Head of Construction Underwriting in Manchester
Head of Construction Underwriting

Head of Construction Underwriting in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the underwriting strategy and launch innovative construction products.
  • Company: Join Markel, a global leader in insurance and reinsurance.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous bonuses, and extensive benefits package.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while growing your career in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven underwriting experience and strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

We are looking for our new Head of Construction Underwriting here at Markel! If you’re looking for a place where you can make a meaningful difference, you’ve found it. The work we do at Markel gives people the confidence to move forward and seize opportunities, and you’ll find your fit amongst our global community of optimists and problem‑solvers. We’re always pushing each other to go further because we believe that when we realise our potential, we can help others reach theirs. Join us and play your part in something special!

The opportunity: It’s an exciting time to join Markel as our business grows and we currently have a great opportunity for a Head of Construction Underwriting to join our highly respected team (3 days in the office / 2 days from home). This exciting opportunity is based within our UK Underwriting division, reporting into our Underwriting Director and will play a pivotal part in our ambitious growth targets out to 2030. The role can be located at any of our offices – Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, London Croydon. This is a key role within the Underwriting Leadership team, helping set and deliver the underwriting strategy for the UK National Markets business, with a focus on being Head of a specific product for the UK. The role will support marketing promotion and launch of new products and support sales in strategic broker opportunities. The individual will work closely with the wider underwriting leadership team to monitor and manage product profitability and support on referrals in accordance with delegated underwriting authorities and overseeing a current team of three.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Responsible for the specification, pricing and launch of new products in accordance with specific product line and the ongoing pricing and management of existing products.
  • Review, modify and track appetite changes to facilitate profitable growth in accordance with target combined ratios.
  • Work with the actuarial function and underwriting colleagues to develop appropriate and proportionate pricing models.
  • Support Sales function in achieving our top line targets.
  • Find ways to improve how we underwrite our business including making ease of trading simpler and empowering underwriters to be able to write more business.
  • Accountable for referrals for own product line in accordance with Delegated underwriting authorities.
  • Work as part of the Underwriting team to help build skills, product knowledge and capability across the underwriting function.
  • Monitor and report activities and provide timely and relevant management information.
  • Role model the Markel Style and contribute to product leadership across the business, working with colleagues across Markel International.
  • Liaise with central underwriting operations where required for governance or reinsurance.

Our must haves:

  • A successful personal history of underwriting the relevant class of business over a number of years in the UK retail broker market.
  • Demonstrable track record in delivering profitable results in that class, over multiple years.
  • A good understanding of the regulatory obligations for underwriting and distribution of insurance products.
  • A strong technical knowledge of relevant class coverage and market dynamics which can be leveraged or need mitigating.
  • Experience in development and management of product pricing models.
  • Work well as part of a cross functional team delivering new propositions to market along with sales, marketing and actuarial.
  • Strong and proactive communication skills.

Who we are: Markel Corporation (NYSE – MKL) a Fortune 500 company with over 60 offices in 20+ countries, is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, specialist advisory and investment operations around the world. 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:

  • A great starting salary plus generous annual bonus & strong benefits package… 25 days paid holiday plus Bank Holidays, with the opportunity to buy / sell extra leave.
  • Fantastic company pension scheme, private medical and dental cover, life assurance, travel insurance cover, income protection, season ticket loan as well as other great benefits on offer.
  • There are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career, and we can provide the support needed to do just that!

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.

Head of Construction Underwriting in Manchester employer: Markel

At Markel, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer extensive learning opportunities and a generous benefits package, including a competitive salary, bonus structure, and flexible working arrangements. Join us in one of our vibrant UK offices and be part of a global community dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the insurance industry.
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Contact Detail:

Markel Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Construction Underwriting in Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you showcase why you’re the right fit for Markel and how you can contribute to their ambitious growth targets.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the Head of Construction Underwriting role. Highlight your successes in underwriting and how you’ve delivered profitable results in the past.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Markel team. Let’s make this happen!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Construction Underwriting in Manchester

Underwriting Expertise
Product Development
Pricing Models
Regulatory Knowledge
Market Dynamics Understanding
Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
Communication Skills
Profitability Analysis
Strategic Thinking
Sales Support
Management Information Reporting
Leadership Skills
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in construction underwriting. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!

Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role requires a strong understanding of underwriting and market dynamics, be sure to include specific examples of your technical expertise. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge in a practical way.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Markel

✨Know Your Underwriting Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge of construction underwriting. Be ready to discuss specific classes of business and how you've successfully navigated market dynamics in the past. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role, but that you can bring valuable insights to the table.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Construction Underwriting, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've built skills and capabilities within your previous teams. Highlight any experiences where you’ve empowered others to achieve their goals, as this aligns perfectly with Markel's values.

✨Understand the Bigger Picture

Familiarise yourself with Markel’s growth targets and how your role fits into the overall strategy. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to achieving these targets, especially in terms of product pricing and profitability. This shows that you’re not just thinking about your role, but also about the company’s success.

✨Communicate Proactively

Strong communication is key in this role. Think of ways to demonstrate your proactive communication style during the interview. Whether it’s discussing how you’ve collaborated with sales and marketing teams or how you’ve handled referrals, make sure to convey your ability to engage effectively with cross-functional teams.

Head of Construction Underwriting in Manchester
Markel
Location: Manchester

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