At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape underwriting strategy and manage portfolio performance for commercial insurance.
- Company: Leading specialist insurance business in London with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence strategic decisions.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior stakeholders and contribute to strategic discussions.
- Why this job: Join a high-profile role that impacts commercial performance and portfolio development.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in commercial underwriting and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
A leading specialist insurance business is looking to appoint a Senior Underwriter - Commercial to play a key role in the development and performance of its commercial portfolio. This is a strategic underwriting position with responsibility for shaping underwriting strategy, managing portfolio performance and identifying opportunities for profitable growth.
The Role
- Working closely with senior underwriting and product stakeholders, you will help develop and execute the underwriting strategy across a specialist commercial portfolio.
- Key responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the development and delivery of underwriting strategy and appetite.
- Analysing portfolio and pricing performance to identify trends, opportunities and areas for improvement.
- Using market intelligence to ensure products remain competitive and commercially viable.
- Working with stakeholders to shape and grow the portfolio in line with financial objectives.
- Providing technical underwriting expertise and acting as a senior referral point for complex risks.
- Reviewing risk selection and pricing strategies to drive continuous portfolio improvement.
- Working closely with pricing and analytical teams to enhance pricing sophistication and accuracy.
- Providing insight into market developments and their potential impact on portfolio performance.
- Supporting underwriting governance, controls and first-line risk management activities.
- Contributing to senior committees and strategic discussions through clear, data-led analysis and recommendations.
- Providing guidance and direction to more junior members of the underwriting and performance teams.
About You
We are looking for an experienced commercial underwriter with strong technical knowledge and a genuine understanding of portfolio performance, pricing and underwriting strategy. You will ideally bring:
- Extensive experience within commercial or specialist underwriting.
- Strong technical underwriting and product knowledge.
- A strong understanding of pricing methodologies and portfolio management.
- Excellent analytical skills, including advanced Microsoft Excel capability.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify opportunities for profitable growth.
- Experience using data and market intelligence to inform underwriting decisions.
- Confidence operating within a sophisticated underwriting governance and control environment.
- The gravitas and communication skills to influence senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex analysis clearly.
- The ability to build effective relationships with brokers, colleagues and senior stakeholders.
- A strategic and commercially focused mindset, combined with strong decision-making skills.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This is an opportunity to take on a high-profile senior underwriting position with genuine influence over underwriting strategy, portfolio development and commercial performance. You will have the opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders, contribute to strategic decision-making and play a significant role in the continued development of a specialist commercial insurance portfolio.
Senior Underwriter - Commercial in London employer: Harrison Holgate
Join a forward-thinking London market insurance company that values strategic finance professionals and fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you will not only drive financial excellence but also enjoy opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic environment. With a focus on enhancing automation and providing actionable insights, this role offers a meaningful chance to influence business success while working alongside senior leadership in a supportive and engaging workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Underwriter - Commercial 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 Harrison Holgate). 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 Harrison Holgate. 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 Senior Underwriter - Commercial 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 Harrison Holgate.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Harrison Holgate. 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 Harrison Holgate
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Harrison Holgate 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 Harrison Holgate, 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 Harrison Holgate'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.
