Underwriter, Marine Cargo

The Marine team writes business across most Marine classes including Liabilities, Cargo, Ports and Terminals, War and Hull. We are looking for an Underwriter to join the Marine team in London, helping to underwrite the cargo account. Our portfolio is a worldwide general cargo account covering transit and storage. Coverage is for physical damage and in some segments, financial consequences. We write primary and excess business.

The successful candidate will work with the team in the execution of the Marine underwriting strategy, contributing to profitable growth and strengthening Canopius’ market position in marine cargo, particularly in our leadership proposition. They will operate with a level of underwriting authority, demonstrating disciplined risk selection, technical pricing expertise, strong broker and client engagement and a leadership profile.

• Work with the team in executing the Marine cargo underwriting strategy aligned to business plan, risk appetite, and return targets.
• Underwrite new and renewal cargo risks including the ability to lead, whilst ensuring disciplined risk selection and pricing adequacy.
• With the team, drive profitable growth through portfolio management, cycle awareness, and proactive identification of high-quality opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong broker and client relationships to enhance Canopius’ market profile and access to business.
• Demonstrate technical expertise across the cargo book including coverage structuring and wordings negotiation.
• Collaborate closely with actuarial, claims, exposure management and reinsurance teams to inform underwriting decisions and portfolio strategy.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal controls, and underwriting governance standards.
• Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement, challenging existing approaches where appropriate.
• Support and mentor junior team members, as applicable, contributing to capability development within the Marine team.
• Maintain strong internal relationships across underwriting platforms and international offices to ensure consistency and knowledge sharing.
• Represent Canopius in the market, including broker meetings, industry events, and client engagement.
• Maintain up-to-date market knowledge, including emerging risks, legal developments, and competitor activity.

• Significant underwriting experience within Marine cargo insurance, ideally within the Lloyd’s or London Market.
• Proven track record of managing and growing a profitable portfolio with demonstrable underwriting discipline.
• Strong technical capability in risk assessment, pricing, and policy structuring.
• Established broker relationships and credible market presence.
• Ability to operate autonomously with strong decision-making capability within authority limits.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and portfolio performance metrics.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills (written and verbal).
• Commercial mindset with a focus on delivering sustainable profitability.
• High attention to detail and strong organisational capability.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to influence stakeholders across functions.

We offer all employees a comprehensive benefits package that focuses on their whole wellbeing. This includes hybrid working, a competitive base salary, non-contributory pension, discretionary bonus, insurances including health (family) and dental cover, and many other benefits to enhance financial, physical, social and psychological health.

Canopius is a global specialty lines (re)insurer. We are one of the leading insurers in the Lloyd’s of London insurance market with offices in the UK, US, Singapore, Australia and Bermuda. At Canopius we foster a distinctive, positive culture which enables us to bring our whole selves to work to flourish as people, and build a business which delivers profitable, sustainable results. Based in incredible new offices in the heart of the City of London, Canopius operates a flexible, hybrid working model and is committed to providing an environment that challenges employees to be their best and where everyone's unique contributions are recognised, valued and respected.

We are fully committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are made regardless of age, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, religion or beliefs, marital or caring status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage and welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Please let us know if you require any information in an alternate format or any other reasonable adjustments.