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- Tasks: Lead projects to evaluate catastrophe models and shape risk strategies.
- Company: Markel International, a dynamic and supportive workplace.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, private medical cover, flexible working options, and professional growth support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in catastrophe risk research while enjoying a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catastrophe modelling, coding skills, and strong stakeholder management.
- Other info: Diverse workforce with opportunities for innovation and career development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We understand that career breaks happen for many reasons, and we value the skills and perspectives you bring. This role offers a supportive environment designed to help you transition smoothly and thrive.
As a Catastrophe Risk Researcher within our International Portfolio Analytics (IPA) team, you’ll play a key role in shaping Markel International’s view of risk. You’ll lead projects to evaluate and validate catastrophe models, ensuring our methodologies remain robust, forward-looking, and aligned with industry best practice. Working closely with senior leaders and technical experts, you’ll help deliver insights that support informed underwriting decisions and strong risk management across the business.
About the TeamThe International Portfolio Analytics (IPA) team is a dynamic, multi-functional group that operates with creativity, autonomy, and empowerment. Embedded within the underwriting business and represented in senior leadership forums, the team supports all divisions of Markel International. Our core focus spans:
- Portfolio Management
- Pricing Transformation
- Advanced Analytics
- Catastrophe & Exposure Management
Within IPA, the Catastrophe & Exposure Management Team delivers a comprehensive suite of analytical services—from pre-bind assessments to portfolio-level analysis and reporting. Our mission is to enable consistent underwriting profitability and superior financial outcomes through high-quality, data-driven insights.
What You’ll DoExplore opportunities to strengthen our risk view and modelling practices, including:
- Working closely with leadership to shape Markel International’s catastrophe risk strategy.
- Leading projects to evaluate and validate models and methodologies, including hazard, vulnerability, and financial modules.
- Identifying and delivering model improvements and adjustments.
- Producing clear, robust technical documentation to support decision-making.
- Supporting the rollout of new models and updates, ensuring smooth adoption by the business.
- Staying ahead of developments in catastrophe risk research, industry trends, emerging risks, and analytical techniques.
- Building strong relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders, including technical leads within IPA.
- Drive model evaluation and validation projects to maintain a robust view of risk.
- Partner with the team to deepen technical understanding and foster a research-driven culture.
- Document methodologies and ensure clarity for stakeholders.
- Facilitate workshops and meetings to share insights and influence decisions.
- Support governance processes and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.
- Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation across the Catastrophe & Exposure Management function.
- Proven experience in catastrophe modelling validation and research; multi-class exposure is beneficial.
- Familiarity with industry-standard models (Verisk preferred).
- Coding skills including SQL (TSQL/Dynamic SQL), Python; R is optional.
- Experience in statistical modelling, uncertainty quantification, and data science techniques.
- Track record of research publication or industry thought leadership.
- Understanding of regulatory frameworks (Lloyd’s, PRA) and reporting requirements.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent organisational skills to manage projects and meet deadlines.
- A collaborative, forward-thinking team that values creativity, autonomy, and fresh perspectives.
- Opportunities to influence Markel’s risk strategy and deliver industry-leading analytics.
- Access to cutting-edge tools, data, and research to shape best practice.
- Support for your professional growth, including mentoring and technical development.
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life while making a real impact.
We’re open to flexible working requirements for all of these roles and offer benefits & support such as:
- 25 days’ holiday (pro‑rated for the FTC)
- Private medical cover for you and your family
- Private dental insurance
- Worldwide travel insurance
- Pension scheme
- Vitality wellbeing benefits
- My Family Care for emergency childcare and eldercare
- High street discounts and reduced gym memberships
Markel celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with all reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful. Please contact us via email at rec@markel.com or call us at 0161 507 5827 to request any accommodations that may be needed. This includes any alternative formats of any documents or information on how to apply offline.
Career Returner - Cat Risk Researcher employer: Markel Corporation
Contact Detail:
Markel Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Career Returner - Cat Risk Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their approach to catastrophe risk and think about how your skills align with their needs. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own ready to ask!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work or projects related to catastrophe modelling. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges and contributed to your field—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Markel. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Career Returner - Cat Risk Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Unique Journey: We know that career breaks can happen for all sorts of reasons, so don’t shy away from sharing your story. Highlight the skills and perspectives you've gained during your time away from work, as they can really set you apart from other candidates.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Catastrophe Risk Researcher role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate how your experience aligns with what we’re looking for—this shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Make sure your points are easy to understand and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that clearly outline your relevant experience and skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward—just hit ‘Apply Now’ and let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Markel Corporation
✨Know Your Models Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the catastrophe models relevant to the role. Understand their strengths and weaknesses, and be ready to discuss how you've evaluated or validated them in the past. This will show your technical expertise and readiness to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about any research you've conducted, especially if it relates to catastrophe modelling or risk assessment. Highlight any publications or thought leadership you've contributed to, as this demonstrates your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Think about examples where you've successfully collaborated with different teams or stakeholders. Be ready to share how you’ve built strong relationships and influenced decisions, as this is key in a role that requires cross-functional teamwork.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in catastrophe risk research and industry trends. Being able to discuss emerging risks and analytical techniques will show that you're proactive and engaged with the field, which is exactly what the team values.
