where you've successfully implemented new systems or workflows, and be prepared to explain how these changes improved performance and service delivery.

✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen

Since you'll be owning ops budgets and producing MI packs, it's crucial to highlight your financial management skills. Bring examples of how you've managed costs effectively and provided actionable insights to senior leadership based on your financial analysis.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Be ready to discuss how you've partnered with various teams like Underwriting, Finance, and Compliance in the past. Show that you understand the importance of collaboration and can navigate complex operational matters while maintaining strong relationships across departments.

Head of Underwriting Operations
Bruin

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