At a Glance
- Tasks: Underwrite Builders' Risk and Energy risks while managing client relationships.
- Company: Join MSIG Specialty Marine, a leading marine insurance provider in Rotterdam.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 vacation days, a 13th-month salary, and health insurance contributions.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture focused on shared success and professional development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Qualifications: Background in marine insurance or related fields; curiosity and a willingness to learn are key.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
About MSIG Specialty Marine
MSIG Specialty Marine is a specialist marine MGA (coverholder) providing tailored insurance solutions across global markets. We combine multiple carrier options, giving us A-rated capital flexibility, and are backed by one of the largest teams of marine underwriters and claims specialists in Europe. This depth of expertise allows us to support clients with knowledge-led underwriting, risk advisory, and claims insight. With approximately 250 specialists and one of the broadest product ranges in the market, we are recognised for our technical expertise, client focus, and solution-driven approach. We aim to be a world-class marine insurance partner, working closely with our clients to deliver innovative risk solutions and first-class service from underwriting through to claims.
The Opportunity
We are looking for an Underwriter Builders Risk to join our team in Rotterdam. This is a key role within a high-performing and strategically important area of the business. You will be part of a strong, experienced team with an established market reputation, while also having the opportunity to develop your own expertise and impact.
Depending on your experience and background, you will:
- Contribute to underwriting complex risks and support portfolio decisions
- Take increasing ownership of accounts and broker relationships over time
- Play a role in shaping portfolio development and profitable growth
The Role in Practice
This role sits at the intersection of technical underwriting, commercial thinking, and relationship management. You won’t just assess risk; you will be reviewing complex projects, working closely with brokers, and contributing to decisions on what business makes sense for MSIG Specialty Marine to write. This is not a purely transactional role. You will be encouraged to apply judgement, challenge risk, and develop a commercial mindset. Support and guidance will be available, whilst also giving you the space to take ownership as you grow. You will work on a broad range of shipbuilding risks at shipyards, on all kinds of vessels such as dredging, mega yachts, offshore, military and other special vessels. New building, repairs, conversions and with a growing attention towards energy related risks.
The Portfolio is highly international, with exposure to:
- The Netherlands
- London / UK market
- Germany, France, Spain
- US / Canada and wider global markets
- Eastern Europe
This is a fast-moving environment where you will:
- Navigate multiple priorities and deadlines
- Balance underwriting, administration, and client engagement
- Build confidence in decision-making, even when information is incomplete
What You Will Be Doing
- Supporting and underwriting Builders’ Risk and Energy risks in line with appetite and guidelines
- Managing and developing a portfolio (or supporting portfolio management, depending on experience)
- Building and maintaining relationships with brokers and clients
- Conducting risk assessments using data, insight, and market knowledge
- Monitoring portfolio performance and supporting improvements
- Contributing to underwriting strategy and identifying opportunities
- Working closely with claims and internal teams to ensure alignment
- Representing MSIG Specialty Marine in the market
What We Are Looking For
- Background in marine insurance, underwriting, or a related field
- Exposure to Builders Risk, Hull, Machinery, Energy, or similar lines is beneficial but not essential
- Experience analysing or supporting complex risks
- Experience working with brokers, clients, or internal stakeholders
We are also open to candidates from across the wider marine ecosystem (e.g. broking, surveying, operations, legal), provided you understand how risk connects across the value chain and are motivated to develop within underwriting.
Skills & Mindset
This role is suited to someone who brings curiosity, ownership, and a willingness to learn. You may be:
- Building your underwriting expertise and looking to take the next step
- Or bringing deeper experience and ready to take ownership and mentor others
We Are Looking For Someone Who Is:
- Proactive and solutions-focused
- Commercially aware, with a developing or established sense of judgement
- Confident communicating with stakeholders (or keen to build this)
- Detail-oriented with strong accuracy
- Comfortable working in a dynamic environment
- Open to learning and continuous improvement
Team & Culture
Collaborative, open, and supportive. Straightforward and transparent, with a focus on shared success. Built on trust, ownership, and accountability. High performing, with clear expectations and standards.
Benefits
- 30 vacation days per year (based on a full-time 40-hour workweek)
- 13th-month salary as an additional financial benefit
- Opportunity to lease a bike for sustainable commuting
- 50% contribution to additional health insurance
- Participation of bonus scheme
- Contribution towards sports facility memberships
- A dynamic work environment in the heart of Rotterdam
- A collaborative and supportive team culture where your contributions are valued
If this sounds like the right next step for you, and you are interested in joining a specialist marine insurance business where you can develop your expertise, take ownership and contribute to a growing international portfolio, we would be pleased to hear from you. We look forward to hearing from you.
Underwriter- Builders Risk employer: MSIG Europe
MSIG Specialty Marine is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Rotterdam where collaboration and support are at the forefront of our culture. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for you to develop your underwriting expertise while contributing to a diverse international portfolio. Our comprehensive benefits package, including 30 vacation days, a 13th-month salary, and contributions towards health insurance and sports memberships, reflects our commitment to valuing your contributions and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Underwriter- Builders Risk
✨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 MSIG Europe). 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 MSIG Europe. 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 Underwriter- Builders Risk
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 MSIG Europe.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at MSIG Europe. 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 MSIG Europe
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at MSIG Europe 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 MSIG Europe, 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 MSIG Europe'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.