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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead underwriting strategy and drive portfolio performance for sustainable growth.
- Company: Dynamic insurance firm focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with key clients and influence industry standards.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping underwriting strategies and mentoring talent.
- Qualifications: Proven senior underwriting experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We're looking for an experienced Head of Underwriting Direct to lead underwriting strategy, quality, and financial performance across our Direct portfolio. You'll be the figurehead for technical excellence and owner of portfolio outcomes, proactively managing key accounts and coaching our Underwriting talent to deliver sustainable, profitable growth and exceptional retention.
Responsibilities
- Own portfolio performance across GWP, new business, retention, rate movement, and profitability – balancing commercial targets with good customer outcomes.
- Shape pricing strategies at both portfolio and key account level.
- Act as a lead contributor to business planning, providing incisive analysis and constructive challenge.
- Set and maintain underwriting standards; actively engage with UK Underwriting Risk Appetite to ensure alignment and adherence.
- Use your own authority to best effect; cascade authority appropriately and govern it rigorously.
- Translate underwriting strategy into day‑to‑day delivery, challenging where needed to support customer needs and the business plan.
- Lead the quality framework; meet audit and quality metrics or challenge and improve them where they are not fit for purpose – delivering clear, implementable actions.
- Drive the underwriting competency framework, building capability and succession; create and deliver technical training where relevant.
- Act as the senior referral point, disseminate expertise, and maintain a sharp technical edge.
- Champion smarter underwriting processes and tools that optimise accuracy, speed, and quality.
- Coach, mentor, and stretch colleagues at all levels; set clear expectations and celebrate high performance.
- Collaborate and partner closely with UK business teams to optimise performance.
- Represent underwriting matters confidently with internal stakeholders, key clients, and market stakeholders.
- Balance portfolio outcomes and customer outcomes, operating within the regulatory framework and ACII (or equivalent) standards and a proven senior underwriting track record.
Qualifications
Head of Underwriting Direct employer: The Benefact Group
Contact Detail:
The Benefact Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Underwriting Direct
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Head of Underwriting Direct role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their underwriting strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your achievements! Bring examples of how you've driven portfolio performance and improved retention in past roles. We believe that numbers speak volumes, so let them see your impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to our underwriting excellence!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Underwriting Direct
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Underwriting Direct role. Highlight your experience in leading underwriting strategies and managing portfolios, as well as any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive profitable growth.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to explain how your skills align with our needs, particularly in shaping pricing strategies and maintaining underwriting standards. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! In your application, mention specific examples of how you've coached and mentored teams in the past. This will help us understand how you can contribute to building our underwriting talent.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about StudySmarter and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Benefact Group
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re familiar with key metrics related to underwriting performance, such as GWP, retention rates, and profitability. Being able to discuss these figures confidently will show that you understand the financial aspects of the role and can drive results.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in coaching and mentoring. Highlight your approach to building capability and succession within your team, as this is crucial for the Head of Underwriting Direct position.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Research the current trends and challenges in the underwriting market. Be ready to discuss how you would shape pricing strategies and manage key accounts effectively, demonstrating your strategic thinking and market awareness.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about specific situations where you had to challenge existing processes or improve quality metrics. Think of clear, implementable actions you’ve taken in the past and be ready to share these insights during the interview.