Development Underwriter - Property

HDI Global SE; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading corporate insurer in the UK is seeking an experienced Development Underwriter to drive profitable growth in their Retail Property portfolio. The role emphasizes new business generation and proactive broker engagement, requiring at least 5 years of Commercial Property underwriting experience. Candidates must demonstrate strong relationship management skills, technical knowledge of underwriting principles, and a proactive mindset. Join a dynamic team and help shape the future of our UK Property strategy.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Commercial Property underwriting.
• Proven ability in new business development and broker relationship management.
• Confident in using CRM and portfolio management tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and underwrite new Retail Property business aligned with risk appetite.
• Build and maintain relationships with key brokers.
• Manage a healthy new business pipeline through CRM tools.
• Evaluate and price risks with governance and authority frameworks.
• Own and manage a healthy new business pipeline using HDI's CRM tools.
• Collaborate with Property teams to deliver a seamless client experience.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends to inform pricing and strategy.
• Contribute to portfolio reviews and profitability initiatives.

Skills

Commercial Property underwriting experience

Broker relationship management

Technical understanding of property underwriting

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Proactive business development

Analytical skills

Tools

CRM tools

Underwriting management tools

Job description

HDI is a Corporate & Specialty Insurer part of the Talanx Group. With over 120 years of experience, HDI operates across five continents, around 40 countries and employs over 5,000 people worldwide.

The role

The Development Underwriter will play a key role in driving profitable growth within HDI’s Retail Property portfolio. The role is focused on new business generation and proactive broker engagement — building high-quality relationships, identifying opportunities, and underwriting complex commercial property risks in line with our appetite, strategy and performance objectives.

This position is ideal for an ambitious underwriter looking to step into a growth-oriented role with visibility, autonomy and direct impact on the UK Property strategy.

The Retail Property portfolio is made up of Captives, Lead, Follow and Multinational business.

Key accountabilities

• New Business Growth: Proactively develop and underwrite new Retail Property business in line with HDI’s risk appetite, rate adequacy and profitability targets.
• Underwrite and manage renewal portfolio.
• Broker Relationships: Build and maintain strong trading relationships with key brokers, particularly in the London and regional markets, ensuring HDI is positioned as a leading partner of choice.
• Underwriting Discipline: Evaluate and price risks accurately, applying sound technical judgement and maintaining underwriting discipline in accordance with governance and authority frameworks.
• Pipeline Management: Own and manage a healthy new business pipeline through HDI’s CRM tools, ensuring transparency and accountability across key growth metrics.
• Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues across Property (Regional, London Market, Engineering, Claims and Reinsurance) to deliver a seamless, “One HDI” client experience.
• Market Insight: Monitor competitor activity and market trends to inform pricing, appetite and broker strategy.
• Portfolio Contribution: Contribute to portfolio reviews, performance analysis, and initiatives supporting sustainable growth and profitability.

Skills & experience

• Minimum 5 years’ Commercial Property underwriting experience, ideally with a strong focus on UK retail or mid-market risks.
• Demonstrated success in new business development and broker relationship management.
• Technical understanding of property underwriting principles, wordings and rating methodologies.
• Proven ability to balance commercial decision-making with underwriting discipline.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strong organisational skills with ability to prioritise and manage multiple opportunities.
• Confident using underwriting, CRM and portfolio management tools.
• Entrepreneurial and proactive, with a genuine passion for developing business and relationships.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-moving, empowered environment.
• Analytical, commercially astute, and committed to high standards of underwriting quality.
• Ambitious and career-driven, with the potential to grow into a senior underwriting or leadership role.
• Candidates from an Underwriting and Broking background will be considered.

Other

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, recognising that a diverse and inclusive workplace is a creative and prosperous one.

If you require support with your application, please contact UK&[e-mail]