Country Underwriting Manager - European Insurance (London)

Country Underwriting Manager - European Insurance (London)

London Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
QBE Insurance

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape underwriting strategy and drive portfolio performance in a leadership role.
  • Company: Join QBE Insurance, a leader in innovative risk management.
  • Benefits: 30 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
  • Other info: Award-winning company focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Influence business direction and lead high-performing teams for sustainable growth.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Facilities/DUA with strong leadership and analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

hackajob is collaborating with QBE Insurance to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.

Time Type: Full time

London with hybrid working

Shape underwriting strategy and drive portfolio performance.

We’re looking for a Country Underwriting Manager to join our team in a key leadership role, shaping underwriting strategy and driving portfolio performance. This is an opportunity to influence the direction of our business, ensuring alignment with QBE’s overall product and segment strategy while delivering sustainable growth.

Working closely with Product and Distribution teams, you’ll play a central role in driving business performance and leading high-performing underwriting teams. In addition to managing the P&L for the country, this role will also help and enable us to develop expertise and be our single point of contact for all DUAs and facilities in Europe.

We’re building momentum towards our vision to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner.

Strategy & Planning
  • Develop and deliver country underwriting strategies aligned to business objectives, product strategy, and regulatory requirements
  • Partner with Product and European leadership to shape and execute the business plan
  • Oversee portfolio performance, ensuring effective monitoring, reporting, and actions to optimise profitability
  • Maintain underwriting discipline in line with authorities, risk appetite, and regulatory standards
  • Ensure accuracy and integrity of data used in underwriting and portfolio analysis
  • Set clear objectives, provide regular feedback, and support professional growth
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture with strong cross-functional alignment
  • Ensure team understanding of business plans to support effective decision-making

A relevant background in Facilities / DUA to include leadership and Team Management.

The ability to lead a diverse team, fostering collaboration and high performance. Analytical skills - Ability to analyse and interpret data to guide business decisions and improve performance.

Data Integrity - Strong focus on ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data used in underwriting and portfolio management to support informed decision making.

We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances:

  • 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.

Analytical Thinking, Coaching for success, Critical Thinking, Customer Service, Influencing, Insurance Underwriting, Intentional collaboration, Managing performance, Navigating ambiguity, Negotiation, Portfolio Management, Process Improvements, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Management.

QBE Insurance

Contact Details:

QBE Insurance Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Country Underwriting Manager - European Insurance (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 QBE Insurance). 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. 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 Country Underwriting Manager - European Insurance (London)

Underwriting Strategy Development
Portfolio Performance Management
P&L Management
Data Analysis
Leadership
Team Management
Analytical Skills

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.

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. 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

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 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, 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'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.