Senior Schemes Underwriter - Halifax; London; Bristol; Birmingham; Reading in Crigglestone

We have an exciting opportunity to join us at Cova Insurance, where you'll be part of an inclusive and supportive organisation that puts people first, both our customers and our colleagues. At Cova, we know there's no one-size-fits-all way of working. We actively support flexible hours, part-time options and different working patterns, and we encourage open conversations about what works best for you and your life.

At Cova Insurance, our purpose is simple: to protect what matters most - whether that's our customers' homes, cars or businesses. We're proud of our award-winning culture and strong values, creating an environment where everyone feels respected, supported and able to thrive, with opportunities for all to grow and develop. Our culture and communities, including our employee-led networks groups, help drive positive change and ensure everyone feels they belong and can be themselves.

Join the Commercial Schemes team that specialises exclusively in schemes underwriting - offering expert insight, consistent decisions and a reliable 24-hour SLA for all referrals.

What you can expect in this role:

• Underwrite referrals from commercial scheme brokers in line with Cova's strategy, appetite and authority limits, acting as a referral point for scheme team members.
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of a panel of scheme brokers and their homogenous products, taking a strategic/portfolio view to support delivery of underwriting targets.
• Build and maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with broker partners and internal stakeholders, conducting regular broker review meetings and supporting scheme broker audits.
• Identify, document and report underwriting and pricing trends to the Schemes Team and Technical Manager, producing and analysing MI for the broker panel.
• Contribute to key projects such as large loss reviews, breach reports, flood scrutiny, and updating scheme documentation including underwriting guides, wordings and associated materials.
• Maintain high service levels for internal and external customers, ensuring accurate audit trails within Cova systems, and reporting to the Schemes Team and Technical Manager.

What you might bring:

• Strong underwriting capability across property, liability, and trades/professions, with solid knowledge of UK commercial markets, general insurance practices, and industry/legal developments.
• Effective communicator with excellent verbal/written skills, strong telephone manner, and the ability to build trading relationships and deliver professional customer service.
• Team-oriented and independent, able to work well both individually and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment to meet targets.
• Highly organised and detail-focused, with strong time management, prioritisation, and workflow management skills, plus a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Motivated, ambitious, and resilient, with a positive attitude and willingness to learn, develop, and grow.
• Meets qualification requirements: 4+ GCSEs (incl. Maths & English), 3+ A-levels at grade C+ (or equivalent), and ideally Dip CII.

Not sure you tick every box? That's okay. We recognise that great candidates bring different experiences and perspectives. If this role interests you and you believe you could add value, we encourage you to apply - even if you don't meet every requirement.

Why join Cova?

• Flexibility that truly works for you - 36.25 hours per week, flexitime, and hybrid options as standard.
• Reward that reflects your contribution - annual pay review plus performance-related bonus.
• Time to switch off and recharge - 25-27 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell annual leave.
• Investing in your future - a generous pension with 7.5% employer contribution as standard, which can be matched up to 12% with your input.
• Grow with us - access to training, professional qualifications and apprenticeships to support your development at every stage of your career.
• A culture where you belong - employee-led communities, inclusive networks and meaningful DEI action, not just words.
• Your wellbeing matters - private medical cover, 24/7 Virtual GP, health checks and ongoing wellbeing initiatives.
• Support beyond work - mental and financial wellbeing support through our dedicated Wellbeing group.
• Everyday perks that add up - electric car scheme, gym discounts, Cycle to Work and retail savings via Perkpal and plenty more to support you inside and outside of work.

Ready to apply? If this sounds like the right next step for you, we'd love to hear from you. As a Disability Confident Employer, we're committed to fair and accessible recruitment. If you need adjustments or support at any stage, please contact our Recruitment Team. Applicants must currently reside in the UK and have the unrestricted right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we're unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.