At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a diverse construction renewals portfolio and build strong broker relationships.
- Company: Markel, a Fortune 500 company with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous bonus, hybrid working, and extensive health benefits.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with clear opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a high-quality portfolio and make a real impact from day one.
- Qualifications: Strong construction underwriting experience and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham or London (Hybrid – 3 days office)
Build something meaningful. Renew with purpose! At Markel, underwriting is more than a process, it’s about relationships, judgement, and making a real difference. We're looking for an Underwriter – Construction Renewals and as part of our well-respected Construction team, you’ll take ownership of a diverse and established renewals portfolio, working at the heart of a business that puts people first and empowers underwriters to think differently.
This is a pivotal hire into a highly experienced, close-knit team, where your voice will be heard, your expertise trusted, and your impact immediate.
Why this role stands out:
- Take on a ready-made, high-quality renewals portfolio with real ownership from day one
- Join a stable, technically strong team with an excellent market reputation
- Play a key role in maintaining strong broker relationships and high retention levels (87–89%)
- Opportunity to shape how the team evolves, bringing fresh ideas and energy
- Work in a people-first, collaborative culture within a Fortune 500 organisation
What you’ll be doing:
You’ll manage a varied construction renewals portfolio, delivering strong underwriting outcomes while building lasting broker relationships:
- Underwriting renewals and mid-term adjustments within authority
- Managing and retaining a portfolio of construction risks (typically £2.5k–£100k premium range)
- Building strong broker partnerships and delivering outstanding service
- Identifying opportunities to cross-sell and broaden coverage
- Collaborating with technical teams, new business underwriters, and wider stakeholders
- Providing market insight and contributing to underwriting strategy discussions
You’ll work across a broad mix of risks including general construction, electrical, HVAC, and building services, with multi-line exposure across liability, PI, and property sections.
What we’re looking for:
We’re seeking an experienced underwriter who can hit the ground running and bring a proactive, commercial mindset:
- Strong construction underwriting experience, particularly within renewals
- Ability to manage a portfolio autonomously and make sound underwriting decisions
- Confidence in handling broker relationships and phone-based discussions
- Technical knowledge across liability, PI, and combined construction packages
- A detail-oriented, disciplined approach with strong communication skills
You’ll stand out if you bring:
- Experience handling complex or combined construction risks
- A passion for building relationships and influencing outcomes
- Fresh perspective, energy, and a desire to make an impact
What you’ll get in return:
- Competitive salary + generous annual bonus
- Hybrid working (3 days in office)
- Private medical, dental, pension, life assurance & income protection
- 25 days holiday + buy/sell options
- A genuinely collaborative, down-to-earth culture
- Clear opportunity to step into a highly visible, impactful role
Why Markel?
We’re a global business with a distinctly human approach. Our underwriters are trusted to make decisions, challenge thinking, and build meaningful partnerships.
Our values guide everything we do:
- We’re all about people
- We win together
- We strive for better
- We enjoy the everyday
- We think further
Ready to make your mark? If you’re a construction underwriter looking for ownership, visibility, and the chance to shape outcomes in a high-performing renewals team, 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. Please contact us via email to request any accommodations that may be needed.
Construction Renewals Underwriter - Own Your Portfolio in London employer: Markel
At Markel, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and people-first culture that empowers our underwriters to take ownership of their portfolios from day one. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including private medical and dental care, and a clear path for career growth, our Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, or London locations provide a vibrant environment where your expertise is valued and your impact is immediate. Join us to build meaningful relationships and shape the future of our construction renewals team in a Fortune 500 organisation that truly cares about its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Renewals Underwriter - Own Your Portfolio in London
✨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 Construction Renewals Underwriter - Own Your Portfolio in London
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.
