Senior Underwriter - Life Science

Our Life Science portfolio is at an exciting point in its evolution.

We've recently launched an enhanced Life Science product, offering broader cover, additional value-added services and stronger market competitiveness.

With ambitious growth plans in place, we're looking for someone who can help us take the portfolio to the next level.

As a Senior Underwriter, you'll be trusted with our largest and most complex risks, act as a key technical leader within the team and play an important role in developing both our people and portfolio.

You'll become a trusted deputy to the Team Manager, helping shape underwriting strategy, supporting team development and contributing to the future success of the business.

If you're looking for a role where your opinions matter, your expertise is valued and your impact will be visible, we'd love to hear from you.

You'll join a collaborative team responsible for a specialist Life Science portfolio covering:

Pharmaceutical companies

Biotechnology businesses

Medical device manufacturers

Clinical trials

Cosmetics businesses

Vitamins and supplement manufacturers

This is one of the most technically diverse and intellectually stimulating classes of business within Commercial Lines, offering exposure to complex and varied risks that challenge and develop your underwriting expertise.

Managing a portfolio of complex Life Science renewal business

Taking ownership of larger and higher-value accounts

Making sound, commercially balanced underwriting decisions

Negotiating profitable renewals and retention strategies

Supporting portfolio growth whilst maintaining underwriting discipline

Building and strengthening broker relationships

Becoming a trusted underwriting partner

Identifying opportunities to retain and grow quality business

Contributing to a more relationship-led approach across the portfolio

Acting as a technical referral point for colleagues

Coaching and mentoring less experienced underwriters

Sharing insight, expertise and best practice

Supporting the Team Manager as a trusted deputy

Participating in leadership and trading discussions

Supporting the future growth of the Life Science proposition

Influencing how the team develops and evolves

Contributing ideas that improve performance, service and broker experience

We're open-minded about background and recognise that exceptional talent doesn't always come from a perfect match on paper.

You'll ideally bring:

Strong underwriting experience within:

Strong technical underwriting capability

Confidence handling complex commercial risks

Commercial awareness and sound judgement

Experience building broker relationships

The ability to influence and support others

A collaborative and positive approach

Life Science underwriting experience

Experience mentoring or coaching colleagues

Exposure to larger, more complex commercial risks

CII qualifications (or willingness to work towards them)

Within your first year you'll be:

Managing complex and strategic Life Science risks

Supporting the development of junior underwriters

Becoming a recognised technical expert within the team

Helping drive portfolio growth and retention

Playing an instrumental role in shaping the future direction of the portfolio

Why Markel?

At Markel, we're known for our specialist expertise, entrepreneurial culture and people-first approach.

We're large enough to offer significant career opportunities, yet small enough for individuals to make a genuine impact.

We believe in empowering our people, investing in their development and creating an environment where expertise, collaboration and innovation thrive.

What's In It For You?

Competitive salary and annual bonus

Hybrid and flexible working

Generous holiday allowance with buy/sell options

Professional qualification support

Clear career development opportunities

Collaborative and supportive culture

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you're an experienced underwriter looking for an opportunity to influence a growing portfolio, develop others and play a key role in the future of Life Science underwriting at Markel, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us build something exceptional.

Markel celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances.

Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you.

We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with all reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful.

Please contact us via email at [email protected] or call us at 0161 507 5827 to request any accommodations that may be needed.

This includes any alternative formats of any documents or information on how to apply offline.

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