Markel UK Insurance Graduate Programme

Markel International; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global specialty insurer based in the UK seeks graduates for its Insurance Graduate Programme. This role involves structured training in key areas like underwriting and claims, helping build a solid foundation for a career in insurance. Candidates will have opportunities to collaborate with experienced professionals and gain exposure across various business areas. The supportive environment promotes long-term career development, coupled with a competitive salary and numerous benefits.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Financial education

Hybrid work structure

Gym discounts

Cycle-to-work scheme

Motor breakdown cover

Income protection

Other benefits

Qualifications

• Candidates should be patient and committed to a long-term career in Insurance.
• Must be able to maintain high standards of accuracy.
• Passionate about making a meaningful difference.

Responsibilities

• Participate in structured training by senior employees in the industry.
• Assist in core tasks supporting underwriting, claims, and business development.
• Collaborate with departments to complete challenging tasks.

Skills

Collaborative

Analytical thinking

Ability to build relationships

Resilient

Proactive

Education

Achieved or on track to achieve a 2:2 in any discipline

Job description

Meet Markel:

Welcome to Markel where we take great pride in what we do. To us, insurance isn’t just a policy - it’s a vital promise that gives people and businesses the confidence to move forward, each and every day. Here, you’ll find exceptional people, without the ego. People who’ll bring out your best, and support you at every step, because it’s who we are and the secret to our success.

We are a leading global speciality insurer with a truly people first-approach. With over 5,000 employees across the globe, finding creative solutions for complex risks is our passion. And our broad array of tools and knowledge allows us to create tailored coverage solutions for even the most complex needs.

Our international business is made up of two core divisions: Wholesale and National Markets, through these we offer innovative products and services. Our international business is located throughout UK, Europe, Canada and Asia Pacific.

We pride ourselves on having accessible leadership, an inclusive culture and a focus on empowerment- we call this The Markel Style. This is brought to life through our employee led networks via ‘People with Style’, which are centred around inclusion, community, wellbeing and recognition.

We’re all about people | We win together | We strive for better | We enjoy the everyday | We think further

The Opportunity:

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Markel International’s UK division as a graduate. Our UK Insurance Graduate Programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to build a successful career in insurance.

As a graduate on the programme, you will be aligned to one of three core teams: Innovation, Claims, or Broker. While working in your primary team, you’ll gain a deep understanding of our business and have the opportunity to complete short secondments within other UK business areas to broaden your experience. Markel will support you every step of the way as you develop your career beyond the programme.

The insurance division is a diverse team of around 500 exceptionally talented and collaborative individuals. The UK division focuses on accessing local businesses and works closely with regional brokers to deliver specialist insurance solutions for individuals, businesses, and professionals.

What you’ll be doing:

As a graduate on the UK Insurance programme, you’ll have the opportunity to build a broad understanding of your business area while gaining exposure across the UK Insurance division.

Through this programme, you will:

• Take part in structured training conducted by senior employees with an extensive amount of knowledge in the industry to ultimately help successful candidates learn the fundamentals of the business of insurance.
• Assist with core tasks that support the overall department workload and strategy, whether that be underwriting, claims adjusting, business development or operational processes.
• Work in an environment where you will be able to gain valuable experience through on-the-job, technical and professional skills training.
• Learn the terms and acronyms used by specialists across the insurance sector.
• Collaborate and problem-solve with departments to successfully complete a range of challenging yet rewarding tasks which will shape you into an experienced insurance professional over a period of time.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders across the business including underwriters, actuaries and finance.
• Learn how to assess, rate, quote and underwrite the client’s risk.
• Draft written reports and develop financial models to analyse client-specific projects.
• Analyse data, including premium rates, risk analysis, monitor trends and create reports.
• Study towards a credible Chartered Institute of Insurance Advanced Diploma (ACII) via a Level 6 Senior Insurance Professional Apprenticeship.
• Attend regular check-ins to review performance so that you have every opportunity to progress and gain more autonomy within your role.

What’s in it for you?

• You’ll get support every step of the way – we know that starting out in a new role and industry can be daunting but Markel’s ego-free environment gives you all the support that you need to go further and achieve great things.
• Your development doesn’t just stop after your programme. Markel are committed to you and your long‑term career -there are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career and we can provide the support needed to do just that!
• A genuine culture of camaraderie - at Markel, our shared values aren’t buzzwords. We really mean what we say in the Markel Style, and walk the talk, every day.
• Be part of our growing early careers community – through 121 buddy support, socials and other events you will have every opportunity to network and build great relationships with your peers both inside and outside of Markel.
• Competitive starting salary with an excellent package - including; private medical insurance, financial education, hybrid work structure, gym discounts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, motor breakdown cover, income protection and additional countless benefits that will be shared at the first stage of the process!

Our must-haves:

Markel are looking for candidates who:

• Are collaborative, loves building relationships, brings out the best in others, making our culture the stuff of envy.
• Resilient and analytical thinkers who are confident working with data.
• Patient, resilient and committed graduates, looking for a long-term career in Insurance.
• Recognise the vital role our work plays in the world and are passionate about playing their part, in any way they can.
• Ability to maintain high standards of accuracy and demonstrate initiative & self‑discipline.
• Are always looking for ways to innovate and improve what we do.
• Are proactive and committed to making a meaningful difference everyday.
• Have achieved or are on track to achieve a 2:2 in any discipline.