Senior Underwriter - Pet Insurance

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Underwriter to support the development, profitability, and governance of our pet insurance portfolio across our European platform (UK and EU carriers).

The successful candidate will be responsible for underwriting performance, risk assessment, portfolio management, pricing oversight, and supporting regulatory compliance of our pet insurance offerings. Working closely with actuarial, claims, product, and distribution teams, the role will ensure sustainable growth while maintaining strong underwriting discipline and effective risk management practices.

This position requires a deep understanding of insurance risk, portfolio performance, market dynamics, and the unique characteristics of pet insurance products.

Key Responsibilities

Underwriting & Portfolio Management

• Develop, maintain, and enhance underwriting strategies for pet insurance products.
• Monitor portfolio performance, identifying trends in claims frequency, severity, loss ratios, and customer behaviour.
• Review and refine underwriting rules, acceptance criteria, limits, and exclusions to optimise profitability and customer outcomes.
• Support product development and innovation through underwriting insight and risk assessment.
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews and recommend corrective actions where performance deviates from targets.
• Collaborate with actuarial and pricing teams to ensure rates accurately reflect risk exposure and market conditions.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, monitor, and report key underwriting and operational risks affecting the pet insurance portfolio.
• Develop risk frameworks, controls, and governance processes aligned with company risk appetite.
• Perform scenario analysis, stress testing, and risk modelling to evaluate emerging risks.
• Monitor external factors including veterinary inflation, legislative changes, market developments, and consumer trends.
• Support enterprise risk management activities and contribute to risk committee reporting.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure underwriting practices comply with relevant internal and external governance practices.
• Develop and maintain accurate underwriting documentation, policies, procedures, and controls.
• Support audits, regulatory reviews, and compliance monitoring activities.
• Contribute to conduct risk management and fair customer outcome initiatives.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyse underwriting and claims data to identify opportunities for performance improvement.
• Produce regular management information and portfolio performance reports.
• Develop meaningful KPIs and risk metrics to support decision-making.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Significant experience within insurance underwriting, risk management, or portfolio management as it relates to pet insurance.
• Strong understanding of UK/EU insurance regulatory requirements.
• Experience analyzing portfolio performance and translating data into actionable recommendations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to balance commercial objectives with prudent risk management.

Desirable

• Experience within personal lines insurance.
• Knowledge of veterinary claims trends and pet insurance market dynamics.
• Exposure to pricing, actuarial modelling, or reinsurance arrangements.
• Professional qualifications such as CII, IRM, or equivalent.
• Experience working within a regulated insurer, MGA, or insurtech environment.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially focused with strong attention to detail.
• Data-driven and evidence-based decision maker.
• Collaborative and capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.