At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a diverse construction renewals portfolio and build strong broker relationships.
- Company: Join Markel, a Fortune 500 company with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, private medical, and generous holiday options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with clear opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a high-quality portfolio and make a real impact from day one.
- Qualifications: Strong construction underwriting experience and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham or London (Hybrid - 3 days office)
Build something meaningful. Renew with purpose! At Markel, underwriting is more than a process, it's about relationships, judgement, and making a real difference. We're looking for an Underwriter - Construction Renewals and as part of our well-respected Construction team, you'll take ownership of a diverse and established renewals portfolio, working at the heart of a business that puts people first and empowers underwriters to think differently.
This is a pivotal hire into a highly experienced, close-knit team, where your voice will be heard, your expertise trusted, and your impact immediate.
Why this role stands out:- Take on a ready-made, high-quality renewals portfolio with real ownership from day one
- Join a stable, technically strong team with an excellent market reputation
- Play a key role in maintaining strong broker relationships and high retention levels (87-89%)
- Opportunity to shape how the team evolves, bringing fresh ideas and energy
- Work in a people-first, collaborative culture within a Fortune 500 organisation
You'll manage a varied construction renewals portfolio, delivering strong underwriting outcomes while building lasting broker relationships:
- Underwriting renewals and mid-term adjustments within authority
- Managing and retaining a portfolio of construction risks (typically £2.5k-£100k premium range)
- Building strong broker partnerships and delivering outstanding service
- Identifying opportunities to cross-sell and broaden coverage
- Collaborating with technical teams, new business underwriters, and wider stakeholders
- Providing market insight and contributing to underwriting strategy discussions
You'll work across a broad mix of risks including general construction, electrical, HVAC, and building services, with multi-line exposure across liability, PI, and property sections.
What we're looking for:We're seeking an experienced underwriter who can hit the ground running and bring a proactive, commercial mindset:
- Strong construction underwriting experience, particularly within renewals
- Ability to manage a portfolio autonomously and make sound underwriting decisions
- Confidence in handling broker relationships and phone-based discussions
- Technical knowledge across liability, PI, and combined construction packages
- A detail-oriented, disciplined approach with strong communication skills
- Experience handling complex or combined construction risks
- A passion for building relationships and influencing outcomes
- Fresh perspective, energy, and a desire to make an impact
- Competitive salary + generous annual bonus
- Hybrid working (3 days in office)
- Private medical, dental, pension, life assurance & income protection
- 25 days holiday + buy/sell options
- A genuinely collaborative, down-to-earth culture
- Clear opportunity to step into a highly visible, impactful role
We're a global business with a distinctly human approach. Our underwriters are trusted to make decisions, challenge thinking, and build meaningful partnerships.
Our values guide everything we do:
- We're all about people
- We win together
- We strive for better
- We enjoy the everyday
- We think further
If you're a construction underwriter looking for ownership, visibility, and the chance to shape outcomes in a high-performing renewals team, 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.
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.
Underwriter - Construction Renewals employer: Markel Corporation
At Markel, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and people-first culture that empowers our underwriters to make impactful decisions. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including private medical and dental care, and the flexibility of hybrid working, we provide our employees with the tools and support they need for professional growth and success. Join our highly respected Construction team in one of our vibrant UK locations and take ownership of a diverse renewals portfolio while building meaningful relationships in a stable and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Underwriter - Construction Renewals
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and underwriting sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Markel and understand their values and culture. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing renewals and building broker relationships. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the Underwriter role. It shows you’re genuinely interested and proactive.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Markel. Let’s build something special together!
We think you need these skills to ace Underwriter - Construction Renewals
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Underwriter - Construction Renewals role. Highlight your construction underwriting experience and any relevant broker relationships you've built.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Share specific examples of your past successes in managing renewals portfolios or building strong partnerships.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:In your application, don't forget to mention your technical knowledge across liability, PI, and combined construction packages. This will help us see how you can hit the ground running in our team.
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 this exciting opportunity with Markel!
How to prepare for a job interview at Markel Corporation
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of construction risks you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with the premium ranges and the specifics of underwriting renewals. This will show your potential employer that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Build on Broker Relationships
Since this role emphasises strong broker partnerships, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed broker relationships or resolved conflicts. This will highlight your ability to maintain high retention levels.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Brush up on your technical knowledge across liability, PI, and combined construction packages. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach underwriting decisions in these areas. This will not only showcase your expertise but also your proactive mindset.
✨Bring Fresh Ideas to the Table
The company is looking for someone who can contribute to the evolution of the team. Think about innovative strategies or fresh perspectives you could bring to the underwriting process. Sharing these ideas during the interview will demonstrate your enthusiasm and desire to make an impact.
