Underwriter - Bespoke

ERS Syndicate 218 at Lloyds is managed by Starr. We are the UK’s largest specialist motor insurer with an A+ rating and have been making motoring passions and livelihoods possible since 1946. We work exclusively with motor insurance brokers to help get under the skin of the most difficult insurance risks, helping build products to meet their customer’s needs.

ERS is a leading underwriter of a wide range of specialist motor insurance products. Within ERS’s strategy of being the UK’s leading specialist motor insurer, our focus is on delivering sustainable, high margin growth through the provision of quality propositions to a wide range of broker partners. The Underwriter’s primary responsibility is to support the Senior Underwriter in executing our underwriting strategy and supporting the development of our underwriting appetite, working closely with the Pricing and Product Technology teams. You may also act as a referral point for team members with a lower level of authority helping to develop their technical knowledge and understanding.

The role is market visible, which will see you working closely with our broker-partners and forming solid trading relationships, to help ERS achieve their short to medium‑term financial plans by seeking to broaden our market penetration. Success in the role requires technical knowledge in our product(s) and frequent collaboration with other business functions to ensure that we leverage capabilities from across the business in delivering first class propositions to our chosen market.

The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list, and you may be required to undertake other reasonable duties compatible with your experience and competencies. This description may be varied from time to time to reflect changing business requirements.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• This role carries financial responsibility, as well as being recognised as, or aiming to become, a subject matter expert in your product(s). We therefore require our role-holders to demonstrate technical capability and to use commercial judgment in the fulfilment of their role.
• Knowledge of classic, modified, imported and motorhome insurance market experience is desirable.
• An ability to understand underwriting strategy and risk appetites and ability to operate within these.
• Developing strong technical knowledge of the product(s), including the features of the product, factors that drive product performance, market dynamics which influence how the product is delivered and the requirements of customers using the product(s).
• Underwriting, risk selection and pricing skills which will ensure that we optimise the financial performance of a range of product propositions in a complex and competitive market.
• Good commercial awareness that allows you to identify and take advantage of market opportunities.
• Possess an ability to understand pricing practices and methodologies, with the ability to help us constantly enhance our pricing capability, providing insight and feedback on our pricing models. Experience in these practices is a positive, but not a requirement.
• Interpersonal skills which will allow you to build and maintain relationships. Being able to articulate what a mutually beneficial relationship looks like and being comfortable having at times challenging conversations with our broker partners.
• Knowledge of the legal, regulatory and compliance provisions that apply to the UK motor insurance market.

Core behavioural competencies

• Analysis and decision making
• Strategic perspective
• Commerciality
• Relationships
• Communication and influence
• Development of self and others

Starr is an equal opportunity employer, which means we will consider all suitably qualified applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or beliefs, age, sexual orientation, disability status or any other protected characteristic. We recruit and develop our people based on merit and we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We offer first class training and development opportunities to all employees. Our aim is to grow our own talent and bring out the best in people.