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- Tasks: Lead SME underwriting strategy and drive transformation for a national platform.
- Company: Large UK-wide commercial underwriting insurance group with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, travel opportunities, and significant career growth potential.
- Other info: Exciting role with flexibility in location and a chance to shape the future of underwriting.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming underwriting practices and making impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in SME underwriting and experience with digital transformation.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Our client is a large UK-wide commercial underwriting insurance group, looking for a new SME commercial underwriting leader, with a proven track record of leading and driving a successful portfolio across a national SME platform. Experience of leading a manual trading model towards a digitally focused platform would be of particular interest.
Responsibilities will include:
- Lead the SME underwriting strategy and transformation agenda, balancing innovation with control
- Drive both top-line growth and bottom-line profitability, with some P&L responsibility
- Develop and embed innovative underwriting and pricing approaches, aligned to digital and retail-style operating models
- Ensure effective governance frameworks, controls and risk discipline throughout the transformation journey
- Act as the most senior SME underwriter, handling major referrals and signing off key deals, renewals and panel arrangements
- Work closely with central underwriting and pricing teams, product owners and origination stakeholders
- Build and enhance the internal reputation, credibility and influence of the SME underwriting function
- Selective engagement with key distribution partners (external engagement is important but not heavy)
This role will be seen as hybrid, and whilst a couple of days a week is required to be present in the main office hub, with this being a national role, you will have travel commitments to other offices, in addition to continually working with and visiting key distribution panels to drive the success of this business specialism. There is some flexibility in where this role can be based, whether London, South East or the Midlands/further afield. This is an exciting time to be part of a new initiative which offers significant responsibility and career opportunity.
Head of SME Underwriting in West Bromwich employer: IPS Group
Contact Detail:
IPS Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SME Underwriting in West Bromwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want to show them that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their team. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors. We can help you refine your pitch and boost your confidence before facing the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We want to remind them why you’re the best candidate for the Head of SME Underwriting role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of SME Underwriting in West Bromwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of SME Underwriting role. Highlight your track record in leading successful portfolios and any experience transitioning from manual to digital trading models.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for the SME underwriting strategy and how you plan to drive growth and profitability.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! In your application, mention specific examples of how you've led teams or projects, especially in transforming underwriting processes. This will help us understand your approach to governance and risk management.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at IPS Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of SME Underwriting, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L responsibilities. Brush up on your financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've driven profitability in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how you've balanced growth with risk management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about how you can convey your approach to leading teams. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your experience in transforming manual trading models into digital platforms, and how you've inspired your team through these changes.
✨Engage with Innovation
The client is looking for someone who can embed innovative underwriting practices. Be prepared to discuss your ideas on modernising underwriting processes and how you've successfully implemented new strategies in the past. Show them you're not just about control but also about creativity.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves engaging with key distribution partners, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare to talk about how you've enhanced internal credibility and influenced stakeholders in previous positions, as well as your approach to external partnerships.