At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape complex risks and build powerful broker relationships in a high-impact role.
- Company: Join Markel, a Fortune 500 company with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, quarterly bonuses, flexible hybrid working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Gain autonomy, influence strategy, and drive growth in the construction sector.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in construction underwriting and proven negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 58540 - 71548 £ per year.
Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham | Hybrid Working | High-Impact Role
Shape complex risks. Build powerful broker relationships. Drive growth that matters. At Markel, we don’t just insure risk; we enable progress. From specialist construction projects to complex contractual challenges, our underwriters give businesses the confidence to build, grow, and move forward. We’re now looking for a commercially driven Senior Underwriter – Construction Liability to play a key role in growing our UK construction portfolio. This is a high-visibility, high-autonomy role within a lean, ambitious team, ideal for someone who thrives in a broker-facing, trading-led environment.
Why this role stands out:
- Own and grow a £25M+ portfolio with a strong focus on open market trading team
- Real autonomy to make decisions and shape outcomes
- A genuine opportunity to influence strategy, broker engagement, and growth
- Join a business in growth mode with momentum and ambition
The role:
Reporting to the Head of Construction Sector Sales, you’ll combine technical underwriting expertise with strong trading instincts to win and develop new business. You’ll spend your time in the market, close to brokers, and at the centre of deal-making, not behind a desk processing cases.
What you’ll be doing:
- Underwriting & Trading
- Underwrite and negotiate complex construction liability risks within delegated authority
- Assess, price and structure deals with strong commercial judgement
- Manage a steady pipeline of opportunities through CRM and broker engagement
- Broker Relationship Management
- Build and deepen trusted relationships across your broker panel
- Actively engage brokers through meetings, calls and market presence
- Clearly position Markel’s appetite and strengths to win business
- Business Development
- Proactively build and manage your own pipeline of new business
- Identify and convert opportunities across open market and facilities
- Contribute to portfolio growth and underwriting strategy
- Leadership & Influence
- Act as a technical referral point for complex risks
- Mentor and support junior underwriters
- Collaborate across teams to maximise cross-line opportunities
What you’ll bring:
- Strong experience in construction underwriting, with a focus on liability
- Proven ability to trade, negotiate and win broker-led business
- Experience handling complex or mid-to-large risks
- Confidence managing broker relationships both remotely and face-to-face
- A commercial mindset with the drive to grow a portfolio
Bonus points for:
- Multi-line experience (e.g. Contract Works, PI, Property)
- Existing relationships within key brokers or regional markets
What success looks like:
- Delivery of ~£1M annual new business GWP
- Building a strong, sustainable broker pipeline
- Contributing to team performance, strategy and growth
- Becoming a trusted market presence in construction underwriting
What’s in it for you:
- Competitive salary + great quarterly bonus scheme
- Flexible hybrid working (2–3 days in-office)
- Private medical, dental, pension, life assurance & income protection
- 25 days holiday + buy/sell options
- A culture that is collaborative, down-to-earth and genuinely people-first
Why Markel:
We’re a Fortune 500 business with a human approach. Our underwriters are trusted to think differently, act decisively, and build meaningful relationships. Our values shape how we work:
- We’re all about people
- We win together
- We strive for better
- We enjoy the everyday
- We think further
Ready to build something bigger? If you’re a construction underwriter who wants more autonomy, more visibility, and a real opportunity to shape growth, 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.
Senior Underwriter - Construction Liability in Birmingham employer: Markel
Markel is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, annual bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a fantastic pension scheme and health coverage. With a strong commitment to diversity and employee growth, Markel fosters a culture that encourages professional development and values contributions from all backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Underwriter - Construction Liability in Birmingham
✨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). 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. 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 - Construction Liability in Birmingham
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.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Markel. 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
✨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 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, 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'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.
