Senior Underwriter - Life Science

Markel International; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and flexible working

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Generous holiday allowance

Professional qualification support

Career development opportunities

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Markel International is seeking a Senior Underwriter to lead a specialist Life Science portfolio in the UK, with hybrid work across Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham. The role combines technical underwriting with broker relationship management and team leadership.

You will manage large, complex renewals, shape underwriting strategy and mentor junior underwriters while contributing to portfolio growth in a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture at Markel.

Qualifications

• Strong underwriting experience within Life Sciences, Property & Casualty, or Commercial Combined.
• Ability to act as a technical leader and mentor others.
• Proven track record in broker relationship management and strategic underwriter decisions.

Responsibilities

• Technical underwriting of a complex Life Science renewal portfolio.
• Own larger, high-value accounts and negotiate profitable renewals.
• Develop broker relationships and act as a trusted underwriting partner.
• Support team development, coach junior underwriters and contribute to leadership discussions.
• Contribute to future growth and portfolio optimisation.

Skills

Strong underwriting

Life Sciences focus

Broker relationships

Leadership / mentoring

Job description

Leeds (Preferred) | Manchester | Birmingham

Hybrid Working | Permanent | Full Time

Help Shape the Future of Life Science Underwriting at Markel!

This isn't just another Senior Underwriter role.

It's an opportunity to become a key figure within one of Markel's most exciting and ambitious growth areas, helping to shape the future of our Life Science portfolio while developing the next generation of underwriters.

We're looking for an experienced underwriter who combines strong technical expertise with commercial thinking, broker relationship skills and the desire to make a lasting impact.

Whether you already have Life Science experience or come from a strong Property & Casualty or Commercial Combined background, this could be your opportunity to step into a highly visible role with genuine influence.

Why This Role Stands Out

Our Life Science portfolio is at an exciting point in its evolution.

We've recently launched an enhanced Life Science product, offering broader cover, additional value-added services and stronger market competitiveness. With ambitious growth plans in place, we're looking for someone who can help us take the portfolio to the next level.

As a Senior Underwriter, you'll be trusted with our largest and most complex risks, act as a key technical leader within the team and play an important role in developing both our people and portfolio.

You’ll become a trusted deputy to the Team Manager, helping shape underwriting strategy, supporting team development and contributing to the future success of the business.

The Opportunity

You’ll join a collaborative team responsible for a specialist Life Science portfolio covering:

• Pharmaceutical companies
• Biotechnology businesses
• Medical device manufacturers
• Clinical trials
• Research & Development organisations
• Cosmetics businesses
• Vitamins and supplement manufacturers

This is one of the most technically diverse and intellectually stimulating classes of business within Commercial Lines, offering exposure to complex and varied risks that challenge and develop your underwriting expertise.

What You’ll Be Doing

Technical Underwriting

• Managing a portfolio of complex Life Science renewal business
• Taking ownership of larger and higher-value accounts
• Making sound, commercially balanced underwriting decisions
• Negotiating profitable renewals and retention strategies
• Supporting portfolio growth whilst maintaining underwriting discipline

Broker Relationship Management

• Building and strengthening broker relationships
• Becoming a trusted underwriting partner
• Identifying opportunities to retain and grow quality business
• Contributing to a more relationship-led approach across the portfolio

Team Development & Leadership

• Acting as a technical referral point for colleagues
• Coaching and mentoring less experienced underwriters
• Sharing insight, expertise and best practice
• Supporting the Team Manager as a trusted deputy
• Participating in leadership and trading discussions

Strategic Contribution

• Supporting the future growth of the Life Science proposition
• Influencing how the team develops and evolves
• Contributing ideas that improve performance, service and broker experience

What We’re Looking For

We’re open-minded about background and recognise that exceptional talent doesn’t always come from a perfect match on paper.

You’ll ideally bring:

Essential Experience

• Strong underwriting experience within:
  • Life Sciences
  • Property & Casualty
  • Commercial Combined

You’ll Also Have

• Strong technical underwriting capability
• Confidence handling complex commercial risks
• Commercial awareness and sound judgement
• Experience building broker relationships
• The ability to influence and support others
• A collaborative and positive approach

Highly Desirable

• Life Science underwriting experience
• Experience mentoring or coaching colleagues
• Exposure to larger, more complex commercial risks
• CII qualifications (or willingness to work towards them)

What Success Looks Like

Within your first year you’ll be:

• Managing complex and strategic Life Science risks
• Supporting the development of junior underwriters
• Becoming a recognised technical expert within the team
• Helping drive portfolio growth and retention
• Playing an instrumental role in shaping the future direction of the portfolio

Why Markel?

At Markel, we’re known for our specialist expertise, entrepreneurial culture and people-first approach.

We’re large enough to offer significant career opportunities, yet small enough for individuals to make a genuine impact.

We believe in empowering our people, investing in their development and creating an environment where expertise, collaboration and innovation thrive.

What’s In It For You?

• Competitive salary and annual bonus
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Generous holiday allowance with buy/sell options
• Professional qualification support
• Clear career development opportunities
• Collaborative and supportive culture

Ready to Make Your Mark?

We’re 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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