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- Tasks: Lead underwriting for complex construction projects and assess high-value risks.
- Company: Join HSB, a leader in engineering and technology insurance solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private medical, and a competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions in a dynamic, hybrid work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in underwriting and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values innovation and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 30720 - 41600 £ per year.
Location: Birkenhead, United Kingdom
Job type: Full-Time
Work mode: Hybrid
Job level: Professional
Job ID: 12008
Company: Premier Guarantee
Employment type: Regular
Area of expertise: Claims & Underwriting
About us: HSB (UK and Ireland) is a leading specialist provider of engineering, technology and structural warranty insurance solutions, plant and equipment inspection services, and engineering-based risk management activities in the UK and Ireland.
Job Purpose: To lead the underwriting of complex and high-value latent defects risks across residential and mixed-use construction projects. The Senior Underwriter plays a key role in risk assessment, pricing, technical evaluation, and broker engagement, ensuring the profitable growth of the latent defects portfolio in line with underwriting appetite and company standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Technical Underwriting: Effective risk selection and acceptance for new business applications, including complex latent defects risks, including large-scale residential developments, high-rise buildings, and mixed-use projects. Evaluate technical risk factors such as construction methodology, design complexity, structural integrity, and contractor experience. Review and interpret financial information and building technical reports, technical surveys, planning and building control documents.
- Risk Assessment & Pricing: Assess risk exposures and determine appropriate pricing and coverage terms within delegated authority. Make recommendations for referral cases outside personal authority limits. Ensure underwriting decisions reflect the company's risk appetite and long-term portfolio profitability.
- Portfolio Management: Monitor performance of the latent defects book and identify trends or emerging risks. Contribute to the development and refinement of underwriting guidelines, pricing models, and policy wording.
- Broker and Client Engagement: Act as a senior point of contact for brokers, developers, and key clients. Build and maintain strong relationships to support new business. Attend client meetings, broker presentations, and occasionally conduct site visits.
- Team Mentoring and Leadership: Support Underwriters and Assistant Underwriters through coaching, peer reviews, and technical guidance. Lead by example in professionalism, technical accuracy, and risk awareness. Contribute to training and onboarding of new underwriting staff.
- Governance & Compliance: Ensure compliance with internal underwriting standards, authority limits, and external regulatory requirements (e.g., FCA, PRA). Maintain accurate underwriting records and participate in audit processes.
Skills & Experience:
- Extensive underwriting expertise within the construction, property, insurance sector, demonstrating a strong understanding of the technical and commercial aspects involved.
- Ability to analyse complex risk profiles, including detailed review of technical reports, building specifications, and contractor credentials to determine underwriting terms and conditions.
- Excellent decision-making and risk management capabilities, balancing commercial objectives with prudent risk selection to optimise portfolio performance.
- Strong communication skills to present risk assessments, underwriting decisions, and technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong numerical accuracy to ensure precise premium calculations.
Qualifications and Educational Requirements:
- Relevant professional qualifications such as Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) diplomas or equivalent underwriting certifications are desirable.
Personal Attributes:
- Collaborative: Works well with teams, brokers, insurers, and technical experts to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Customer-focused: Understands client needs and builds strong professional relationships.
- Decisive: Confident in making informed underwriting decisions, even under pressure.
- Detail-oriented: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in risk analysis and documentation.
- Communicative: Clear and effective in both written and verbal communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: At HSB, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion foster innovation and resilience and enable us to act braver and better. Embracing the power of DEI is at the core of who we are. 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; economic and geographic backgrounds; physical abilities; ages; 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.
All candidates in consideration for any role can request a reasonable adjustment at any point in our recruitment process. You can request an adjustment by speaking to your Talent Acquisition contact.
Benefits:
- 25 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays + Well-being days
- Up to 13% Pension contribution
- Eligibility for an Annual Bonus
- Private Medical & Dental
- Life Assurance
- Wellbeing and Development Scheme + EAP + Health Assessments (subject to scheme eligibility)
- Study & continuing Professional Development Support
- Hybrid Working
Your Benefits: With us, you get more than just an exciting job. Enjoy a wide range of employee benefits tailored to your wellbeing and development. Please note that regional differences may apply.
Competitive Salary: We provide fair and competitive compensation that reflects your performance and commitment.
Company performance-based Incentives: In addition to your salary, our variable compensation approach allows you to share in Munich Re's success.
Recognition and Special Rewards: We recognise outstanding individual contributions through a variety of targeted rewards and incentives.
Retirement Planning: We support your long-term financial wellbeing with retirement solutions aligned with local regulations.
Inclusive Workplace Culture: We foster a respectful, inclusive, and values-driven environment.
Learning & Development: We offer tailored learning opportunities with a strong focus on core skills and business-critical knowledge.
Work-Life-Balance: Supporting your ability to balance family, leisure, and your career.
Health & Wellbeing: We support your physical and mental health through a range of programs and activities in each location.
Senior Underwriter in Birkenhead employer: Premier Guarantee
Contact Detail:
Premier Guarantee Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Underwriter in Birkenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly fits in.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the Senior Underwriter role. Keep it concise but impactful, highlighting your key achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Underwriter in Birkenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Underwriter role. Highlight your experience in underwriting complex risks and your understanding of the construction sector. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your extensive underwriting expertise! Include specific examples of your past work, especially those that demonstrate your decision-making and risk management capabilities. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Guarantee
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your underwriting knowledge, especially around complex latent defects risks. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in construction and property insurance, as well as any recent changes in regulations that might affect your role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you analyse risk profiles and make decisions based on technical reports and financial information. Bring examples of past experiences where your analytical skills led to successful outcomes in underwriting.
✨Build Rapport with Brokers
Since you'll be engaging with brokers and clients, practice how you can build strong relationships. Think of ways to demonstrate your customer-focused approach during the interview, perhaps by sharing a story about a time you successfully managed a client relationship.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's underwriting guidelines and portfolio management strategies. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team's success.