At a Glance
- Tasks: Underwrite insurance business and build strong relationships with brokers.
- Company: Join Howden, a global insurance group with a unique employee-owned culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy work/life balance, career progression, and opportunities for volunteering.
- Other info: Great career growth potential in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the insurance industry.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for building relationships.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 23,000 employees spanning over 56 countries.
People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work/life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.
Working across 21 countries, DUAL has built a reputation as a specialist underwriting group and the market of choice for insurance intermediaries around the world. That’s how we have become one of the world’s largest international underwriting agencies (or MGAs) with US$3.5bn of GWP.
DUAL is part of Howden, an international insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. The group was founded in 1994 and now has divisions in broking and underwriting, operates in 55 territories and employs over 19,000 people handling US$42bn of premium on behalf of clients.
Role Definition
To act as an underwriter responsible for an underwriting class of business in accordance with the binding authority issued by DUAL XX. Acts with minimal level of supervision and operates with increased underwriting authority levels to more junior underwriting levels within the underwriting team. Develops business through client liaison, in particular insurance brokers, and maintain strong internal and external relationships. Acts as a support/referral point to other junior underwriters in the team.
Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities
- Generate and underwrite insurance business in accordance with the business plan and profile of target insurance business set by DUAL XX, and in accordance with the binding authority granted to the company.
- Work with the existing broker panel to forge relationships and trust and extend the panel to include new brokers. This will require visits to build and maintain own relationships.
- Produce and maintain underwriting files for both internal and external viewing and to prepare for audit. This will involve both paper and computerised records.
- Generate profit for DUAL XX through the company’s strategic objectives.
- Resolve any outstanding underwriting related tasks/matters in a timely and efficient manner to enable support functions, including claims, finance and compliance, to fulfil their responsibilities with minimal impact/issues.
- Successfully quote new business, assessing risks and underwriting from a cover and rating basis within risk appetite; providing contract certainty, territories, underwriting performance, limits of liability.
- Successfully input quotations and issue certificates competently on the required underwriting platform, managing issues associated with the platform.
- Work with the underwriter’s system to produce certificates, policy wordings, and bordereaux.
- Develop an effective annual business activity planning process with our brokers and have a good knowledge of DUAL’s Underwriting’s overall business plans, processes and key contacts.
- Be aware of cross-sell opportunities and promote DUAL Underwriting products and services to brokers.
- Conduct broker research into business development opportunities thereby creating opportunities for DUAL Underwriting in the process.
- Maintain accurate and timely Management Information, monitoring the development of the broker’s.
Underwriter employer: London Insurance Life
At Howden, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions employee ownership and collaboration. Our London office is not just a workplace; it's a community where you can thrive professionally while enjoying a healthy work-life balance, ample career progression opportunities, and a commitment to sustainability. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values your contributions and supports your growth in the exciting field of underwriting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Underwriter
✨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 London Insurance Life). 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 London Insurance Life. 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 Underwriter
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 London Insurance Life.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at London Insurance Life. 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 London Insurance Life
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at London Insurance Life 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 London Insurance Life, 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 London Insurance Life'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.