At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse underwriting portfolios and drive strategic decisions with data-driven insights.
- Company: Join Swiss Re, a global leader in reinsurance and risk management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values fresh perspectives and innovative thinking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on portfolio management while working with cutting-edge analytical tools.
- Qualifications: Experience in underwriting analysis and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70089 £ per year.
As an Underwriting Portfolio Manager, you will deliver analysis, conclusions and recommendations that shape the underwriting portfolio, inform capital allocation, support capacity decisions and drive portfolio-steering actions. This is a hands-on analytical role. You will work directly with underwriting data in Palantir and other analytical platforms to investigate portfolio questions, test hypotheses, assess trade-offs and translate evidence into clear portfolio recommendations. You will be expected to form a point of view and remain involved through decision-making, implementation and impact assessment. The role is not limited to coordinating planning processes, preparing presentations or commissioning analysis from engineering colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and deliver the Group’s underwriting portfolio plan, including the Target Liability Portfolio and Group Capital Allocation Strategy, translating Group objectives, risk appetite, financial ambition and market conditions into explicit portfolio choices.
- Assess portfolio economics, risk, return, diversification and capital consumption to produce clear capacity, allocation and steering recommendations.
- Work directly with Palantir and other analytical platforms to test hypotheses, interpret underwriting performance and exposure data, and form robust portfolio conclusions.
- Identify material risks, concentrations, dependencies and opportunities early enough to drive meaningful management action.
- Translate analysis into specific steering actions, support governance decisions, track implementation and adjust where outcomes are not being achieved.
- Partner with portfolio engineering, data and analytics colleagues to improve tools, workflows and decision-support capabilities.
- Communicate clear recommendations to underwriting, finance, risk, capital management and senior leadership, while developing team capability across portfolio management, commercial judgement and analytics.
About the Team
The Portfolio Strategy & Steering team brings together underwriting portfolio management, engineering, data and advanced analytical capabilities. The team operates as one integrated group with team members holding distinct but complementary accountabilities and jointly responsible for priorities, quality and impact.
About You
You combine strong underwriting or portfolio-management judgement with analytical capability and a willingness to work directly with detailed data. You are comfortable moving between granular portfolio analysis and senior-level conclusions. You can identify the important question, test competing explanations, assess trade-offs and translate evidence into practical action. You are expected to challenge assumptions and provide a clear point of view, rather than simply reporting results or coordinating stakeholders.
We are looking for candidates who meet these requirements:
- Experience analysing underwriting portfolios and assessing performance, exposure, concentration, diversification and portfolio risk.
- Understanding of capital allocation, capacity-setting frameworks, risk-adjusted returns and the trade-offs involved in deploying underwriting capacity.
- Ability to interrogate complex datasets, test hypotheses and produce decision-ready insight using Palantir or comparable modern data and analytical platforms.
- Strong understanding of underwriting economics, market dynamics and portfolio management within reinsurance or commercial insurance.
- Ability to synthesise complex analysis into clear conclusions and recommendations for senior stakeholders.
For United Kingdom, the base salary range for this position is between GBP 112,000 and GBP 168,000 for a full-time role. The specific salary offered considers the scope, complexity and responsibilities of the role, as well as the applicant’s education, qualifications, expertise, skills and experience. Our company has a hybrid work model where the expectation is that you will be in the office at least three days per week.
About Swiss Re
Swiss Re is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer, working to make the world more resilient. We anticipate and manage a wide variety of risks, from natural catastrophes and climate change to cybercrime. Combining experience with creative thinking and cutting-edge expertise, we create new opportunities and solutions for our clients. This is possible thanks to the collaboration of more than 15,000 employees across the world. Our success depends on our ability to build an inclusive culture encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. We embrace a workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and develop professionally regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, skillset, thought or other characteristics. In our inclusive and flexible environment everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and their passion for sustainability.
If you are an experienced professional returning to the workforce after a career break, we encourage you to apply for open positions that match your skills and experience. We may use AI-powered tools to support the review and evaluation of applications for this position. These tools provide additional insights to our recruitment teams, but all hiring decisions are carefully reviewed and made by people. To learn more about how we use AI in recruitment and how we handle your personal data, please review our Data Privacy Statement before applying.
Manager, Underwriting Portfolio Management employer: Crossell
At Swiss Re, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while ensuring that our teams are empowered to drive impactful change in the insurance industry. With competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, and a strong focus on career development, we are committed to attracting and retaining top talent in Folkestone, making it a rewarding place to grow your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager, Underwriting Portfolio Management
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like Crossell). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Crossell. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Underwriting Portfolio Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Crossell.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Crossell. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crossell
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Crossell to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at Crossell, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding Crossell's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.