At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead projects in catastrophe risk research and model validation to enhance decision-making.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Markel, fostering creativity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical cover, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on risk strategy while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catastrophe modelling, coding skills in SQL and Python, and strong stakeholder management.
- Other info: Diverse workplace valuing fresh perspectives and offering excellent professional development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Ready to reignite your career and make a real impact? We understand that career breaks happen for many reasons, and we value the skills and perspectives you bring. This role offers a supportive environment designed to help you transition smoothly and thrive.
About the Team
The International Portfolio Analytics (IPA) team is a dynamic, multi‑functional group that operates with creativity, autonomy, and empowerment. Embedded within the underwriting business and represented in senior leadership forums, the team supports all divisions of Markel International. Our core focus spans:
- Portfolio Management
- Pricing Transformation
- Advanced Analytics
- Catastrophe & Exposure Management
Within IPA, the Catastrophe & Exposure Management Team delivers a comprehensive suite of analytical services—from pre‑bind assessments to portfolio‑level analysis and reporting. Our mission is to enable consistent underwriting profitability and superior financial outcomes through high‑quality, data‑driven insights.
What You’ll Do
- Explore opportunities to strengthen our risk view and modelling practices, including:
- Working closely with leadership to shape Markel International’s catastrophe risk strategy.
- Leading projects to evaluate and validate models and methodologies, including hazard, vulnerability, and financial modules.
- Identifying and delivering model improvements and adjustments.
- Producing clear, robust technical documentation to support decision‑making.
- Supporting the rollout of new models and updates, ensuring smooth adoption by the business.
- Staying ahead of developments in catastrophe risk research, industry trends, emerging risks, and analytical techniques.
- Building strong relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders, including technical leads within IPA.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Drive model evaluation and validation projects to maintain a robust view of risk.
- Partner with the team to deepen technical understanding and foster a research‑driven culture.
- Document methodologies and ensure clarity for stakeholders.
- Facilitate workshops and meetings to share insights and influence decisions.
- Support governance processes and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.
- Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation across the Catastrophe & Exposure Management function.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in catastrophe modelling validation and research; multi‑class exposure is beneficial.
- Familiarity with industry‑standard models (Verisk preferred).
- Coding skills including SQL (TSQL/Dynamic SQL), Python; R is optional.
- Experience in statistical modelling, uncertainty quantification, and data science techniques.
- Track record of research publication or industry thought leadership.
- Understanding of regulatory frameworks (Lloyd’s, PRA) and reporting requirements.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills.
- Excellent organisational skills to manage projects and meet deadlines.
Why Join Us?
- A collaborative, forward‑thinking team that values creativity, autonomy, and fresh perspectives.
- Opportunities to influence Markel’s risk strategy and deliver industry‑leading analytics.
- Access to cutting‑edge tools, data, and research to shape best practice.
- Support for your professional growth, including mentoring and technical development.
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life while making a real impact.
What’s in it for you?
- 25 days’ holiday (pro‑rated for the FTC)
- Private medical cover for you and your family
- Private dental insurance
- Worldwide travel insurance
- Pension scheme
- Vitality wellbeing benefits
- My Family Care for emergency childcare and eldercare
- High street discounts and reduced gym memberships
Are you ready to play your part? Choose ‘Apply Now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about 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.
Career Returner - Cat Risk Researcher employer: Markel
Contact Detail:
Markel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Career Returner - Cat Risk Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to former colleagues, industry contacts, or even folks you meet at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects and achievements. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate how you can add value to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. The more comfortable you are talking about your experience and skills, the better you'll perform.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our awesome team.
We think you need these skills to ace Career Returner - Cat Risk Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives, especially if you've had a career break. Your journey is valuable, so let it shine through in your application.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills align with the role. Focus on your experience in catastrophe modelling and any relevant projects you've led. We love seeing how you can contribute to our team!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your coding skills and familiarity with industry-standard models. If you’ve got experience with SQL or Python, make it pop! We’re looking for those technical chops that will help us drive innovation.
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts well. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and potential.
How to prepare for a job interview at Markel
✨Brush Up on Catastrophe Modelling
Make sure you’re well-versed in catastrophe modelling validation and research. Familiarise yourself with industry-standard models, especially Verisk, as this will show your commitment to the role and help you speak confidently about your experience.
✨Showcase Your Coding Skills
Since coding skills in SQL and Python are essential, prepare to discuss your experience with these languages. Bring examples of how you've used them in past projects, particularly in statistical modelling or data science techniques, to demonstrate your technical prowess.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
This role requires strong relationship-building skills, so think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated with internal teams or external stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you facilitated workshops or meetings to influence decisions and share insights.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
Research recent developments in catastrophe risk research and emerging analytical techniques. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will not only show your passion for the field but also your proactive approach to continuous improvement.