Head of Life Science Underwriting

Overview

In this role you will lead the Life Science underwriting agenda at Markel, owning a high-growth portfolio and shaping its next phase. You’ll align with Trading and Technical leadership to drive profitability, product innovation, and market credibility in the UK broker market. This hybrid role combines technical underwriting authority with frontline trading impact, enabling strategic influence without direct line management. You’ll work to accelerate growth while maintaining risk discipline and shaping the proposition for competitive advantage.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working
• excellent annual bonus
• private medical
• life assurance
• income protection
• 25 days holiday

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver ambitious growth targets across new business and renewals
• Build and position a market-leading Life Science proposition
• Collaborate with brokers to uncover and convert opportunities
• Lead from the front on trading and technical decisions for complex risks
• Shape product development, wordings, pricing, and coverage
• Partner with distribution and actuarial teams to maximise performance
• Coach and upskill underwriters across new business and renewals
• Influence underwriting strategy and appetite without direct reports
• Drive a stronger, more daring underwriting outlook across the team

Key requirements

• Life Science underwriting experience (essential)
• Strong technical expertise across complex casualty risks
• Track record of delivering profitable growth
• Confidence operating in broker-facing, market-facing roles
• Ability to balance detail with decisive action and pace

• influence without formal authority
• commercial mindset
• strong communication and market presence
• Life Science underwriting
• Complex casualty risk knowledge
• Broker-facing stakeholder management

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