Underwriter in Birmingham

At Pen, we don’t just underwrite risk, we unlock possibility. We’re a dynamic underwriting and distribution business backed by the strength of Gallagher and powered by a belief that every challenge has a solution. With entrepreneurial energy, niche expertise, and a bold growth mindset, we’re transforming what it means to be an MGA in today’s insurance landscape.

Ready for your next underwriting role—one that gives you real broker exposure, broader product experience and the support to grow your authority and confidence? Pen Underwriting is looking for an Underwriter to join our Risk Managed Commercial team in Birmingham, trading with brokers across the Midlands, building long-term partnerships and becoming a trusted trading contact.

You’ll underwrite new and renewal business across Property Owners, Contractors Combined and Commercial Combined—building strong broker relationships while developing your technical underwriting skills within a supportive, high-performing team.

You’ll manage and develop risks within your agreed authority, using sound judgement and referring cases when needed—supported by experienced colleagues who will coach you as you grow. This is an ideal next step for someone with industry experience who is customer-centric, outgoing and resilient—and who enjoys building successful relationships across all levels within an organisation.

At Pen, you’ll join an innovative underwriting business with the scale to invest in people and the agility to move quickly. With >£1bn GWP, we combine strong market presence with a collaborative, empowered culture—so you can make decisions, build relationships and see the impact of your work every day.

We offer study support, mentoring and coaching from highly experienced underwriters, plus exposure across multiple products and a clear pathway to progress.

How you'll make an impact:

• Underwrite and service a portfolio of new and renewal business, responding to rating and adjustment enquiries in a timely, customer-focused way.
• Support profitable growth by identifying and progressing new business opportunities with brokers, in line with underwriting appetite and agreed strategy.
• Underwrite Property Owners, Contractors Combined and Commercial Combined risks, evaluating exposures, handling technical cover requests and liaising with brokers, insurers and internal teams.
• Collaborate with senior underwriters on referrals and more complex cases, using feedback and coaching to build your technical capability and confidence.
• Operate within your agreed underwriting authority, escalating and referring where appropriate and documenting decisions clearly.
• Build and maintain deep product knowledge across Property Owners, Contractors Combined and Commercial Combined, ensuring consistent, high-quality underwriting decisions.
• Monitor portfolio performance and broker feedback, using MI and insights to support trading decisions and continuous improvement.

About You:

• Experience in commercial lines underwriting (or closely related roles), with exposure to new business and renewals and a strong service mindset.
• CII qualification (or working towards) and a solid general insurance foundation (e.g., A-Levels or equivalent experience).
• Good technical judgement and curiosity to assess risk exposure and appetite, asking the right questions and referring when needed.
• A confident, proactive communicator with strong relationship-building and negotiation skills, and a keen eye for detail.
• A commercial mindset with an interest in trading—working with brokers to achieve customer-focused outcomes and profitable results.
• Organised and resilient, able to plan and prioritise renewals while progressing new business opportunities in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A positive, team-oriented attitude with a commitment to delivering excellent service.

On top of a competitive salary, great teams and exciting career opportunities, we also offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Minimum of 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays, and the option to ‘buy’ extra days.
• Defined contribution pension scheme, which Gallagher will also contribute to.
• Life insurance, which will pay 4x your basic annual salary, which you can top-up to 10x.
• Income protection, covering up to 50% of your annual income, with options to top up.
• Health cash plan or Private medical insurance.
• Three fully paid volunteering days per year.
• Employee Stock Purchase plan, offering company shares at a discount.
• Share incentive plan, HMRC approved, tax effective, stock purchase plan.
• Critical illness cover.
• Discounted gym membership, with over 3,000 gyms nationally.
• Season ticket loan.
• Access to a discounted voucher portal to save money on your weekly shop or next big purchase.
• Emergency back-up family care.

Inclusion and diversity (I&D) is a core part of our business, and it’s embedded into the fabric of our organisation. For more than 95 years, Gallagher has led with a commitment to sustainability and to support the communities where we live and work. Gallagher embraces our employees’ diverse identities, experiences and talents, allowing us to better serve our clients and communities.