At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a team of Senior Underwriters while overseeing complex underwriting decisions.
- Company: Join NHBC, the market leader in new home warranties and insurance.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, enhanced pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a rapidly growing company that values innovation and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Substantial underwriting experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 85000 £ per year.
We're looking for an experienced Senior Underwriting Team Lead to lead and develop our Senior Underwriter team, overseeing complex underwriting decisions across major projects, surety and specialist risks. Combining people leadership with hands-on underwriting, you'll ensure decisions are consistent, commercially sound and delivered within agreed authority levels, while driving quality, building technical capability and supporting effective risk management.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead, coach and develop a team of Senior Underwriters, managing performance and building technical capability.
- Allocate and oversee complex underwriting cases, ensuring workloads are managed effectively.
- Underwrite high-value and complex cases, making decisions within your delegated authority.
- Drive decision quality through peer reviews, quality assurance and clear documentation.
- Prepare and present referral papers to the Underwriting Committee where required.
- Monitor underwriting performance, service levels and decision quality, providing regular management information.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across underwriting, credit, pricing and technical standards to manage larger risks effectively.
What we’re looking for:
- Substantial underwriting experience, particularly with complex or specialist risks.
- Experience leading, supervising or developing other underwriters.
- Strong technical underwriting judgement and experience operating within delegated authority frameworks.
- A good understanding of underwriting principles, referral processes, contractor and builder risk.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and justify underwriting decisions.
- Experience in major projects, surety, structural warranty or construction underwriting would be advantageous.
- A relevant degree or equivalent experience, with ACII or progress towards it desirable.
Our benefits package includes:
- 27 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Enhanced pension scheme (up to 10.5%)
- Life assurance
- Subsidised private medical insurance
- Employee discounts platform
- Two days volunteer leave
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption leave and pay for all new parents
- + many more!
Who we are:
At NHBC, we pride ourselves on being truly unique. No other organisation in our sector matches the range of services and scale we provide. As the market leader, we are recognised as the go-to for new home warranties and insurance. Our team is united by a core purpose: to raise the standards of house building and protect homeowners.
Why you should join us:
As a modern, family-friendly employer, we’re in a phase of rapid growth, embracing technology, data and new ways of working. We’re seeking passionate, skilled and driven individuals to join us on this exciting journey. Once onboard, you’ll have access to fantastic opportunities for personal and career growth. You’ll receive thorough training, continuous development and the chance to earn recognised qualifications and professional memberships to support your journey.
We support flexible working and encourage our colleagues to find a balance that suits them. While we may not be able to accommodate every request, we’re always happy to have a conversation about flexible working arrangements.
Our inclusive culture:
We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We firmly believe in the right of all our employees and customers to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and free from discrimination. Our active employee networks support colleagues and their allies, providing safe spaces for open conversations and idea-sharing.
We are a Disability Confident organisation committed to fair and inclusive recruitment. Our first step is to review applications to ensure candidates meet the essential criteria for the role. We assess skills, experience, and potential objectively, and provide support or reasonable adjustments where needed. Candidates who meet the criteria will progress to the next stage.
Senior Underwriting Team Lead in London employer: NHBC
At NHBC, we are proud to be a modern, family-friendly employer located in Lichfield, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave, enhanced pension schemes, and opportunities for continuous training, we empower our team to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the housebuilding sector. Join us to be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and supports flexible working arrangements, ensuring you can balance your professional and personal life effectively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Underwriting Team Lead in London
✨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 NHBC). 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 NHBC. 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 Senior Underwriting Team Lead in London
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 NHBC.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at NHBC. 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 NHBC
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at NHBC 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 NHBC, 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 NHBC'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.
