At a Glance
- Tasks: Underwrite complex construction risks and build strong broker relationships.
- Company: Join Markel, a Fortune 500 company with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous bonus, 25 days holiday, and flexible working.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on collaboration and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction sector with autonomy and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in construction underwriting and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham (Flexible / Hybrid Working)
Play your part in underwriting complex risks that keep the UK building! At Markel, we do more than underwrite insurance – we give people the confidence to move forward. From specialist construction projects to complex contractual risks, our underwriters are trusted partners to brokers and clients alike.
We’re now looking to hire an experienced Senior Construction Underwriter to support the continued growth of our UK Construction portfolio. This role can be based in Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham, making it ideal for experienced underwriters in the Northern & Midlands markets seeking a visible, high impact role with real autonomy.
The opportunity
Reporting to the UK Head of Construction Sector Sales, you’ll play a key role in underwriting new business, shaping broker relationships, and helping drive profitable growth across a specialist construction portfolio. You’ll combine technical underwriting expertise with strong broker engagement, operating in a market where quality decision‑making, service, and relationships truly matter.
What you’ll be doing
- Underwriting construction new business risks, demonstrating strong technical judgement within delegated authority
- Reviewing and negotiating broker‑generated quotes, clearly articulating Markel’s product strengths to win business
- Building and developing strong broker relationships across your regional panel, supported by Sector Sales and Business Development
- Managing the full lifecycle of risks from enquiry to outcome using Markel’s underwriting platforms
- Proactively identifying and pursuing new business opportunities through CRM and pipeline management
- Acting as a technical point of reference, sharing knowledge and coaching colleagues within the wider team
What you’ll bring
- Proven experience in Construction underwriting, including policies, portfolios and/or binders
- Experience working with a specialist broker panel (preferred)
- Strong communication skills, confident engaging brokers by phone, email and in meetings
- The ability to manage your own workflow effectively while working collaboratively within a team
- A commercial mindset with an appetite to contribute to regional and national growth ambitions
Why Markel?
Markel Group (NYSE: MKL) is a Fortune 500 company with over 60 offices globally. Despite our scale, we remain proudly people‑first, giving underwriters genuine influence and the freedom to underwrite intelligently.
Our values guide how we work every day:
- 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
Competitive basic salary plus generous bonus, 25 days holiday plus
Senior Underwriter - Construction Liability in Manchester employer: Markel
At Markel, we pride ourselves on being a people-first organisation that empowers our Senior Underwriters to make impactful decisions in a flexible and supportive environment. With competitive salaries, generous bonuses, and a commitment to employee growth, we foster a culture of collaboration and innovation across our Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham offices. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your expertise in construction underwriting will be valued and where you can thrive in your career while contributing to the success of the UK construction sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Underwriter - Construction Liability in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and insurance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and brokers. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous underwriting successes and complex risk assessments. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your value to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of a Senior Underwriter. Mock interviews with friends can help you refine your answers and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you might just land that dream job with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Underwriter - Construction Liability in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Underwriter role. Highlight your experience in construction underwriting and any specific projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at Markel!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about construction underwriting and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your broker engagement skills and any relevant achievements.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your technical underwriting expertise. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate strong judgement and decision-making skills, so give us examples of how you've successfully managed risks in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Markel
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your construction underwriting knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends, policies, and challenges in the industry. Being able to discuss specific cases or examples will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Build Rapport with Brokers
Since this role involves strong broker engagement, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed broker relationships in the past, and be ready to discuss your approach to negotiation and communication.
✨Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills
The ability to make quality decisions is crucial for this position. Be prepared to discuss scenarios where you've had to make tough underwriting decisions. Highlight your thought process and how you weighed risks versus rewards to arrive at a conclusion.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Ask about their approach to underwriting complex risks or how they support their underwriters in professional development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
