Senior Claims Handler (Liability & Construction / Complex Claims) in Leeds

Senior Claims Handler (Liability & Construction) Leeds

Hybrid Working: 4 Days Office / 1 Day Home. Join one of the UK's most respected specialist claims teams!

At Markel, claims handling is about far more than processing files. It's about helping businesses and professionals navigate some of the most complex and challenging situations they will ever face. From professional negligence disputes and cyber incidents to construction liabilities, regulatory investigations and complex litigation, our Claims team works at the heart of our business, protecting clients when they need us most. As our business continues to grow, we're looking for a talented Senior Claims Handler to join our specialist Liability & Construction Complex Claims Team in Leeds. This is an opportunity to take ownership of genuinely complex, high-profile claims, work alongside leading legal experts and become part of an award‑winning claims function that is recognised for its technical excellence and exceptional customer service.

The Role

Working within Adam Smith's Complex Claims Team, you'll manage a diverse portfolio of specialist commercial claims from first notification through to resolution. You'll act as a trusted claims partner to insureds, brokers and legal representatives, driving strategy, providing technical guidance and overseeing claims throughout the litigation process. Unlike many insurer claims roles, you'll retain ownership of your claims, regardless of value, supported by clear authority frameworks and a highly collaborative leadership team.

What You’ll Be Handling

• Professional Indemnity
• Liability & Construction
• Cyber
• Management Liability
• Medical Malpractice
• Product Liability
• Directors' & Officers' Liability
• Fidelity & Commercial Crime
• Employment‑related claims
• Complex litigation and regulatory investigations

Our clients range from technology businesses and life sciences organisations through to architects, engineers, surveyors, contractors, trades businesses and other specialist professional firms.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a portfolio of complex commercial claims from notification through to settlement.
• Reviewing policy coverage and providing technical guidance.
• Developing and driving claims strategy.
• Instructing and managing external solicitors, counsel and technical experts.
• Building strong relationships with brokers, clients and internal stakeholders.
• Managing litigated claims and overseeing legal spend.
• Negotiating settlements within authority levels.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives across the wider claims function.
• Maintaining the highest standards of customer service and technical excellence.

What We’re Looking For

We're open to speaking with talented professionals from either an insurance or legal background.

Insurance Professionals

You’ll ideally have experience handling complex commercial claims within areas such as:

• Professional Indemnity
• Liability
• Financial Lines
• Cyber
• Construction
• Management Liability

Legal Professionals

You may be a:

• Solicitor
• Legal Executive
• Paralegal
• Fee Earner with experience in:

Professional Negligence | Insurance Litigation | Construction | Liability | Commercial Disputes and be looking to move away from private practice into a strategic, client‑facing insurance role.

You’ll Succeed Here If You Have

• Strong commercial insurance or legal claims experience.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive and analytical approach to problem solving.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• A genuine interest in complex claims and specialist insurance products.
• ACII qualifications (or an ambition to study towards them, fully supported by Markel).

Why Join Markel

• Handle Truly Complex Work
• You'll work on interesting, technical and often high‑profile claims where no two days are the same.
• Real Ownership
• You'll retain responsibility for your claims throughout their lifecycle, developing strategies and influencing outcomes.
• Invest in Your Development
• We fully support professional qualifications, including ACII, alongside extensive internal and external training opportunities.
• Join an Award‑Winning Team
• Our Claims function is recognised across the industry for delivering outstanding service and technical excellence.
• Enjoy a Collaborative Culture
• We're proud of our supportive, people‑first environment where knowledge sharing, teamwork and professional growth are genuinely encouraged.

What We Offer

• Great starting salary + 17% Annual Bonus
• 25 Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Option to Buy and Sell Annual Leave
• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental Cover
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Travel Insurance
• Season Ticket Loan
• Comprehensive Learning & Development Support
• Fully Funded Professional Qualifications

Working Pattern

Leeds office-based; 4 days per week in the office; 1 day working from home; Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm

We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns.

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 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.

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