Underwriting Manager - Private Client Insurance in Bristol

We’re working on a senior underwriting appointment with one of the UK’s most consistently profitable and well-regarded insurers. You’ll recognise the type of organisation this is: low churn, strong balance sheet, long tenures, and most senior roles filled internally. People stay because they’re treated well and trusted to do their job properly. Opportunities at this level don’t come up often, and when they do, they tend to be driven by growth rather than replacement.

This role sits at the top of the Private Clients Underwriting structure in a region that has expanded materially and is set to continue doing so. It’s a genuinely senior technical role, not a diluted “manager with a spreadsheet”.

Why this role is worth your attention:

• Final say on the complex stuff: You hold the most senior underwriting authority in the region. Complex referrals, non-standard and high-value risks, large sums insured, Flood Re considerations and reinsurance exposures all land with you.
• Space to use your judgement: This is not a rules-led or tick-box environment. You’re expected to apply experience, challenge decisions where appropriate and set sensible, defensible technical standards.
• A real voice in underwriting strategy: You contribute to Personal Lines underwriting strategy and are responsible for making it work locally. Your market insight feeds directly into appetite, wordings and product development.
• Involvement in meaningful change: The business is part-way through a large transformation programme, including a major digital proposition.
• Leadership of senior technical people: Although the role only has one direct report, you will lead and develop a team of experienced senior technical underwriters. The focus is on capability, judgement and consistency rather than volume management.
• Stability without stagnation: The organisation is financially strong, growing, and well run. Growth is measured and deliberate. You’re not firefighting; you’re building.

What you’d actually be doing:

• Acting as the senior technical authority for Household and Motor Personal Lines underwriting across the region.
• Handling and signing off the most complex underwriting referrals and escalations.
• Setting and maintaining technical underwriting standards.
• Contributing to underwriting strategy, product development and policy wording decisions.
• Providing market insight and analysis to help the business respond proactively.
• Working closely with head office teams and tied distribution partners.
• Developing the technical capability of senior underwriters through coaching, mentoring and challenge.
• Playing an active role in transformation and digital change initiatives.

The background that fits:

• Significant experience in senior Personal Lines Motor and Household (technical or managerial).
• Deep knowledge of Home and Motor risks and non-standard exposures.
• Confidence handling complaints, escalations and senior stakeholder discussions.
• The credibility to influence, challenge and explain technical decisions clearly.
• A track record of developing other underwriters and setting technical direction.

What’s on offer:

• Salary up to c£75,000.
• Annual bonus up to c25%, linked to company performance (with a strong historical pay out record).
• Pension contributions that are genuinely competitive at senior level.
• Private medical cover and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Hybrid working: around 40% office-based, 60% home working.
• A culture where people tend to stay, progress internally and build long careers.

Is this a move you should make?

If you’re well looked after where you are, this probably isn’t about “needing” a new job. It’s about whether you want:

• Greater influence over strategic underwriting direction.
• A broader technical and strategic remit.
• A senior role in a stable but evolving insurer.
• To work somewhere that invests in people and promotes from within.

If that resonates, it’s worth a confidential conversation. Apply via LinkedIn or message us directly to discuss the role in confidence.