Underwriter

Underwriter

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
WR Berkley

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the growth of an international property & specialty treaty portfolio and build relationships.
  • Company: Dynamic team in a growing treaty underwriting environment with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Opportunity for career transition, travel, and exposure to international markets.
  • Other info: Inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages proactive thinking.
  • Why this job: Shape your career in underwriting and make a real impact on business strategy.
  • Qualifications: Treaty reinsurance experience and strong analytical skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Responsibilities

Ready to step out of broking and into underwriting? This is a rare opportunity to move into a growing treaty underwriting team where your voice will genuinely shape the future. We’re building something exciting — and we’re looking for someone with treaty experience who is keen to take ownership, broaden their remit, and develop into a fully rounded underwriter.

Why this role stands out

  • A true career transition opportunity: If you’re currently in broking and want to move into underwriting — this team will support that step, not just promise it.
  • A blank canvas to build your career: This is a growing team, giving you the space to help shape strategy, influence portfolios, and contribute to new areas of business.
  • Scope to think globally: You’ll have the opportunity to work across international markets and explore new lines of business — not just maintain an existing book.
  • Travel, exposure, and development: From broker meetings to industry events, you’ll gain real market exposure and the chance to build your network.
  • A genuinely collaborative culture: Supportive leadership, openness to ideas, and a team that values different perspectives and ways of thinking.

What you’ll be doing

  • Supporting the growth of an international property & specialty treaty portfolio
  • Building and maintaining relationships with brokers and cedants
  • Reviewing and pricing treaty risks using internal models and data tools
  • Contributing to new business strategy and development initiatives
  • Supporting marketing activity, client engagement, and market presence
  • Using analytics and insight to help shape underwriting decisions

What we’re looking for

  • Treaty reinsurance experience (essential) — from broking or underwriting
  • A strong interest in moving into (or further developing within) underwriting
  • Commercial awareness and an analytical mindset
  • Confidence working with data and communicating insights clearly
  • Someone who enjoys collaboration but is equally comfortable taking initiative
  • A proactive thinker who wants to challenge the status quo and grow

We’re especially keen to hear from people who:

  • Are looking to pivot their career from broking into underwriting
  • Want more ownership, visibility, and long‑term development
  • Value an inclusive environment where different perspectives are welcomed
  • Are excited by the idea of building something, not just inheriting it

A note on inclusion

We know that not everyone applies unless they meet 100% of the criteria — but we’d still love to hear from you if this role excites you and you bring relevant treaty experience.

Qualifications

Skills & Experience

  • Essential:
    • Strong knowledge of the reinsurance market and underwriting processes
    • Sound commercial and financial acumen
    • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
    • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
    • Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal
    • Collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently
  • Desirable:
    • Degree in any discipline (preferred but not essential)
    • Experience underwriting International Property and/or Specialty Treaty business
    • Familiarity with underwriting pricing and modelling tools

Underwriter employer: WR Berkley

Join a dynamic and supportive team in London, where your transition from broking to underwriting will be fully supported, allowing you to take ownership of your career. With a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives, you'll have the opportunity to shape strategy and influence international portfolios while enjoying exposure to global markets and professional development. This is not just a job; it's a chance to build something meaningful in a growing treaty underwriting team.

WR Berkley

Contact Details:

WR Berkley Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Underwriter

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 WR Berkley). 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 WR Berkley. 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 Underwriter

Treaty Reinsurance Experience
Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Commercial Awareness
Data Analysis
Clear Communication Skills
Collaboration 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 WR Berkley.

Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at WR Berkley. 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 WR Berkley

Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals

Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at WR Berkley 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 WR Berkley, 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 WR Berkley'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.