Senior Underwriter - Life Science

Markel Corporation; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary with bonus

Hybrid working

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Generous holiday

Professional qualification support

Job summary

Markel is seeking a Senior Underwriter to lead a Life Science portfolio in Manchester, with hybrid working. You will manage large, complex risks and help shape underwriting strategy while developing the team and portfolio.

You will bring Life Science underwriting experience or related backgrounds, strong technical skills, and a collaborative approach. The role offers career growth, market exposure, and a supportive, flexible environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in Life Sciences underwriting or related insurance domains.
• Strong technical underwriting ability with portfolio management skills.
• Proven capability to build broker relationships and guide teams.

Responsibilities

• Technical underwriting of complex Life Science renewal and new business.
• Manage a portfolio of large, high-value risks with sound, commercially balanced decisions.
• Negotiate profitable renewals and retention strategies for key accounts.
• Develop and nurture broker relationships to grow quality business.
• Act as a technical referral point and coach for junior underwriters.
• Contribute to portfolio strategy and leadership discussions.

Skills

Life Sciences underwriting

Property & Casualty

Commercial Combined

Broker relationships

Technical underwriting

Education

CII qualifications

Job description

Senior Underwriter - Life ScienceLeeds (Preferred) | Manchester | BirminghamHybrid Working | Permanent | Full TimeHelp 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.If you're looking for a role where your opinions matter, your expertise is valued and your impact will be visible, we'd love to hear from you.The Opportunity:You'll join a collaborative team responsible for a specialist Life Science portfolio covering:Pharmaceutical companiesBiotechnology businessesMedical device manufacturersClinical trialsResearch & Development organisationsCosmetics businessesVitamins and supplement manufacturersThis 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 UnderwritingManaging a portfolio of complex Life Science renewal businessTaking ownership of larger and higher-value accountsMaking sound, commercially balanced underwriting decisionsNegotiating profitable renewals and retention strategiesSupporting portfolio growth whilst maintaining underwriting disciplineBroker Relationship ManagementBuilding and strengthening broker relationshipsBecoming a trusted underwriting partnerIdentifying opportunities to retain and grow quality businessContributing to a more relationship-led approach across the portfolioTeam Development & LeadershipActing as a technical referral point for colleaguesCoaching and mentoring less experienced underwritersSharing insight, expertise and best practiceSupporting the Team Manager as a trusted deputyParticipating in leadership and trading discussionsStrategic ContributionSupporting the future growth of the Life Science propositionInfluencing how the team develops and evolvesContributing ideas that improve performance, service and broker experienceWhat 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 ExperienceStrong underwriting experience within:Life SciencesProperty & CasualtyCommercial CombinedYou'll Also HaveStrong technical underwriting capabilityConfidence handling complex commercial risksCommercial awareness and sound judgementExperience building broker relationshipsThe ability to influence and support othersA collaborative and positive approachHighly DesirableLife Science underwriting experienceExperience mentoring or coaching colleaguesExposure to larger, more complex commercial risksCII qualifications (or willingness to work towards them)What Success Looks Like:Within your first year you'll be:Managing complex and strategic Life Science risksSupporting the development of junior underwritersBecoming a recognised technical expert within the teamHelping drive portfolio growth and retentionPlaying an instrumental role in shaping the future direction of the portfolioWhy 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 bonusHybrid and flexible workingPrivate Medical InsuranceLife AssuranceIncome ProtectionGenerous holiday allowance with buy/sell optionsProfessional qualification supportClear career development opportunitiesCollaborative and supportive cultureReady to Make Your Mark?If you're an experienced underwriter looking for an opportunity to influence a growing portfolio, develop others and play a key role in the future of Life Science underwriting at Markel, we'd love to hear from you.Apply today and help us build something exceptional.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.#LI-PC1#LI-Hybrid #PlayYourPartUK