At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive profitable growth by underwriting new Retail Property business and managing broker relationships.
- Company: Join HDI, a global leader in Corporate & Specialty Insurance with over 120 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK Property strategy in a dynamic and empowering environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Commercial Property underwriting with strong broker relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 58540 - 71548 £ per year.
HDI is a Corporate & Specialty Insurer part of the Talanx Group.
With over 120 years of experience, HDI operates across five continents, around 40 countries and employs over 5,000 people worldwide.
The role
The Development Underwriter will play a key role in driving profitable growth within HDI’s Retail Property portfolio.
The role is focused on new business generation and proactive broker engagement — building high-quality relationships, identifying opportunities, and underwriting complex commercial property risks in line with our appetite, strategy and performance objectives.
This position is ideal for an ambitious underwriter looking to step into a growth-oriented role with visibility, autonomy and direct impact on the UK Property strategy.
The Retail Property portfolio is made up of Captives, Lead, Follow and Multinational business.
- Key accountabilities
- New Business Growth: Proactively develop and underwrite new Retail Property business in line with HDI’s risk appetite, rate adequacy and profitability targets.
- Underwrite and manage renewal portfolio.
- Broker
Relationships: Build and maintain strong trading relationships with key brokers, particularly in the London and regional markets, ensuring HDI is positioned as a leading partner of choice.
- Underwriting
Discipline: Evaluate and price risks accurately, applying sound technical judgement and maintaining underwriting discipline in accordance with governance and authority frameworks.
- Pipeline Management: Own and manage a healthy new business pipeline through HDI’s CRM tools, ensuring transparency and accountability across key growth metrics.
- Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues across Property (Regional, London Market, Engineering, Claims and Reinsurance) to deliver a seamless, “One HDI” client experience.
- Market Insight: Monitor competitor activity and market trends to inform pricing, appetite and broker strategy.
- Portfolio Contribution: Contribute to portfolio reviews, performance analysis, and initiatives supporting sustainable growth and profitability.
Skills & experience
- Minimum 5 years’ Commercial Property underwriting experience, ideally with a strong focus on UK retail or mid-market risks.
- Demonstrated success in new business development and broker relationship management.
- Technical understanding of property underwriting principles, wordings and rating methodologies.
- Proven ability to balance commercial decision-making with underwriting discipline.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
- Strong organisational skills with ability to prioritise and manage multiple opportunities.
- Confident using underwriting, CRM and portfolio management tools.
- Entrepreneurial and proactive, with a genuine passion for developing business and relationships.
- Collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-moving, empowered environment.
- Analytical, commercially astute, and committed to high standards of underwriting quality.
- Ambitious and career-driven, with the potential to grow into a senior underwriting or leadership role.
- Candidates from an Underwriting and Broking background will be considered.
- Other
As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, recognising that a diverse and inclusive workplace is a creative and prosperous one.
If you require support with your application, please contact UK&IRE_Recruitment@hdi. global
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Development Underwriter - Property employer: HDI Global SE
HDI is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of Political Risk Insurance. With over 120 years of experience and a global presence, employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the chance to work alongside industry experts. Located in a vibrant city, HDI provides a supportive culture that encourages personal growth while making a meaningful impact in the insurance sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Underwriter - Property
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We think you need these skills to ace Development Underwriter - Property
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 HDI Global SE.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at HDI Global SE. 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 HDI Global SE
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at HDI Global SE to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
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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 HDI Global SE, 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 HDI Global SE'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.