New Business Construction Underwriter

Lawes Consulting Group; Rayleigh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Job summary

The Lawes Consulting Group is seeking a New Business Construction Underwriter to join its South Essex hybrid team. The role focuses on growing the UK construction book through new broker relationships and opportunities, requiring a commercially minded underwriter who enjoys winning business as much as writing it.

You will underwrite new construction risks, assess submissions, set terms and pricing, and build broker relationships across regional and London Market distribution.

Qualifications

• Proven underwriting experience in UK construction insurance with new business focus.
• Strong technical knowledge of CAR and construction liability products.
• Established network of construction brokers or ability to build one.
• Confident negotiator and communicator with brokers and clients.
• Commercially driven with a track record of hitting new business targets.
• Organised and analytical, able to manage a busy pipeline while maintaining quality.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to broker meetings.
• ACII or Cert CII qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new business construction risks within authority, including CAR, PL, and related covers.
• Assess submissions, analyse risk exposures, and set terms, pricing, and conditions.
• Build and grow broker relationships across regional and London Market distribution.
• Run broker visits, trading meetings, and marketing activity for construction business.
• Negotiate terms directly with brokers and present quotes clearly.
• Collaborate with risk management, claims, and existing-account underwriters.
• Track pipeline, conversion rates, and portfolio performance toward targets.
• Keep up to date with construction market trends and contract conditions (JCT, NEC).
• Meet regulatory, compliance, and audit requirements with accurate documentation.

Skills

UK Construction Underwriting

Construction insurance

CAR knowledge

Broker network

Negotiation

Commercial mindset

Organised & analytical

Driving licence

Willing to travel

Education

ACII / Cert CII

Job description

New Business Construction Underwriter

Location: South Essex (hybrid)

Salary: £50,000 to £60,000 + bonus + benefits

The Opportunity

Our client, a well-established managing general agent (MGA), is looking for a New Business Construction Underwriter to join its team in South Essex. The role focuses on growing the UK construction book through new broker relationships and new opportunities. It suits a commercially minded underwriter who enjoys winning business as much as writing it.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite new business construction risks within authority, including Contractors' All Risks, Public and Employers' Liability, Plant, and related covers


• Assess submissions, analyse risk exposures, and set terms, pricing, and conditions in line with underwriting guidelines


• Build and grow broker relationships across regional and London Market distribution, turning them into a steady flow of quality new business


• Run broker visits, trading meetings, and marketing activity to raise the company's profile in the construction sector


• Negotiate terms directly with brokers and present quotes clearly and competitively


• Work with risk management, claims, and existing-account underwriters so new clients are onboarded and retained smoothly


• Track the pipeline, conversion rates, and portfolio performance, reporting against new business targets


• Keep up to date with construction market trends, contract conditions (JCT, NEC), and competitor activity


• Meet regulatory, compliance, and audit requirements, including accurate file documentation

About You

• Proven underwriting experience in UK construction insurance, ideally with a new business or development focus


• Strong technical knowledge of CAR and construction liability products


• An established network of construction brokers, or a clear ability to build one


• Confident negotiator and communicator, comfortable presenting to brokers and clients


• Commercially driven, with a track record of hitting new business targets


• Organised and analytical, able to handle a busy pipeline without losing technical quality


• ACII or Cert CII qualified, or working towards it (preferred)


• Full UK driving licence and willing to travel to broker meetings

To apply or find out more, please contact:

Richard Chalmers [e-mail] 07458 162840