At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the UK Construction & Engineering portfolio strategy for profitable growth.
- Company: Join QBE, a leading international insurer with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team focused on innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while enhancing your career.
- Qualifications: Significant underwriting experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Role Highlights
- London, with hybrid working
- Enhance your career in an exciting and ever-changing environment
The Opportunity
QBE's market leading UK Construction & Engineering business are recruiting a Portfolio Manager to lead our UK Construction & Engineering team. This is a market-facing leadership role with responsibility for underwriting performance, portfolio strategy, business development and talent development across a highly skilled team of underwriters. Working closely with brokers, clients and internal stakeholders, you will drive profitable growth, strengthen our market position and ensure delivery against QBE's underwriting and financial objectives.
Your New Role
- Portfolio Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and deliver the UK Construction & Engineering portfolio strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and sustainable profitable growth.
- Monitor portfolio performance, market trends and emerging opportunities, taking action to optimise results and customer outcomes.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement across underwriting, distribution and portfolio management activities.
- Underwriting Leadership
- Lead underwriting performance through technical expertise, portfolio oversight and disciplined risk selection.
- Ensure underwriting decisions align with appetite, authority frameworks and portfolio objectives.
- Partner with Pricing, Portfolio Management, Risk Solutions and Claims teams to enhance portfolio performance and profitability.
- People Leadership
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing underwriting team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Ensure team capability, succession planning and resource requirements support current and future business needs.
- Broker & Market Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with key brokers, clients and trading partners to support retention, growth and new business opportunities.
- Represent QBE in the market, enhancing our reputation as a leading Construction & Engineering insurer through visible leadership and industry engagement.
- Governance & Risk Management
- Maintain compliance with legal, regulatory and internal governance requirements, ensuring effective portfolio oversight and risk management.
- Champion a culture of risk awareness, compliance and adherence to QBE underwriting standards.
About You
- Significant Construction & Engineering underwriting experience with a proven understanding of the UK market.
- Established broker and client network within the Construction & Engineering sector.
- Demonstrated success in developing and delivering portfolio strategies that drive profitable growth.
- Commercial, financial and analytical capability, with experience using data and market insights to support underwriting decisions.
- Experience managing underwriting portfolios across varying market conditions, pricing cycles and risk environments.
- Proven ability to lead, develop and motivate high-performing underwriting teams.
Benefits
- 30 days holiday a year with the option to buy up to 2 additional days.
- Flexible working - balancing work and life is important so our flexible working opportunities are open to all, this can include part-time, job share and compressed hours.
- Pension – you are automatically enrolled into the QBE pension plan, which entitles you to receive employer contributions of 10% of your basic salary.
Awards & Recognition
We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:
- Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025: Winner: Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year, Winner: Reinsurer of the Year - QBE Re, Winner: ESG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year, Winner: Insurance Personality of the Year - Chris Wallace, Executive Director UK insurance.
If you’re looking for a career that combines your expertise and your empathy, click Apply today. Your career. At the heart of it.
Skills: Analytical Thinking, Business Management, Coaching for success, Communication, Critical Thinking, Influencing, Insurance Underwriting, Intentional collaboration, Managing performance, Navigating ambiguity, Policy Development, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Thinking, Team Management.
Portfolio Manager – UK Construction & Engineering employer: QBE Insurance Group
QBE is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, particularly for the Portfolio Manager role in London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will benefit from extensive training opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a generous holiday allowance, all while being part of a collaborative team dedicated to driving innovation in the Construction & Engineering sector. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Manager – UK Construction & Engineering
✨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 QBE Insurance Group). 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 QBE Insurance Group. 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 Portfolio Manager – UK Construction & Engineering
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 QBE Insurance Group.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at QBE Insurance Group. 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 QBE Insurance Group
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at QBE Insurance Group 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 QBE Insurance Group, 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 QBE Insurance Group'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.
