This is probably going to suit one of two people.
Either you’re already working at Head of level and want a role with more freedom, or you’re a Senior Life Sciences Underwriter who has built the technical experience and market credibility, but hasn’t yet been given the chance to take full ownership of a portfolio.
The role is with a global specialist insurer that already has an established Life Sciences book of around £8m GWP. The plan is to grow that by around 25% a year through to 2030.
They’re not looking for someone to simply keep the portfolio ticking over. They want someone who can look at where the book is now, where the opportunities are in the market, and help decide how to get it there.
You’ll have a lot of say in that.
That includes underwriting appetite, portfolio direction, product development, pricing, broker relationships and where the business should be looking to grow.
There’s also a big market-facing element to the role. You’ll be working closely with brokers, understanding where opportunities are sitting within their books and making sure the Life Sciences proposition is visible in the right places.
One of the more unusual parts of the role is that there are no direct reports.
So this isn’t a move into a job where most of your time suddenly disappears into people management. You’ll still be close to the underwriting.
The expectation is that you’ll be the technical and trading lead for the product, helping shape the proposition, supporting the wider underwriting team and giving direction where needed. You’ll also sit within the Trading Leadership Team, so you’ll have a proper voice in how the business develops rather than simply being handed a strategy to follow.
Who they’re looking for:
You’ll need strong Life Sciences underwriting experience.
That could be across areas such as:
- Pharma
- Biotechnology
- MedTech
- Medical devices
- Clinical trials
- Specialist casualty
You’ll also need to be comfortable in front of brokers and enjoy the commercial side of underwriting. This isn’t really one for someone who wants to sit behind a desk and only focus on the technical detail. They need somebody who can do both.
Strong technically, but commercial enough to spot an opportunity and confident enough to make decisions.
You don’t need to already be a Head of Underwriting.
A strong Senior Underwriter who feels ready to take the next step will absolutely be considered. In fact, that may well be the sweet spot. Someone who knows the sector, has built a good reputation and is now ready for more responsibility, more visibility and more control over the direction of a portfolio.
The business
The insurer itself is growing heavily in the UK and Life Sciences is seen as a genuine growth area. This isn’t a product that sits quietly in the corner of a much bigger commercial portfolio. There is senior-level backing behind it and a clear expectation that it will become a much larger part of the business over the next few years. They also have a good reputation for how they treat people. There is a strong focus on development, regular feedback and giving people the opportunity to progress rather than making them wait for someone else to move on.
People are generally given room to get on with their jobs, and good performance is recognised and rewarded. The bonus is targeted at around 25%, with the potential to increase significantly depending on business and divisional performance. In recent years, strong company growth has meant bonus payments have often been materially above target.
Location
The preference is for someone based around Leeds, Manchester or Birmingham, however this can be flexible for the right candidate in another location where there’s a nearby local office.
The role is hybrid, with a mix of office, home working and time out in the market with brokers. There will be some national travel, but it isn’t a role that should have you permanently living out of a suitcase.
Why consider it?
If you’re already happy where you are, I completely understand. Most of the people we’re speaking to about this role probably are. But if you’ve reached the point where you want more say over what you underwrite, how the product develops and where the portfolio goes next, this is worth a conversation.
You’ll be taking ownership of an established book, with genuine backing to grow it, and enough freedom to put your own stamp on the role. That combination doesn’t come up very often.
If you’d like to hear more, get in touch for a confidential conversation.
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Head of Life Sciences Underwriting in Leeds employer: Parker Franklyn
Join a dynamic and independent insurance broker that values your autonomy and expertise as a Claims Executive. With a supportive team and a growing client portfolio primarily in Leeds and Manchester, you'll enjoy the freedom to manage your own relationships and results while benefiting from a competitive salary and car allowance. This is an excellent opportunity for professional growth in a collaborative environment where your contributions are truly valued.
