Senior Underwriter - Latent Defects

Markel International Services Ltd; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance firm based in the UK is seeking an experienced Senior Underwriter specializing in latent defects insurance. The role includes leading underwriting for construction projects and building strong relationships with brokers. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in underwriting within the UK insurance market and possess deep knowledge of construction processes and legislation. This position offers a competitive salary, generous benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Generous annual bonus

Pension scheme

Private medical and dental cover

25 days paid holiday plus Bank Holidays

Income protection and travel insurance

Qualifications

• Significant experience in underwriting construction risks, especially latent defects.
• Track record of managing a profitable portfolio.
• Experience in leading product development and pricing strategies.
• Understanding of building regulations and causes of latent defects.
• Knowledge of UK latent defects insurance and legislation.
• Proficient in interpreting technical reports and site surveys.
• Excellent communication skills to convey technical concepts.
• Attention to detail and commitment to client service.

Responsibilities

• Lead the underwriting approach for latent defect insurance.
• Act as a referral point for broker partners.
• Monitor claims trends and growth in the portfolio.
• Build relationships with brokers and represent the business.
• Work closely with the Underwriting Manager on product development.
• Provide technical support for risk surveys.
• Ensure compliance with governance and FCA standards.
• Stay updated on the UK construction sector and claims trends.
• Support team members in achieving targets.

Skills

Underwriting construction risks

Relationship management

Risk assessment

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

5+ years experience in underwriting

Job description

Do you have Latent Defects Underwriting experience?

Come and progress your career in our Schemes Underwriting team here at Markel UK

What part will you play? If you’re looking for a place where you can make a meaningful difference, you’ve found it. The work we do at Markel gives people the confidence to move forward and seize opportunities, and you’ll find your fit amongst our global community of optimists and problem-solvers. We’re always pushing each other to go further because we believe that when we realise our potential, we can help others reach theirs.

Join us and play your part in something special!

The 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 defect 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

Must Have Qualifications

• 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.

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

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!

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

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 or call us at 0161 507 5827 to request any accommodations that may be needed.

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.

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