At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage renewals and build broker relationships in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Markel, a people-first Fortune 500 company with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working options and genuine long-term career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Grow your underwriting career while making a real impact in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Insurance experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Build broker relationships. Deliver smart underwriting. Grow your career at Markel. We’re looking for an Assistant Underwriter to join our Renewal Connect team in Leeds, supporting a dynamic portfolio of Professional, Management Risk and Charity policies. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with insurance experience who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building relationships, and wants to develop their underwriting career within a supportive, collaborative team.
At Markel, underwriting is about more than numbers, it’s about people, trust, and doing the right thing.
The opportunity
As an Assistant Underwriter, you’ll play a key role in managing renewals and mid-term adjustments across a high-volume, specialist portfolio. You’ll work closely with brokers and colleagues across the business to deliver a responsive, high-quality underwriting service, while supporting retention, identifying opportunities, and contributing to the wider team’s success. You’ll be someone who takes ownership, builds credibility with brokers, and brings a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
What you’ll be doing
- Underwriting renewals and mid-term adjustments within your authority and company guidelines
- Delivering a responsive, professional service via Acturis, email, and phone
- Prioritising renewal activity to meet deadlines and maximise retention
- Proactively following up with brokers to secure and grow business
- Identifying upsell and cross-sell opportunities within the renewal book
- Monitoring broker activity and sharing insights with your Team Leader
- Handling incoming calls promptly and professionally
- Building strong relationships with brokers and internal teams, particularly Technical colleagues in Leeds
- Contributing to team initiatives, projects, and continuous improvement
What we’re looking for
- Previous insurance experience, with sound underwriting or technical knowledge
- Strong communication skills and confidence in dealing with brokers
- Excellent attention to detail and numerical accuracy
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Good IT skills (MS Office essential; Acturis helpful but not required)
- Studying towards or willing to study for CII qualifications
- A proactive, positive attitude with a focus on service and relationship building
Why join Markel?
At Markel, we believe what we do matters. Insurance is more than a policy, it’s a promise to help people move forward with confidence. We’re proud of our people‑first culture, where relationships, integrity, and collaboration sit at the heart of everything we do. We’re a Fortune 500 company with a global presence, but we’ve never lost our personal touch.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive salary with a generous annual bonus
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (with buy/sell options)
- Pension, private medical, dental cover, life assurance, and income protection
- Ongoing training and full support for CII qualifications
- Genuine long‑term career development opportunities
- A collaborative, inclusive culture where your contribution is valued
Our values
- We’re all about people – building relationships and doing what’s right
- We win together – collaborating and supporting each other
- We strive for better – always improving and evolving
- We enjoy the everyday – bringing energy and positivity to our work
- We think further – making decisions that create lasting impact
Ready to take the next step? Apply now or get in touch with our Talent Acquisition team for a confidential conversation. 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.
Assistant Underwriter (Renewal Connect Team) in Leeds employer: Markel International
Markel is an exceptional employer that prioritises a people-first culture, fostering strong relationships and collaboration within a dynamic team environment in Leeds. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a commitment to ongoing training and career development, employees are empowered to thrive and grow their underwriting careers while contributing to meaningful work that makes a difference. Join us to be part of a supportive workplace where your contributions are valued and diversity is celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Underwriter (Renewal Connect Team) 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 International). 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 Markel International. 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 Assistant Underwriter (Renewal Connect Team) 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 International.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Markel International. 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 International
✨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 International 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 International, 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 International'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.
