Underwriter

Markel International; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus 20%

Hybrid working

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Income protection

Generous holiday

CII support

Career development

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Markel International is seeking an experienced Construction Underwriter to own a renewal portfolio and strengthen broker relationships. You will negotiate profitable renewal terms and collaborate with New Business and Technical Underwriting teams to drive growth within the construction line.

You will operate in a hybrid model with a strong emphasis on delivering exceptional service to brokers and clients, while supporting development and progression within a highly collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Experienced underwriter with broker-facing experience.
• Experience managing renewal and new business portfolios.
• Strong knowledge of Liability and Professional Indemnity risks.
• Existing underwriting authority within your current insurer.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of construction renewal business.
• Build and develop strong broker relationships.
• Negotiate renewal terms and secure profitable outcomes.
• Handle mid-term adjustments and referrals.
• Identify opportunities to cross-sell additional covers.
• Work closely with New Business and Technical Underwriting teams.
• Deliver an outstanding service experience to brokers and customers.
• Contribute to team performance and retention objectives.
• Bring fresh thinking and market insight to support growth.

Skills

Broker relationships

Liability & PI knowledge

Underwriting

Portfolio management

Negotiation

Job description

Great salary + 20% Bonus + Excellent Benefits

Hybrid Working | 3 Days Office Based

Build Something Bigger!

Are you a Construction Underwriter looking for greater ownership, stronger broker relationships and the opportunity to be part of a business that's investing heavily in its future?

We're looking for an experienced Underwriter to join a growing Construction team, managing an established portfolio of renewal business across a broad range of specialist construction risks. This is an opportunity to join a highly respected team with ambitious growth plans, working alongside experienced underwriters who are passionate about delivering exceptional service and long-term broker partnerships.

This isn't a role where you'll simply process renewals. You'll be empowered to make decisions, develop broker relationships, identify new opportunities and contribute ideas that help shape the future of the portfolio and wider construction proposition.

The Opportunity:

Working within the Construction Renewals team, you'll manage an established portfolio of business covering a diverse range of construction trades, including:

• Building contractors
• Electrical contractors
• HVAC contractors
• Mechanical building services
• Interior fit-out and finishing trades

You'll underwrite across a varied product suite including:

• Public Liability
• Professional Indemnity
• Property
• Combined Construction Packages
• Additional Liability covers

The portfolio includes risks ranging from SME clients through to complex cases, with premium values typically between £2,500 and £100,000, alongside larger strategic accounts.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Managing a portfolio of construction renewal business
• Building and developing strong broker relationships
• Negotiating renewal terms and securing profitable outcomes
• Handling mid-term adjustments and referrals
• Identifying opportunities to cross-sell additional covers
• Working closely with New Business and Technical Underwriting teams
• Delivering an outstanding service experience to brokers and customers
• Contributing to team performance and retention objectives
• Bringing fresh thinking and market insight to support continued growth and change within the business

What We're Looking For:

We're looking for an experienced and commercially-minded underwriter who enjoys speaking with brokers, building relationships and taking ownership of their portfolio.

You'll likely bring:

• Strong knowledge of Liability and Professional Indemnity risks
• Existing underwriting authority within your current insurer
• Experience managing either renewal or new business portfolios
• Excellent broker relationship and trading skills
• Strong organisational and pipeline management capability
• Confidence working autonomously with minimal supervision
• A proactive approach and willingness to contribute new ideas

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic time to join the team.

Recent investment, leadership hires and growth plans are creating exciting opportunities across the Construction business. You'll work alongside experienced industry professionals in a highly collaborative environment where knowledge sharing, development and teamwork are genuinely valued.

In return, you'll benefit from:

• Great starting salary + 20% Annual Bonus
• Hybrid & Flexible Working
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Generous Holiday Allowance with Buy/Sell Options
• Support for CII Qualifications
• Ongoing Learning and Career Development
• Inclusive and Supportive Culture

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. This includes any alternative formats of any documents or information on how to apply offline.