At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in Life Science underwriting, driving growth and market presence.
- Company: Join Markel, a global leader with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, hybrid work, and extensive benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Life Science underwriting and make a lasting impact.
- Qualifications: Life Science underwriting experience and strong technical expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Location: Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, London (flexible UK locations considered)
Full-time | Permanent, Hybrid working
Shape the future of Life Science underwriting! This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a high-growth, high-profit Life Science portfolio and play a defining role in its next phase. At Markel, Life Science is a key strategic priority. With a strong foundation already in place and significant investment behind it, we’re now looking for a market-leading specialist to accelerate growth, strengthen our proposition, and elevate our position in the UK broker market.
This isn’t your typical “Head of”, it’s a unique hybrid role blending technical underwriting leadership with front-line trading impact.
The Opportunity:
- You’ll take responsibility for shaping and scaling a Life Science portfolio currently at ~8m GWP, with a clear mandate to deliver sustained, profitable growth (25%+ YoY).
- Working closely with Trading and Technical leadership, you’ll:
- Define and implement the growth strategy
- Act as the technical authority for complex underwriting decisions
- Lead the market conversation with brokers
- Drive product innovation and commercial performance
This is a highly visible leadership role, with the autonomy to influence direction, without the burden of direct line management.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Drive Growth & Market Presence: Own and deliver ambitious growth targets across new business and renewals. Build and position a market-leading Life Science proposition. Work closely with brokers to uncover and convert opportunities. Be a visible, credible presence in the market.
- Lead from the Front (Trading + Technical): Combine deep technical underwriting expertise with commercial decision-making. Take calculated risks to unlock growth. Provide technical guidance on complex and specialist risks. Act as the highest authority on underwriting appetite and referrals.
- Shape the Product & Proposition: Lead ongoing product development and innovation. Optimise wordings, pricing, and coverage. Partner with distribution and actuarial teams to maximise performance. Ensure the proposition remains competitive and relevant.
- Influence & Develop Capability: Coach and upskill underwriters across new business and renewals. Act as a technical and commercial leader without direct reports. Drive a stronger, more daring underwriting outlook across the team.
What We’re Looking For:
We’re looking for a genuine Life Science specialist who brings both technical credibility and commercial drive. You’ll likely have:
- Life Science underwriting experience (essential)
- Strong technical expertise across complex casualty risks
- A track record of delivering profitable growth
- Confidence operating in broker-facing, market-facing roles
- The ability to balance detail with decision-making and pace
Most importantly, you’ll be someone who:
- Wants to build, grow, and shape something
- Is comfortable influencing without formal authority
- Brings energy, ambition, and a strong market reputation
Why Join Markel?
At Markel, we do things differently. We’re a global, Fortune 500 business but we’ve built our success on a people-first culture, strong relationships, and a willingness to take on risks others can’t.
In this role, you’ll get:
- Real ownership of a strategic, growing portfolio
- A seat at the table within Trading Leadership
- The autonomy to shape strategy and drive outcomes
- The opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact
What’s In It for You:
- Great salary + excellent annual bonus & benefits package
- Hybrid working and flexibility
- Private medical, life assurance, and income protection
- 25 days holiday + buy/sell options
- Ongoing development and career progression
Ready to Make Your Mark?
If you’re a Life Science underwriting expert looking for a role where you can combine technical excellence with real commercial influence, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now 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. 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 Life Science Underwriting in Manchester 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 Head of Life Science Underwriting in Manchester
✨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 Head of Life Science Underwriting in Manchester
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.
