Senior Underwriter - New Business

Benefact Group plc; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension up to 12%

Bonus scheme 6–24%

25 days leave + bank holidays

Private healthcare

Job summary

Ecclesiastical Insurance, part of Benefact Group, seeks a Senior Underwriter for our Trading Team in Manchester, operating on a hybrid basis. You will underwrite profitably, manage broker relationships, and provide technical leadership to support growth and continuous improvement.

Key requirements include strong underwriting expertise in commercial insurance, stakeholder management, and CII qualifications (Cert CII, Dip CII, ACII).

Qualifications

• Strong technical underwriting knowledge in commercial insurance.
• Proven ability to build, manage and influence stakeholder relationships at all levels.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional customer and broker service.
• Sound understanding of regulatory/compliance requirements with focus on customer outcomes.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and produce management information.

Responsibilities

• Develop, negotiate and profitably underwrite new and existing business within delegated authority.
• Manage a portfolio of cases and prioritise workload to meet service standards and targets.
• Build and maintain strong broker/partner relationships to drive new business opportunities.
• Provide technical leadership and coaching to colleagues to enhance underwriting capability.
• Drive underwriting excellence through audits, QA and knowledge sharing.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards, managing risk and resolving issues.

Skills

Strong underwriting knowledge

Relationship management

Analytical skills

Education

Cert CII

Dip CII

ACII

Job description

Working hours:35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Duration:Permanent

Location: Manchester

Job Ref: 205367

About the role

Ecclesiastical Insurance, who are proudly part of Benefact Group are looking for a Senior Underwriter to join ourTrading Team based in our Manchester office on a hybrid basis.

As a Senior Underwriter you'll be responsible for delivering profitable growth through effective underwriting, relationship management and market engagement. Working closely with brokers and partners, you'll identify and secure new business opportunities, provide technical leadership to colleagues, and help drive continuous improvement across the team. You'll act as a trusted referral point, using your technical expertise and commercial insight to support decision-making, strengthen broker relationships and contribute to the ongoing success of the team.

Why join us?

Join a collaborative and inclusive culture that’s committed to making a difference and building a more sustainable future. Ranked amongst the UK's 15 Best Big Companies to Work For in 2025, we offer fantastic career and development opportunities within a rapidly growing, innovative Group - where all profits go to charity and good causes.

What you'll be doing

• Develop, negotiate and profitably underwrite new and existing business within delegated authority, delivering growth in line with trading and brand objectives.
• Manage a portfolio of cases while prioritising workload effectively to meet service standards, customer expectations and business targets.
• Build and maintain strong broker and partner relationships, using effective communication and market engagement to drive new business opportunities.
• Provide technical leadership and referral support, coaching and mentoring colleagues to enhance underwriting capability and performance.
• Drive underwriting excellence through audits, quality reviews and knowledge sharing, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and best practice.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards, managing risk appropriately and resolving issues or complaints effectively.

What you'll need to have

• Strong technical underwriting knowledge and expertise within the commercial insurance market.
• Proven ability to build, manage and influence internal and external stakeholder relationships at all levels.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional customer and broker service, both independently and as part of a high-performing team.
• Sound understanding of relevant regulatory and compliance requirements, with a focus on delivering good customer outcomes.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends and produce meaningful management information and reports.

What makes you stand out

• Cert CII, Dip CII and ACII qualified.
• Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and personal development.
• Ability to build collaborative and productive relationships with colleagues, brokers and key stakeholders.
• Experience of coaching and developing others, with the ability to empower colleagues in a commercial environment.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to effectively prioritise and manage workloads.

What we offer

• A competitive salary - let's discuss it
• Hybrid working
• Group Personal Pension - up to 12% employer contribution
• Generous annual bonus scheme: on-target bonus between 6% and24%
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and a holiday buy and sell scheme
• An array of health and wellbeing benefits, including private healthcare, income protection and life assurance
• £200 annual personal grant to a charity of your choice
• Encouraged to take at least one volunteering day per year
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Full study support to gain professional qualifications
• Access to virtual GP
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Hear from the hiring manager

"New business is at the heart of our success. We're looking for an ambitious underwriter who thrives on identifying opportunities, making sound underwriting decisions, and building lasting broker partnerships that drive profitable growth. At Ecclesiastical, you will find yourself joining supportive and innovative team dynamic, complimented by a specialist and niche underwriting ethos."