Sr Underwriter in London

London, England, United Kingdom

About UK Life Branch: The UK life branch office, based in London, operates within the Europe and Latin America (EULA) region. We understand that Life insurers work in a dynamic market where medical progress, demographic trends and changing lifestyles are constantly giving rise to new risk landscapes. This demanding situation is made even more challenging by changing laws and regulations and ever tougher competition. In terms of clients, we trust them as experts of their business and provide them with the financial strength of the world's largest reinsurer, global expertise and sharp pricing so that they are both competitive and profitable.

The Senior Underwriter is a trusted technical and client-facing specialist supporting Life, Critical Illness and Disability business in the UK and Irish markets. The role combines independent assessment of complex referrals with high-quality client advice, underwriting audits, technical development and practical improvements to client and internal processes.

Working collaboratively across the Protection Division, the postholder will apply sound medical, financial and occupational underwriting judgement while balancing risk, commercial considerations and client outcomes. The role contributes to Munich Re's Ambition 2030 by strengthening underwriting quality, client confidence, operational effectiveness and our reputation as a strategic partner of choice.

• Own the assessment of large, unusual and complex Life, Critical Illness and Disability referrals within agreed authority limits;
• Apply rigorous medical, financial, occupational and lifestyle risk assessment, using relevant evidence, underwriting philosophy and treaty or facultative requirements; identify emerging risk considerations and escalate appropriately.
• Provide pragmatic, commercially aware advice that considers risk selection, client needs, customer outcomes and the implications for reinsurance exposure, without compromising underwriting standards.
• Plan and undertake client underwriting audits, quality reviews and process assessments;
• Build credible relationships with designated clients through proactive engagement, on-site or virtual meetings, case discussions and tailored technical training;
• Contribute technical underwriting insight to tenders, product or proposition development, portfolio discussions and other commercial initiatives where requested, partnering with pricing, claims, actuarial and client management colleagues.
• Identify, test and help implement practical improvements using data, automation and emerging technology, including AI-enabled underwriting solutions where appropriate and subject to governance and validation.
• Share expertise, provide constructive peer review, coach less-experienced colleagues and contribute to technical training and knowledge management across the branch.
• Lead or participate in agreed projects and cross-functional initiatives; take ownership of defined deliverables, communicate progress, manage dependencies and raise risks early.
• Underwriting advice is consistent with agreed philosophies, authority limits, risk appetite and reinsurance commitments, with appropriate escalation of exceptions.
• Client audits and reviews result in actionable findings, accountable follow-up and demonstrable improvements in quality, governance or process efficiency.
• Commitments on projects, training and continuous improvement are delivered on time, with measurable benefits wherever practical.
• Knowledge is shared, colleagues are supported and emerging medical, regulatory and technological developments are translated into relevant underwriting practice.

Essential

• Substantial experience in UK Life and protection underwriting, with proven capability in complex Life, Critical Illness and Disability risk assessment;
• Sound understanding of medical, financial, occupational and non-medical underwriting principles, evidence requirements and risk classification.
• Ability to exercise independent technical judgement, articulate difficult decisions and balance service, risk and commercial considerations.
• Excellent written communication, structured analysis, presentation and training skills, with confidence to challenge senior technical stakeholders.
• Strong organisation and prioritisation skills, a commitment to timely delivery and proficiency with relevant underwriting and Microsoft 365 systems.
• Experience conducting underwriting audits, quality assurance reviews or underwriting philosophy and process reviews.
• Exposure to underwriting rules engines, automated underwriting, data-led improvement or AI-enabled decision support.
• Participation in client tenders, product development, industry forums or cross-functional change projects.
• Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development and maintenance of current medical, market and regulatory knowledge.
• Additional medical, insurance, risk or related qualifications are advantageous but not essential.

Regulatory & Conduct Requirements:

• Ensuring compliance with Insurance Distribution Directive
• Liaising with all relevant regulatory bodies in the UK, creating a highly credible reputation and strong, collaborative relationship
• Ensuring compliance with Munich Re's Code of Conduct and the FCA Conduct Rules

Benefits:

You will be rewarded with a great compensation package, on target bonus, 25 days annual leave with the option to purchase more along with private medical insurance and employers' contributory pension of 10%. We are one of the few employers to offer fully paid 6 months family leave for times when you need it the most.

We inspire people to be capable of joint performance. We believe diversity fosters resilience and innovation and enables us to act on our purpose of helping humankind act braver and better. We recognise diversity can be multi-dimensional, intersectional, and complex, so we want to build a diverse workforce that includes a wide range of racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender identities; life, school, and career experiences; and political, religious, and personal beliefs. Additionally, we are committed to building an equitable and inclusive work environment where this diversity is celebrated, valued, and has equitable opportunities to succeed.

You can request an adjustment by speaking to your Talent Acquisition contact.