Underwriting Manager

Lawes Consulting Group; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 95,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Performance-related bonus

Job summary

Lawes Consulting Group is seeking an experienced Underwriting Manager to lead and develop a team of underwriters focused on Mid-Market commercial lines in London. The role combines hands-on underwriting expertise with people management to drive profitable growth across a diverse book of business.

Reporting to the senior underwriting leadership, you will own portfolio performance, set underwriting philosophy, maintain broker relationships, and collaborate with pricing, actuarial and claims teams

Qualifications

• Proven underwriting experience across Mid-Market commercial lines (e.g. Commercial Combined, Property, Casualty, or similar).
• Prior experience managing, mentoring, or leading an underwriting team.
• Strong technical underwriting judgement with a track record of profitable portfolio management.
• Confident communicator with established broker relationships and strong negotiation skills.
• ACII qualified or working towards, with a strong understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Commercially astute, with the ability to balance growth ambitions against risk and profitability.
• Comfortable operating in a hybrid environment, with regular time in the London office.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of underwriters, setting clear performance expectations and supporting technical and professional development.
• Hold personal underwriting authority for Mid-Market lines, referring and reviewing risks above team members' authority levels.
• Own portfolio performance for the Mid-Market book, monitoring GWP, loss ratios, retention, and new business growth against target.
• Set and maintain underwriting philosophy, risk appetite, and referral guidelines in line with the wider underwriting strategy.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with broker partners, supporting the team on complex placements and renewals.
• Partner with pricing, actuarial, and claims teams to ensure underwriting decisions are informed by accurate data and emerging trends.
• Monitor market conditions and competitor activity, adjusting appetite and pricing strategy as needed.
• Ensure the team's compliance with regulatory requirements, internal governance, and audit standards.
• Contribute to product development and the evolution of policy wordings for Mid-Market lines.
• Report on portfolio performance and team output to senior underwriting leadership.

Skills

Underwriting leadership

Portfolio management

Negotiation skills

Strong communication

Education

ACII qualification or working towards

Job description

Underwriting Manager – Mid-Market Insurance

Location: London (Hybrid) Salary: £95,000 – £100,000 + Bonus

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Underwriting Manager to lead and develop a team of underwriters focused on Mid-Market commercial lines. This is a pivotal role for a technically strong underwriting leader who combines hands-on underwriting expertise with people management and portfolio oversight, driving profitable growth across a diverse book of business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of underwriters, setting clear performance expectations and supporting technical and professional development
• Hold personal underwriting authority for Mid-Market lines, referring and reviewing risks above team members' authority levels
• Own portfolio performance for the Mid-Market book, monitoring GWP, loss ratios, retention, and new business growth against target
• Set and maintain underwriting philosophy, risk appetite, and referral guidelines in line with the wider underwriting strategy
• Build and maintain strong relationships with broker partners, supporting the team on complex placements and renewals
• Partner with pricing, actuarial, and claims teams to ensure underwriting decisions are informed by accurate data and emerging trends
• Monitor market conditions and competitor activity, adjusting appetite and pricing strategy as needed
• Ensure the team's compliance with regulatory requirements, internal governance, and audit standards
• Contribute to product development and the evolution of policy wordings for Mid-Market lines
• Report on portfolio performance and team output to senior underwriting leadership

About You

• Proven underwriting experience across Mid-Market commercial lines (e.g. Commercial Combined, Property, Casualty, or similar)
• Prior experience managing, mentoring, or leading an underwriting team
• Strong technical underwriting judgement with a track record of profitable portfolio management
• Confident communicator with established broker relationships and strong negotiation skills
• ACII qualified or working towards, with a strong understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements
• Commercially astute, with the ability to balance growth ambitions against risk and profitability
• Comfortable operating in a hybrid environment, with regular time in the London office

What's on Offer

• Salary of £95,000 – £100,000, dependent on experience
• Performance-related bonus
• Hybrid working model
• The opportunity to shape underwriting strategy and grow a high-performing team within a Mid-Market portfolio