At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our graduate programme to develop and implement underwriting strategies and optimise portfolio management.
- Company: Chaucer, a leading insurance group at Lloyd’s, values diversity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, signing bonus, 26 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working in London with excellent career growth opportunities and CSR initiatives.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience and mentorship in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2.2 degree and strong analytical skills required; STEM subjects preferred.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 38000 £ per year.
The Underwriting Strategy and Central Portfolio Management team works at the heart of the business, within underwriting, aiming to develop and implement an Underwriting Strategy that aligns with the Group Strategy, underpinned by a robust Portfolio Management and Underwriting Oversight Framework. The team reports into the Chief Underwriting Officer and works closely with the Underwriting teams.
The team has four main workstreams:
- UW Strategy: develop and implement Chaucer’s strategy through targeted analysis, research and market intelligence work.
- UW Performance: analyse and monitor underwriting performance, underlying drivers, trends, opportunities and influence portfolio optimisation.
- UW Governance: develop and implement 1st line of defence governance framework. Develop processes to monitor, analyse, identify and report adherence to the framework. Drive UW ownership of actions.
- UW Operational Change: improve underwriting process efficiency and consistency across classes. Working with the Change team. Provide clarity to UW teams on roles and responsibilities. Monitor adherence to processes. Be the conduit between UW and Operations.
In addition to the above, you will also have the opportunity to work with the Distribution team, whose objective is to have a clear broker and client engagement strategy. The combination of this experience, along with the training and support we offer, will enable you to accelerate your career and develop into a well-rounded Underwriting Portfolio Management professional.
We empower our people to excel. Our people are a team of leaders. Experts in their fields, top performers – who collaborate, without hierarchy. Together we’ve created an exciting and successful business, and we know that it’s our people who define and drive this success. That’s why the growth, development and wellbeing of our employees is so important to us. We work hard to make sure careers at Chaucer are challenging, inspiring and rewarding and that the environment is ambitious and supportive.
Location: London, at our offices in the Scalpel building in the heart of the city. We offer hybrid working, with a mix of office and home days that works for you and the team.
What we offer:
- £34,000 with extra qualification rewards.
- £500 signing on bonus.
- 26 days holiday plus option to buy or sell to meet your needs.
- 2 year fixed term contract with the opportunity to apply for permanent roles at the end.
- Enjoy excellent benefits such as private medical insurance, pension, season ticket loan, and flexible options with a £175 monthly allowance for tech products, gym membership, cycle-to-work schemes, or charitable donations.
- You also get 2 CSR days where you get the opportunity to make a real difference to local communities and charities that matter to you.
Your Development – You’ll get:
- Challenging, stretching and rewarding work right from the start in each placement.
- Our full support and guidance to achieve your Level 4 Insurance Professional apprenticeship standard which incorporates the DIPCII qualification.
- A personalised development plan to support your professional and soft skills development.
- An in-house experienced buddy and mentor, to help show you the ropes and support you on your journey.
- Lots of opportunities to get involved in groups outside of your day to day work to grow your network, learn from others and give back to the community through our CSR initiatives.
At the end of the programme, you will have the opportunity to apply for a permanent role in one of our teams. We want to continue to grow our talent and will support your development to progress your career as an underwriter and become ACII qualified.
What you need:
- Unrestricted right to work in the UK.
- A minimum 2.2 degree in any discipline.
- 3 or more A-Levels or equivalent (A-C) (ideally with a STEM subject).
- GCSE in Maths and English - grade 4 (C) or equivalent.
- Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Excel.
Chaucer is committed to diversity, actively values difference and respects people regardless of the protected characteristics which are outlined in the Equality Act 2010 (UK legislation). A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace are core to our success as a business and integral to our winning strategy and culture. We recruit from the widest available pool of talent, and our hiring, assessment and selection process is fair, free from bias and one which ensures we select the right person for the job, based on merit. We are committed to promoting a culture that actively values difference, and recognises that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect throughout their employment. We are open to considering flexible working arrangements for all roles and encourage you to outline your needs during the interview process.
Graduate - Underwriting Portfolio Management employer: Chaucer
Chaucer is an exceptional employer that fosters a strong collegiate culture, encouraging proactive and inquisitive behaviour among its employees. With a comprehensive 24-month rotational graduate programme based in the vibrant Scalpel building in London, you will gain invaluable experience across various underwriting teams while benefiting from excellent support for your professional development, including mentorship and a personalised development plan. The company prioritises employee wellbeing and offers a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and unique benefits such as CSR days to make a positive impact in local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate - Underwriting Portfolio Management
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Chaucer. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate - Underwriting Portfolio Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Chaucer.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Chaucer's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chaucer
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Chaucer.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Chaucer will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Chaucer employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
