At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape underwriting strategy and drive portfolio performance in a key leadership role.
- Company: Join QBE, a leading insurance company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business direction and team development.
- Qualifications: Experience in Facilities/DUA, leadership skills, and strategic thinking required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Role Highlights
London with hybrid working. Shape underwriting strategy and drive portfolio performance.
The Opportunity
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. With a strong focus on collaboration, leadership, and strategic decision‑making, you’ll support the continued development of our people while ensuring underwriting practices are consistent, effective, and aligned with our broader objectives. 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.
Your new role
- 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.
- Provide underwriting and portfolio insights to support strategic decision‑making.
- Ensure alignment across underwriting frameworks, pricing, and product development.
- Portfolio & Underwriting Management
- 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.
- Lead portfolio reviews and recommend strategies for growth or remediation.
- Drive continuous improvement in underwriting processes, including automation and innovation.
- Customer & Market Focus
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
- Work with Distribution and Product teams to refine underwriting guidelines and propositions.
- Incorporate market insights and broker feedback into underwriting and product strategies.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing underwriting team.
- 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.
Having the right to work in the UK is a requirement for this role. QBE may consider sponsorship at its discretion.
About you
- A relevant background in Facilities / DUA to include leadership and Team Management.
- The ability to lead a diverse team, fostering collaboration and high performance.
- Strategic Thinking – Ability to develop and implement effective underwriting and portfolio strategies.
- Analytical skills – Ability to analyse and interpret data to guide business decisions and improve performance.
- Sales Oriented – Focus on market and support sales and product offerings.
- Data Integrity – Strong focus on ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data used in underwriting and portfolio management to support informed decision making.
Skills
- 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
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from:
- 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity
QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.
Country Underwriting Manager - European Insurance employer: QBE
QBE is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a collaborative work culture in the heart of London. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and a strong commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to shape the future of underwriting while enjoying a supportive environment that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Country Underwriting Manager - European Insurance
✨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). 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. 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
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.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at QBE. 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
✨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 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, 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'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.
