At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex underwriting for Life Science, managing high-value accounts and building broker relationships.
- Company: Join Markel, a people-first company with a collaborative culture and entrepreneurial spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing portfolio while developing your skills and others.
- Qualifications: Strong underwriting experience and the ability to influence and support team members.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
We've recently launched an enhanced Life Science product, offering broader cover, additional value-added services and stronger market competitiveness.
With ambitious growth plans in place, we're looking for someone who can help us take the portfolio to the next level.
As a Senior Underwriter, you'll be trusted with our largest and most complex risks, act as a key technical leader within the team and play an important role in developing both our people and portfolio.
You'll become a trusted deputy to the Team Manager, helping shape underwriting strategy, supporting team development and contributing to the future success of the business.
If you're looking for a role where your opinions matter, your expertise is valued and your impact will be visible, we'd love to hear from you.
The Opportunity
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Biotechnology businesses
- Medical device manufacturers
- Clinical trials
- Research & Development organisations
- Cosmetics businesses
- Vitamins and supplement manufacturers
This is one of the most technically diverse and intellectually stimulating classes of business within Commercial Lines, offering exposure to complex and varied risks that challenge and develop your underwriting expertise.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Technical Underwriting
- Managing a portfolio of complex Life Science renewal business
- Taking ownership of larger and higher-value accounts
- Making sound, commercially balanced underwriting decisions
- Negotiating profitable renewals and retention strategies
- Supporting portfolio growth whilst maintaining underwriting discipline
- Broker Relationship Management
- Building and strengthening broker relationships
- Becoming a trusted underwriting partner
- Identifying opportunities to retain and grow quality business
- Contributing to a more relationship-led approach across the portfolio
- Team Development & Leadership
- Acting as a technical referral point for colleagues
- Coaching and mentoring less experienced underwriters
- Sharing insight, expertise and best practice
- Supporting the Team Manager as a trusted deputy
- Participating in leadership and trading discussions
- Strategic Contribution
- Supporting the future growth of the Life Science proposition
- Influencing how the team develops and evolves
- Contributing ideas that improve performance, service and broker experience
We're looking for an experienced underwriter who combines strong technical expertise with commercial thinking, broker relationship skills and the desire to make a lasting impact.
Whether you already have Life Science experience or come from a strong Property & Casualty or Commercial Combined background, this could be your opportunity to step into a highly visible role with genuine influence.
We're open-minded about background and recognise that exceptional talent doesn't always come from a perfect match on paper.
Strong underwriting experience within
- + Life Sciences
- + Property & Casualty
- + Commercial Combined
- You’ll Also Have
- Strong technical underwriting capability
- Confidence handling complex commercial risks
- Commercial awareness and sound judgement
- Experience building broker relationships
- The ability to influence and support others
- A collaborative and positive approach
- Highly Desirable
- Life Science underwriting experience
- Experience mentoring or coaching colleagues
- Exposure to larger, more complex commercial risks
- CII qualifications (or willingness to work towards them)
Why Markel?
At Markel, we're known for our specialist expertise, entrepreneurial culture and people-first approach.
We're large enough to offer significant career opportunities, yet small enough for individuals to make a genuine impact.
We believe in empowering our people, investing in their development and creating an environment where expertise, collaboration and innovation thrives.
What's In It For You?
- Competitive salary and annual bonus
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Generous holiday allowance with buy/sell options
- Professional qualification support
- Clear career development opportunities
- Collaborative and supportive culture
Ready to Make Your Mark?
If you're an experienced underwriter looking for an opportunity to influence a growing portfolio, develop others and play a key role in the future of Life Science underwriting at Markel, we'd love to hear from you.
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.
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Senior Underwriter - Life Science in Leeds employer: Markel Corporation
Markel Law is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in the heart of Manchester. As a partner-level lawyer, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, annual bonuses, and ample opportunities for professional growth while leading a dedicated team in high-value real estate transactions. Our commitment to fostering strong client relationships and quality documentation ensures that you will find meaningful and rewarding work here.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Underwriter - Life Science in Leeds
✨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 Markel Corporation). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
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✨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 Markel Corporation. 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 - Life Science in Leeds
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 Markel Corporation.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Markel Corporation. 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 Markel Corporation
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Markel Corporation 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 Markel Corporation, 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 Markel Corporation'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.
