Senior Underwriter - Construction

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Senior Underwriter specializing in construction. This role involves developing strong business relationships, underwriting annual renewable contracts, and collaborating with brokers to maximize opportunities. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and negotiation skills, a deep understanding of the insurance landscape, and a commitment to continuous professional development. Join a company that values diversity, innovation, and personal growth, offering a supportive environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Employee Wellness Programs

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in insurance with a focus on underwriting annual renewable contractors.
• Strong understanding of policy work, claims, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Generate and underwrite annual renewable contractors combined business.
• Develop effective relationships with brokers to enhance business opportunities.

Skills

Communication Skills

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Thinking

Self-motivation

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Degree in Insurance or Finance

Professional Insurance Qualifications

Tools

Underwriting Software

Management Information Systems

Job description

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Senior Underwriter - Construction, London

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Client:

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Construction

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

277931af274e

Job Views:

14

Posted:

28.04.2025

Expiry Date:

12.06.2025

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Job Description:

Who are we?

Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mind-set, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 15,000 employees spanning over 100 countries.

Our people are our biggest asset as well as our largest shareholder group and are everything that makes us unique; our inclusive culture, the quality service we offer our clients, and our continued growth, all come from our people-first approach. There’s no such thing as individual success. We all need to play our part, contributing our skills and experience to make a true difference. That’s Howden.

Why work at Howden?

We have always been employee-owned and driven by entrepreneurial spirit. Right from the beginning, we've focused on employing talented individuals and empowering them to make a real difference to the company, whilst building successful and fulfilling careers at the same time. Simply put, we hire talented specialists and give them what they need to make a difference for clients. Always have, always will.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down disappointed head-hunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work/life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

Role Definition

To develop strong business relationships for annual renewable contractors combined with brokers and service providers. To deliver strategic planning, development and execution of business development, ensuring DUAL Oliva reach its targets in line with its published business plan within agreed strategies and underwriting binder limits, guidelines, maximising profitable opportunities. To act as a referral point and role model to other members of the underwriting team.

Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities

• Generate and underwrite annual renewable contractors combined business in accordance with the business plan and profile of target insurance business set by Dual Corporate Risks Limited, and in accordance with the binding authority granted to the company.
• To develop an effective annual business activity planning process with our brokers and have a good knowledge of DUAL’s Underwriting’s overall business plans, processes and key contacts.
• Working with stakeholders to ensure efficient delivery of business plans.
• To work with new and existing broker panel to forge relationships and trust and extend the panel to include new brokers.
• To act as a referral point for underwriters and assistant underwriters within the construction team
• Undertake peer reviews of other members of the Oliva Construction team
• Display positive traits as a role model to other members of the Oliva team
• Work with the underwriting manager and Development Director on a regular basis to help develop the Oliva construction team members skills and knowledge
• To produce and maintain underwriting files for both internal and external viewing and to prepare for audit.
• Perform underwriting checks/ research prior to quoting.
• Work with Underwriting’s computer system and platforms to produce certificates, policy wordings, and bordereaux.
• Work with various binders under the Underwriters responsibilities.
• Due to the size of the organisation the Underwriter will be expected to assist other product areas where required.
• To actively sell and promote DUAL Oliva products and services to brokers.
• To identify ways in which DUAL Oliva and each broker can work smarter together for mutual benefit.
• To understand how each broker evaluates insurers against the demands and needs of customers, and/or the attractiveness of insurers generally.
• To develop an effective Portfolio New Business and Renewal planning process with broker.
• To conduct broker research into business development opportunities thereby creating opportunities for DUAL Oliva in the process.
• To maintain accurate and timely Management Information, monitoring the development of the broker’s account including credit performance and to communicate/feedback.

Skills and abilities needed to perform role

• Highly engaging communicator with excellent inter-personal skills.
• Approachable and consistent
• Strong ability to influence and negotiate with brokers, underwriters and service providers.
• Analytical and creative thinker in meeting Underwriting needs whilst working in partnership with brokers.
• Ability to understand the needs of each Underwriting line on a portfolio basis.
• Self-motivated.
• Ability to motivate and gain buy-in from others effectively.
• Committed to learning and development i.e. continual professional development.
• Politically astute regarding the insurance market.
• To work with confidence, embrace change, be inquisitive, resilient, imaginative and direct.
• Ability to work quickly, efficiently and methodically.
• Ability to communicate theories and ideas.

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience in the insurance industry with a broad range of experience in, policy work and preparation, basic accounts and claims.
• Sound product awareness with significant experience of underwriting annual renewable contractors combined to which the job holder is responsible for.

Compliance & Regulatory Responsibilities

• Remain compliant with FCA requirements at all times.
• To share ideas, best practice and other information within DUAL Oliva, especially where relevant to the relationship with brokers.

Who we’re looking for

At Howden we value diversity - there is no one Howden ‘personality type’. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new

We support each other,in the smalleveryday moments and the bigger challenges

We are determined to make a positive difference, at work and beyond

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define.

Our business succeeds by allowing our people to make a mark in the areas they care about most: personal development, volunteering, and fundraising for charity, or creating new insurance products that address society’s greatest challenges.

And we know that separate home and work lives don't really exist. If you're happy and healthy at home, you're more likely to be happy and fulfilled at work – and vice versa. That's why we do our best to support our people in every aspect of their lives.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Howden, we consider our people our chief competitive advantage and as such we treat colleagues, candidates, clients, and business partners with equality, fairness, and respect – regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or family circumstances.

Our sustainability promise

We’re on a life-long journey to become an ever-more sustainable group. It's a commitment to taking care of our people and the world we live in, to doing good business, and to making a positive impact wherever we can. Our governance processes, company policies, and review systems are all geared towards our goal of making a positive impact in the world. You can read more about our sustainability work here.

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