At a Glance
- Tasks: Underwrite complex construction risks and build strong broker relationships.
- Company: Markel, a Fortune 500 company with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous bonus, flexible working, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the construction insurance sector.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in construction underwriting and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham (Flexible / Hybrid Working)
Play your part in underwriting complex risks that keep the UK building! At Markel, we do more than underwrite insurance – we give people the confidence to move forward. From specialist construction projects to complex contractual risks, our underwriters are trusted partners to brokers and clients alike. We’re now looking to hire an experienced Senior Construction Underwriter to support the continued growth of our UK Construction portfolio. This role can be based in Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham, making it ideal for experienced underwriters in the Northern & Midlands markets seeking a visible, high impact role with real autonomy.
The opportunity
Reporting to the UK Head of Construction Sector Sales, you’ll play a key role in underwriting new business, shaping broker relationships, and helping drive profitable growth across a specialist construction portfolio. You’ll combine technical underwriting expertise with strong broker engagement, operating in a market where quality decision making, service, and relationships truly matter.
What you’ll be doing
- Underwriting construction new business risks, demonstrating strong technical judgement within delegated authority
- Reviewing and negotiating broker generated quotes, clearly articulating Markel’s product strengths to win business
- Building and developing strong broker relationships across your regional panel, supported by Sector Sales and Business Development
- Managing the full lifecycle of risks from enquiry to outcome using Markel’s underwriting platforms
- Proactively identifying and pursuing new business opportunities through CRM and pipeline management
- Acting as a technical point of reference, sharing knowledge and coaching colleagues within the wider team
What you’ll bring
- Proven experience in Construction underwriting, including policies, portfolios and/or binders
- Experience working with a specialist broker panel (preferred)
- Strong communication skills, confident engaging brokers by phone, email and in meetings
- The ability to manage your own workflow effectively while working collaboratively within a team
- A commercial mindset with an appetite to contribute to regional and national growth ambitions
Why Markel?
Markel Group (NYSE: MKL) is a Fortune 500 company with over 60 offices globally. Despite our scale, we remain proudly people first, giving underwriters genuine influence and the freedom to underwrite intelligently. Our values guide how we work every day:
- We’re all about people
- We win together
- We strive for better
- We enjoy the everyday
- We think further
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive basic salary plus generous bonus
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with buy/sell options
- Excellent pension, private medical & dental cover, life assurance and income protection
- Hybrid and flexible working options
- A culture that values expertise, collaboration and long‑term career development
Ready to play your part? If you’re an experienced construction underwriter looking to step into a role with visibility, autonomy and momentum in the Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham market, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and discover how you can build something special with Markel.
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.
Senior Underwriter - Construction Liability in Manchester employer: Markel International
At Markel, we pride ourselves on being a people-first organisation that empowers our underwriters with the autonomy to make impactful decisions. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional growth, we offer competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a flexible working environment across our Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham offices. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values expertise and fosters long-term career development in the thriving construction insurance sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Underwriter - Construction Liability in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and insurance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Markel and understand their values and approach to underwriting. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in how we operate and how you can contribute to our growth in the construction sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your expertise! Be ready to discuss your previous underwriting experiences and how they relate to the role. We love candidates who can articulate their technical knowledge and demonstrate how they’ve successfully managed risks in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows us that you’re professional and keen on the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in our minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Underwriter - Construction Liability in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Underwriter role. Highlight your experience in construction underwriting and any specific projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at Markel!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about construction underwriting and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your experience with broker relationships, as that’s key for us.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is vital for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, demonstrate how you've effectively engaged with brokers and clients in the past.
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 shows you’re keen to join the Markel family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Markel International
✨Know Your Underwriting Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge of construction underwriting. Be prepared to discuss specific policies, portfolios, and binders you've worked with. This will show that you have the expertise needed for the role and can engage confidently with brokers.
✨Build Rapport with Brokers
Since strong broker relationships are key in this role, think about how you can demonstrate your communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with brokers in the past, whether through phone calls, emails, or meetings. This will highlight your ability to foster those important connections.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to growth in previous roles. Think of specific instances where your decisions led to profitable outcomes. This will illustrate your commercial awareness and align with Markel's ambition for regional and national growth.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the company's approach to underwriting complex risks or how they support their underwriters in building broker relationships. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.
