At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk analysis and develop profitable underwriting strategies using real-time data.
- Company: Dynamic InsurTech firm revolutionising the motor insurance market with a start-up vibe.
- Benefits: Up to £100k salary, 10% bonus, remote work options, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive culture for personal development.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions that shape real products in a collaborative, autonomous environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in underwriting and data analysis, strong Python or R skills required.
A well-backed InsurTech leading the UK short-term motor insurance market, we're talking one hour to one month cover, at serious volume. They have the infrastructure of a larger group behind them but still feel like a start-up in the best sense, small team, real ownership, people who care about doing good work.
The culture is collaborative but autonomous. They hire people who bring their own rigour and urgency, who work well with others and don't need much hand-holding to get going. If that sounds like your kind of environment, keep reading.
You'll be building and refining the logic that determines which risks they take on, at what price, and why, using real data, in near real time. Around 70% of your time is heads-down individual contribution and 30% is leading projects and developing junior analysts.
On any given week you might be:
- Developing underwriting strategies to grow the portfolio profitably
- Building fraud detection models and identifying new signals at point of quote
- Exploring non-traditional data sources to sharpen how they assess risk
- Keeping a close eye on the KPIs, spotting something moving in the wrong direction early, and working out what to do about it
- Working with Engineering and Product to get your models into production so they're actually being used, on live policies, every day
- Helping junior analysts develop their thinking and their technical skills
It's a role where your analysis doesn't stop at a PowerPoint. It ends up in the product, shaping real underwriting decisions.
Who are they looking for?
Someone with solid underwriting and data experience, ideally in motor, who knows what a profitable underwriting strategy looks like and has built one. Beyond the technical skills, they want someone who can take complex findings and explain them clearly to people who aren't data specialists. That's genuinely as important as anything else here.
On the technical side:
- Strong Python or R skills, with growing use of AI for analytics
- Expert-level SQL, comfortable querying large datasets quickly
- Confident with BI tools like PowerBI or Tableau
- Familiarity with cloud data warehouses such as BigQuery or Azure
- Fraud analytics experience, or a strong ability to think through it from first principles
- Data enrichment evaluation experience is a plus, though fresh thinking on novel approaches matters just as much
On the softer side:
- Can explain complex analysis clearly to non-technical stakeholders
- Works well across teams and pushes decisions forward without needing a lot of direction
- Brings their own rigour and urgency to the work
- Lead-level mindset, not someone waiting to be told what to build
And the good stuff!
- 10% discretionary bonus + annual pay reviews
- Up to 22 "work from anywhere" days per year
- Private medical cover + critical illness insurance
- Employer pension matching up to 7.5%
- 25 days holiday, rising to 30 with tenure, plus 2 "my time" days
- £300 one-off WFH setup budget
- EV scheme + cycle to work
- Market-leading parental leave across all types
- Dedicated learning and training budget
You don't need to tick every single box. If this sounds like your kind of place and your background is in the right ballpark, we'd love to hear from you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Risk & Portfolio Analyst (InsurTech) - Up to £100k + bonus in Slough
✨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 Skillful). 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 Skillful. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
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 Skillful.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Skillful. 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 Skillful
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Skillful 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 Skillful, 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 Skillful'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.
