Senior Underwriter

Aviva plc; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunity of 10%

Generous pension scheme up to 14%

29 days holiday plus bank holidays

Aviva-funded Private Medical Benefit

Up to 40% discount on Aviva products

Matching Share Plan

Parental and carer’s leave

Flexible benefits including sustainability options

3 paid volunteering days

Wellbeing support and tools

Job summary

Aviva plc in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Senior Underwriter to influence commercial performance through expertise and market knowledge. This role involves underwriting, leading negotiations, and shaping broker relationships, with flexible opportunities in New Business or Renewals.

Competitive salary between £40K-£65K, along with a 10% bonus opportunity, generous pension scheme, 29 days holiday, and comprehensive training through the Commercial Lines Academy.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in commercial underwriting or broking (mid-market or above).
• Strong technical skills with the ability to assess complex risks.
• Experience coaching or supporting junior underwriters (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new business and renewals using robust technical judgement.
• Lead trading conversations and negotiate complex deals.
• Shape and influence broker relationships at a senior level.
• Use data to make commercially balanced decisions.
• Support and coach less experienced underwriters.
• Collaborate with regional leaders to drive growth strategies.

Skills

Commercial underwriting experience

Technical underwriting skills

Broker management skills

Confidence in leading trading conversations

Coaching junior underwriters

Job description

Senior Underwriter

Locations: Birmingham or Bristol
Salary: £40K-£65K

Are you an experienced underwriter looking for your next challenge with one of the UK’s leading insurers? This is an excellent opportunity to take on a high‑impact role where your expertise, judgement and market knowledge will directly influence Aviva’s commercial performance.

We’re looking for confident and capable underwriters who bring strong technical ability, commercial awareness and strategic broker management skills. Whether your background lies in mid‑market, specialist or broader commercial underwriting, we’re keen to speak to professionals who can drive growth, shape deals and help strengthen Aviva’s presence in the regional market.

You’ll also have access to Aviva’s Commercial Lines Academy — our comprehensive capability‑building programme designed to further develop technical skills, enhance trading capability and support long‑term career progression across commercial lines.

A bit about the job

As a Senior Underwriter with Aviva, you’ll take a leading role in driving profitable portfolio performance while building strong broker relationships across your region.

We offer opportunities across New Business, Existing Business (Renewals), or a blend of both — and we recognise many senior underwriters have a clear preference. We’ll work with you to match your strengths and interests, while still offering the flexibility to broaden your exposure if you choose.

In this role, you will:

• Underwrite new business, renewals and MTAs using robust technical judgement
• Lead trading conversations and negotiate complex deals
• Shape and influence broker relationships at a senior level
• Use data and insight to make high‑quality, commercially‑balanced decisions
• Support and coach less experienced underwriters across the team
• Collaborate closely with regional leaders to drive trading and growth strategies

This role brings visibility, influence and the autonomy to make decisions that matter.

Commercial Lines Academy – Senior Development at Aviva

As part of your development, you’ll have access to the Commercial Lines Academy, which offers:

• Advanced technical underwriting pathways
• Multi‑class learning and licensing progression
• Trading, negotiation and broker‑engagement skills training
• Leadership and coaching development
• Market exposure, networking and shadowing opportunities
• Data‑driven insights to strengthen technical decision‑making

The Academy is a key part of Aviva’s commitment to building and supporting high‑performing underwriting talent.

Skills and experience we’re looking for:

• Significant experience in commercial underwriting or broking (mid‑market or above)
• Strong technical underwriting skills with the ability to assess and price complex risks
• Confidence in leading senior trading conversations
• Experience coaching or supporting junior underwriters (desirable)
• Solid understanding of FCA requirements and regulatory responsibilities

If you’re commercially driven, analytical and passionate about delivering great outcomes for brokers and customers, you’ll thrive here.

What you’ll get for this role:

• Salary: £40K-£65K (depending on location, skills, experience, and qualifications)
• Bonus opportunity – 10% of annual salary. Actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s.
• Generous pension scheme — Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in.
• 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Aviva-funded Private Medical Benefit to help you get expert support when you need it
• Make your money go further – Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts
• Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others
• We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools

Take a look to learn more. Put a salary into this calculator to see what your total Aviva Reward could be.

Aviva is for everyone:

We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we would still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares.

We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working – spending at least 50% of their time in our offices every week - combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.

To find out more about working at Aviva take a look here

We'd love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, or if you have any queries in relation to the vacancy, please email [e-mail].