Senior Underwriter

Key Responsibilities

• Own the assessment of large, unusual and complex Life, Critical Illness and Disability referrals within agreed authority limits; make timely, evidence-based decisions and explain recommendations clearly, including where a case cannot be supported. Apply rigorous medical, financial, occupational and lifestyle risk assessment, using relevant evidence, underwriting philosophy and treaty or facultative requirements; identify emerging risk considerations and escalate appropriately. Provide pragmatic, commercially aware advice that considers risk selection, client needs, customer outcomes and the implications for reinsurance exposure, without compromising underwriting standards. Plan and undertake client underwriting audits, quality reviews and process assessments; produce clear findings, proportionate recommendations and follow-up actions, and monitor agreed improvements through to completion. Build credible relationships with designated clients through proactive engagement, on-site or virtual meetings, case discussions and tailored technical training; understand decision-makers, operational pressures and reinsurance arrangements. Support client underwriting philosophies, guidelines, administration arrangements and referral processes, identifying opportunities to improve consistency, efficiency, governance and service. Contribute technical underwriting insight to tenders, product or proposition development, portfolio discussions and other commercial initiatives where requested, partnering with pricing, claims, actuarial and client management colleagues. Identify, test and help implement practical improvements using data, automation and emerging technology, including AI-enabled underwriting solutions where appropriate and subject to governance and validation. Share expertise, provide constructive peer review, coach less-experienced colleagues and contribute to technical training and knowledge management across the branch. Lead or participate in agreed projects and cross-functional initiatives; take ownership of defined deliverables, communicate progress, manage dependencies and raise risks early. Represent Munich Re professionally in client forums and relevant industry events, contributing to market insight and a strong external reputation. The successful candidate will ensure: Complex referrals are assessed accurately, independently and within agreed turnaround expectations, with decisions and rationale recorded clearly and proportionately. Underwriting advice is consistent with agreed philosophies, authority limits, risk appetite and reinsurance commitments, with appropriate escalation of exceptions. Client audits and reviews result in actionable findings, accountable follow-up and demonstrable improvements in quality, governance or process efficiency. Client relationships are maintained proactively, with issues addressed constructively and technical support delivered to a consistently high standard. Commitments on projects, training and continuous improvement are delivered on time, with measurable benefits wherever practical. Knowledge is shared, colleagues are supported and emerging medical, regulatory and technological developments are translated into relevant underwriting practice. Core competencies: The role requires Munich Re’s core competencies: Drives Results and Business Insight (We Think Big); Collaboration (We Lead the “We”); Client Focus and Cultivates Innovation (We Grow with Our Clients); Courage (We Care & Dare); Persuades (We Are Clear & Authentic). Role-specific behaviours: Independent and accountable decision-making; critical thinking and constructive challenge; commercial judgement; sound prioritisation; clear written and verbal communication; attention to material risk without unnecessary delay; and the ability to influence without formal authority. Key Skills & Experience: Essential Substantial experience in UK Life and protection underwriting, with proven capability in complex Life, Critical Illness and Disability risk assessment; strong experience in at least two product lines and the ability to develop across the others. Sound understanding of medical, financial, occupational and non-medical underwriting principles, evidence requirements and risk classification. Ability to exercise independent technical judgement, articulate difficult decisions and balance service, risk and commercial considerations. Experience of working with insurers, reinsurers or other external stakeholders and establishing credible professional relationships. Excellent written communication, structured analysis, presentation and training skills, with confidence to challenge senior technical stakeholders. Strong organisation and prioritisation skills, a commitment to timely delivery and proficiency with relevant underwriting and Microsoft 365 systems. Desirable Experience in a life reinsurer or a senior insurer-facing technical role, including facultative casework or treaty-related underwriting. Experience conducting underwriting audits, quality assurance reviews or underwriting philosophy and process reviews. Exposure to underwriting rules engines, automated underwriting, data-led improvement or AI-enabled decision support. Participation in client tenders, product development, industry forums or cross-functional change projects. Qualifications and Educational Requirements: Relevant professional underwriting qualification, such as CII qualifications, or equivalent demonstrable technical experience. Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development and maintenance of current medical, market and regulatory knowledge. Additional medical, insurance, risk or related qualifications are advantageous but not essential. Thought Leaders: Act as a recognised source of technical expertise and a role model for high standards, sound judgement and reliable delivery. Support colleagues through mentoring, peer review and active knowledge sharing. Demonstrate inclusive behaviour, invite constructive challenge and treat colleagues, clients and business partners fairly and respectfully. Regulatory & Conduct Requirements: In addition to the responsibilities set out above, the role will also become responsible for: Ensuring compliance with Insurance Distribution Directive Liaising with all relevant regulatory bodies in the UK, creating a highly credible reputation and strong, collaborative relationship Ensuring compliance with Munich Re’s Code of Conduct and the FCA Conduct Rules Benefits: You will be rewarded with a great compensation package, on target bonus, 25 days annual leave with the option to purchase more along with private medical insurance and employers' contributory pension of 10% We are one of the few employers to offer fully paid 6months family leave for times when you need it the most.