At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of Life Science underwriting and manage complex risks.
- Company: Join Markel, a leader in specialist expertise and entrepreneurial culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with clear career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing the next generation of underwriters.
- Qualifications: Strong underwriting experience and broker relationship skills required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Help shape the future of Life Science underwriting at Markel! This isn't just another Senior Underwriter role. It's an opportunity to become a key figure within one of Markel's most exciting and ambitious growth areas, helping to shape the future of our Life Science portfolio while developing the next generation of underwriters.
We're looking for an experienced underwriter who combines strong technical expertise with commercial thinking, broker relationship skills and the desire to make a lasting impact. Whether you already have Life Science experience or come from a strong Property & Casualty or Commercial Combined background, this could be your opportunity to step into a highly visible role with genuine influence.
Why This Role Stands Out:
Our Life Science portfolio is at an exciting point in its evolution. We've recently launched an enhanced Life Science product, offering broader cover, additional value-added services and stronger market competitiveness. With ambitious growth plans in place, we're looking for someone who can help us take the portfolio to the next level.
As a Senior Underwriter, you'll be trusted with our largest and most complex risks, act as a key technical leader within the team and play an important role in developing both our people and portfolio. You'll become a trusted deputy to the Team Manager, helping shape underwriting strategy, supporting team development and contributing to the future success of the business.
If you're looking for a role where your opinions matter, your expertise is valued and your impact will be visible, we'd love to hear from you.
The Opportunity:
You'll join a collaborative team responsible for a specialist Life Science portfolio covering:
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Biotechnology businesses
- Medical device manufacturers
- Clinical trials
- Research & Development organisations
- Cosmetics businesses
- Vitamins and supplement manufacturers
This is one of the most technically diverse and intellectually stimulating classes of business within Commercial Lines, offering exposure to complex and varied risks that challenge and develop your underwriting expertise.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Technical Underwriting
- Managing a portfolio of complex Life Science renewal business
- Taking ownership of larger and higher-value accounts
- Making sound, commercially balanced underwriting decisions
- Negotiating profitable renewals and retention strategies
- Supporting portfolio growth whilst maintaining underwriting discipline
Broker Relationship Management:
- Building and strengthening broker relationships
- Becoming a trusted underwriting partner
- Identifying opportunities to retain and grow quality business
- Contributing to a more relationship-led approach across the portfolio
Team Development & Leadership:
- Acting as a technical referral point for colleagues
- Coaching and mentoring less experienced underwriters
- Sharing insight, expertise and best practice
- Supporting the Team Manager as a trusted deputy
- Participating in leadership and trading discussions
Strategic Contribution:
- Supporting the future growth of the Life Science proposition
- Influencing how the team develops and evolves
- Contributing ideas that improve performance, service and broker experience
What We're Looking For:
We're open-minded about background and recognise that exceptional talent doesn't always come from a perfect match on paper. You'll ideally bring:
- Essential Experience: Strong underwriting experience within Life Sciences, Property & Casualty, Commercial Combined
- Strong technical underwriting capability
- Confidence handling complex commercial risks
- Commercial awareness and sound judgement
- Experience building broker relationships
- The ability to influence and support others
- A collaborative and positive approach
Highly Desirable:
- Life Science underwriting experience
- Experience mentoring or coaching colleagues
- Exposure to larger, more complex commercial risks
- CII qualifications (or willingness to work towards them)
What Success Looks Like:
Within your first year you'll be:
- Managing complex and strategic Life Science risks
- Supporting the development of junior underwriters
- Becoming a recognised technical expert within the team
- Helping drive portfolio growth and retention
- Playing an instrumental role in shaping the future direction of the portfolio
Why Markel?
At Markel, we're known for our specialist expertise, entrepreneurial culture and people-first approach. We're large enough to offer significant career opportunities, yet small enough for individuals to make a genuine impact. We believe in empowering our people, investing in their development and creating an environment where expertise, collaboration and innovation thrive.
What's In It For You?
- Competitive salary and annual bonus
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Generous holiday allowance with buy/sell options
- Professional qualification support
- Clear career development opportunities
- Collaborative and supportive culture
Ready to Make Your Mark?
If you're an experienced underwriter looking for an opportunity to influence a growing portfolio, develop others and play a key role in the future of Life Science underwriting at Markel, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help us build something exceptional.
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 - Life Science in Leeds employer: Markel
Markel is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive starting salary of £28,000 along with monthly bonuses and comprehensive benefits. Located in the vibrant city centre of Manchester, our supportive team environment fosters collaboration and success, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in insurance sales without the hassle of late shifts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Underwriter - Life Science in Leeds
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Underwriter - Life Science 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.
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.
