Lead Underwriter - Liability

Covéa Insurance; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance provider is seeking a Lead Underwriter for its Central Underwriting team. This full-time role offers flexible working arrangements and involves leading the development of underwriting strategies, providing expert guidance, and analyzing portfolio performance. Ideal candidates will have experience in Liability Underwriting, strong analytical skills, and a collaborative approach. Salary is £65,000 with generous benefits and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Annual pay review with performance bonuses

Generous holiday allowances

Pension contributions

Private medical cover

Gym discounts and Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in a Trading Role for a Commercial insurer.
• Ability to assess technical risks and make decisions on large and complex referrals.
• Strong awareness of market and legal/industry developments.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development of technical strategy and underwriting guidelines.
• Providing expert underwriting guidance and support to underwriters.
• Researching and recommending pricing and underwriting criteria.

Skills

Knowledge of Liability Underwriting

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Negotiation skills

Education

University Degree or ACII

Job description

Lead Underwriter - Liability page is loaded

Lead Underwriter - Liability

Apply locations Reading Home Based time type Full time posted on Posted 28 Days Ago job requisition id R2249

We have an exciting opportunity to join us here at Covéa Insurance as a Lead Technical Underwriter, within our Central Underwriting team!

At Covéa Insurance, we’re all about protecting what matters most - whether it’s your home, your car, or your business. With our award-winning customer service and a wide range of insurance products, we’re here to make a real difference.

Our purpose is simple but powerful: to help protect people against the worst happening and put it right if it does. It’s what drives us every day, and it’s why our people are proud to be part of something meaningful!

Our mission is to build inclusive, empowered teams where everyone feels welcome and valued! We celebrate what makes each of us unique and believe that diversity drives innovation and success. Whoever you are, we want you to feel confident being yourself in your team at work.

The Central Underwriting Team sets the Commercial underwriting strategy, appetite and tactics that help us continue to grow profitably with our broker partners; it is responsible for our underwriting governance framework and working with Product Insights for developing our product portfolio.

This role is predominantly remote, but there will be occasions when you’ll need to visit and work from our Reading office or one of our other UK offices.

Step into a role where your potential is valued and your growth is supported.

What are the core responsibilities?

• Leading the development and monitoring of technical strategy, underwriting guidelines, and frameworks for the Liability portfolio, ensuring alignment with financial plans
• Providing expert underwriting guidance and support to underwriters, fostering profitable business development and acting as the primary referral point for Liability
• Researching, recommending, and implementing pricing, underwriting criteria, and product changes to maintain market competitiveness and profitability
• Analysing Liability portfolio performance, including business sources and components, and recommending adjustments to pricing and products
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of market trends, legislation, and litigation; monitoring competitor activity and providing relevant guidance
• Developing and maintaining underwriting standards, controls, procedures, and authority limits for the Liability line
• Leading or contributing to strategic product and solution development in collaboration with senior stakeholders
• Acting as a subject matter expert, delivering training and expertise through internal platforms such as the Commercial Academy
• Demonstrate strong understanding of insurance financials (e.g., COR, NELR, expenses) and technical portfolio management
• Leadingor contributing to Central Underwriting projects, demonstrating collaboration and technical expertise
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal teams (Underwriting, Actuarial, Claims, Finance) and external partners (Brokers)
• Deputising for senior colleagues as required

What will help you stand out?

• Experience in a Trading Role and a Head Office environment for a Commercial insurer
• Excellent knowledge of Liability Underwriting matters including Liability risk management, risk categorization, industrial trades & processes and typical liability exposures arising out of such liability risks
• Ability to assess technical risks and apply that knowledge to make commercially astute decisions on large and complex referrals which fall beyond branch authority levels
• High level of financial awareness and understanding of technical elements of insurance portfolios
• Excellent interpersonal, literacy and numeracy skills with the ability to work collaboratively with others and communicate persuasively and in a manner appropriate to the audience
• Excellent problem solving and negotiation skills, capable of prioritising work to meet specified deadlines with a focus on delivering results
• A strong and decisive approach to underwriting, with experience writing underwriting guidelines and procedures
• Strong awareness of the market and legal/industry developments and the ability to influence necessary change within the company
• Proactive, innovative, and able to take the initiative
• Foster collaboration through clear and inclusive communication, and recognise and nurture talent/future successors
• University Degree and/or ACII is preferred

Not sure if you tick every box? That’s okay!

At Covéa, we know that great people don’t always meet every single requirement listed in a job ad. If this role excites you and you think you could be a good fit, we’d love to hear from you - so go ahead and apply! We’re all about building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can thrive.

Why join us?

• Flexible working – 36.25 hours a week with flexitime & hybrid options
• Annual pay review – plus performance bonuses (up to 30% depending on level)
• Generous holidays – 25–27 days + bank holidays, with buy/sell options
• Pension perks – 7.5% employer contribution, rising to 9% with your input
• A culture where everyone belongs – we're committed to diversity, equity & inclusion, with real action, employee-led community groups, and ongoing learning to make Covéa a place where everyone can thrive
• Mental & financial support – through our dedicated Wellbeing group
• Career growth – training, qualifications & apprenticeships to help you thrive
• Health & wellbeing – private medical cover, 24/7 Virtual GP, health checks, flu jabs & more
• Drive in style – Tusker Car Scheme with fully maintained insured vehicles
• Extra savings – gym discounts, Cycle to Work, and retail offers via Perkpal
• · And much more!

Excited about this opportunity? So are we!
Apply today and be part of our journey.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we’re committed to fair and accessible recruitment. If you need any adjustments or support during the application process, just let us know - we’re here to help.

Applicants must currently reside in the United Kingdom and possess full and unrestricted right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer Visa sponsorship for this role.

Salary:

£65,000

Working hours:

36.25

About Us

At Covéa Insurance we understand that a job is more than just a 9-5, it’s a big part of your life and you need to enjoy what you do.

Our employees are at the heart of our organisation and we’re committed in supporting every individual to help them thrive and develop in our open and inclusive environment.

When it comes to the common misconceptions about ‘dull’ insurance companies, we like to think we break the mould. Our newer employees often tell us they're surprised at how the reality of working for us is pleasantly different to the old fashioned idea they had before!

We want our employees to enjoy working here and we do this by encouraging them to get involved and have fun. We look for opportunities to celebrate everyone’s successes, and we encourage our people to look after each other and give their time to support local charities that mean something to them.