Senior Underwriter - Latent Defects

Markel; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company in the UK is looking for a Senior Underwriter to manage and develop a portfolio of latent defects insurance policies. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in underwriting construction risks, particularly in latent defects and structural warranty. This role offers hybrid working and includes key responsibilities such as leading underwriting for commercial and residential projects, monitoring portfolio performance, and providing expert advice to broker partners. A generous salary and benefits package is included.

Benefits

Generous annual bonus

25 days paid holiday

Company pension scheme

Private medical cover

Opportunity to develop skills

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in underwriting latent defects and structural warranty.
• Experience in leading product development and pricing strategies.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate complex concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead underwriting for latent defects insurance in construction projects.
• Oversee portfolio performance and monitor claims trends.
• Build relationships with brokers as a subject matter expert.

Skills

Underwriting construction risks

Building regulations

Risk assessment

Communication skills

Portfolio management

Job description

Do you have Latent Defects Underwriting experience? Come and progress your career in our Schemes Underwriting team here at Markel UK.

Opportunity

We have an exciting brand-new opportunity for a Senior Underwriter – Latent Defects to join the Markel team. The role involves hybrid working and can be based from any of our UK offices across either London, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham or Croydon.

It’s an exciting time in the Schemes division of Markel UK, being a key part of our 2030 strategy. The expertise within the team ranges across underwriting, sales and operations. We have large ambitions in this space, but these ambitions come in hand with dedicated focus to make these ambitions a reality.

This role will report into the Schemes Operations Manager and the successful candidate will be responsible for the development, underwriting, and management of a diverse portfolio of latent defects insurance policies, providing expert guidance both internally and externally on matters relating to construction defects risk. You will combine deep technical knowledge of construction practices and insurance with strategic foresight, commercial understanding, and a commitment to delivering best-in-class solutions for clients and partners. It is important that this individual wants to be part of a team and enjoys developing portfolios of business.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the underwriting approach for latent defects insurance in commercial, residential, and mixed-use construction projects.
• Act as a referral point for our broker partners, and work to agreed service levels on the accounts.
• Oversee the performance of the latent defect’s portfolio, ensuring ongoing profitability and growth. Monitor claims trends, market shifts, and loss ratios to inform renewal and pricing strategies.
• Build and nurture productive relationships with brokers and cover holders, representing the business as a subject matter expert in all matters related to latent defects insurance.
• Work closely with the Underwriting Manager to refine and develop latent defects products and wordings, ensuring relevance and competitiveness in the UK market.
• Provide technical support and assistance in reviewing risk survey reports.
• Ensure all underwriting and reporting activities adhere fully to governance standards, FCA requirements, and other relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Maintain up-to‑date knowledge of the UK construction sector, latent defects insurance market, and competitor activity.
• Contribute to ambitious targets within the Schemes team, and provide support to team members by supporting workloads and sharing technical expertise.
• Provide coaching and technical guidance to less experienced underwriters and contribute to the team’s collaborative learning environment.

Our must haves

• Significant experience (typically 5+ years) in underwriting construction risks, with a particular focus on latent defects, structural warranty, or similar products within the UK insurance market.
• Track record of managing a profitable portfolio and building lasting relationships with brokers and clients.
• Experience of participating in or leading product development, including policy wording and pricing strategies.
• Deep understanding of construction processes, building regulations, and typical causes of latent defects.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK latent defects insurance, legislation, and claims trends.
• Proficient in risk assessment and mitigation, including the interpretation of technical reports and site surveys.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Collaborative team mate who values diversity of thought and actively contributes to a positive, high‑performing culture.
• High attention to detail, integrity, and commitment to delivering outstanding client service.

Who we are

Markel Corporation (NYSE – MKL) a Fortune 500 company with over 60 offices in 20+ countries, is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, specialist advisory and investment operations around the world.

What’s in it for you

• A great starting salary plus generous annual bonus & strong benefits package…
• 25 days paid holiday plus Bank Holidays, with the opportunity to buy/sell extra leave.
• Fantastic company pension scheme, private medical and dental cover, life assurance, travel insurance cover, income protection, season ticket loan as well as other great benefits on offer.
• There are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career, and we can provide the support needed to do just that!

Are you ready to play your part?

Choose ‘Apply Now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.

Markel celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with all reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful. Please contact us via email at [e-mail] or call us at 0161 507 5827 to request any accommodations that may be needed. This includes any alternative formats of any documents or information on how to apply offline.

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