Senior Underwriter – Life Science

Overview

As Senior Underwriter for Life Science at Markel, you lead complex renewals and shape the portfolio strategy within a fast-growing Life Science proposition. You act as a technical leader, mentor, and deputy to the Team Manager, influencing underwriting approach and portfolio development. You will engage with brokers to secure quality business and drive growth while maintaining underwriting discipline. This is a high-visibility role that combines technical excellence with commercial insight in a collaborative culture.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary and annual bonus
• hybrid and flexible working
• private medical insurance
• life assurance
• income protection
• generous holiday allowance with buy/sell options

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of complex Life Science renewal business
• Own larger, high-value accounts and make sound underwriting decisions
• Negotiate profitable renewals and retention strategies
• Support portfolio growth while maintaining underwriting discipline
• Build and strengthen broker relationships as a trusted underwriting partner
• Identify opportunities to retain and grow quality business
• Coach and mentor junior underwriters and share best practices
• Support Team Manager as a trusted deputy and participate in leadership discussions
• Contribute to future growth and evolution of the Life Science proposition
• Influence team development, service, and broker experience

Key requirements

• Strong underwriting experience in Life Sciences, Property & Casualty, or Commercial Combined
• Strong technical underwriting capability and confidence with complex commercial risks
• Commercial awareness and sound judgement
• Experience building broker relationships and influencing others
• Collaborative and positive working style
• Desirable: Life Science underwriting experience, mentoring experience, exposure to larger complex risks
• CII qualifications (or willingness to pursue)

• collaborative mindset
• leadership and mentoring
• relationship management
• Life Science underwriting
• complex risk assessment
• portfolio management

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