At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK Construction & Engineering team, driving strategy and performance.
- Company: Join QBE Insurance, a global leader in risk management with a human touch.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team focused on innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Construction & Engineering underwriting and strong leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
hackajob is collaborating with QBE Insurance to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.
Primary Details
- Time Type: Full time
- Worker Type: Employee
Role Highlights
- London, with hybrid working
- Enhance your career in an exciting and ever-changing environment
The Opportunity
QBE's market leading UK Construction & Engineering business are recruiting a Portfolio Manager to lead our UK Construction & Engineering team. This is a market-facing leadership role with responsibility for underwriting performance, portfolio strategy, business development and talent development across a highly skilled team of underwriters. Working closely with brokers, clients and internal stakeholders, you will drive profitable growth, strengthen our market position and ensure delivery against QBE's underwriting and financial objectives.
About QBE
At QBE, we get to the heart of what matters for our customers. And we do it all with a human touch. We’re an international insurer with more than 13,000 people working across 26 countries – which means we’re big enough for your ambitions, yet small enough for you to make a real impact. It’s an exciting time. We’re building momentum towards our vision to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner. What if you could have a positive impact – at work and in the world? As part of the QBE team, you’ll get to spend every day working with people who are passionate, talented and kind.
Your New Role
- Portfolio Leadership & Strategy: Develop and deliver the UK Construction & Engineering portfolio strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and sustainable profitable growth. Monitor portfolio performance, market trends and emerging opportunities, taking action to optimise results and customer outcomes. Drive innovation and continuous improvement across underwriting, distribution and portfolio management activities.
- Underwriting Leadership: Lead underwriting performance through technical expertise, portfolio oversight and disciplined risk selection. Ensure underwriting decisions align with appetite, authority frameworks and portfolio objectives. Partner with Pricing, Portfolio Management, Risk Solutions and Claims teams to enhance portfolio performance and profitability.
- People Leadership: Lead, coach and develop a high-performing underwriting team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement. Ensure team capability, succession planning and resource requirements support current and future business needs.
- Broker & Market Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key brokers, clients and trading partners to support retention, growth and new business opportunities. Represent QBE in the market, enhancing our reputation as a leading Construction & Engineering insurer through visible leadership and industry engagement.
- Governance & Risk Management: Maintain compliance with legal, regulatory and internal governance requirements, ensuring effective portfolio oversight and risk management. Champion a culture of risk awareness, compliance and adherence to QBE underwriting standards.
About You
- Significant Construction & Engineering underwriting experience with a proven understanding of the UK market.
- Established broker and client network within the Construction & Engineering sector.
- Demonstrated success in developing and delivering portfolio strategies that drive profitable growth.
- Commercial, financial and analytical capability, with experience using data and market insights to support underwriting decisions.
- Experience managing underwriting portfolios across varying market conditions, pricing cycles and risk environments.
- Proven ability to lead, develop and motivate high-performing underwriting teams.
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from:
- 30 days holiday a year with the option to buy up to 2 additional days.
- Flexible working - balancing work and life is important so our flexible working opportunities are open to all, this can include part-time, job share and compressed hours.
- Pension – you are automatically enrolled into the QBE pension plan, which entitles you to receive employer contributions of 10% of your basic salary.
Awards & Recognition
We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:
- Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025: Winner: Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year, Winner: Reinsurer of the Year - QBE Re, Winner: ESG, Equity and Initiative of the Year, Winner: Insurance Personality of the Year - Chris Wallace, Executive Director UK insurance.
Skills:
- Analytical Thinking
- Business Management
- Coaching for success
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Influencing
- Insurance Underwriting
- Intentional collaboration
- Managing performance
- Navigating ambiguity
- Policy Development
- Risk Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Strategic Thinking
- Team Management
Equal Employment Opportunity:
QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.
Portfolio Manager - UK Construction & Engineering in London employer: Energy Jobline ZR
World Wide Technology (WWT) is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Programme Director in London. With a strong focus on employee growth, WWT offers opportunities to lead cutting-edge automation projects while working in a hybrid environment that promotes work-life balance. The company values transparent communication and client-first service, ensuring that employees are empowered to drive meaningful outcomes and develop their skills in a supportive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Manager - UK Construction & Engineering in London
✨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 Energy Jobline ZR). 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 Energy Jobline ZR. 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 Portfolio Manager - UK Construction & Engineering in London
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 Energy Jobline ZR.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Energy Jobline ZR. 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 Energy Jobline ZR
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Energy Jobline ZR 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 Energy Jobline ZR, 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 Energy Jobline ZR'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.
