Senior Underwriter - Life Science
Leeds (Preferred) | Manchester | Birmingham
Hybrid Working | Permanent | Full Time
Help Shape the Future of Life Science Underwriting at Markel!
This isn't just another Senior Underwriter role.
It's an opportunity to become a key figure within one of Markel's most exciting and ambitious growth areas, helping to shape the future of our Life Science portfolio while developing the next generation of underwriters.
We're looking for an experienced underwriter who combines strong technical expertise with commercial thinking, broker relationship skills and the desire to make a lasting impact.
Whether you already have Life Science experience or come from a strong Property & Casualty or Commercial Combined background, this could be your opportunity to step into a highly visible role with genuine influence.
Why This Role Stands Out:
Our Life Science portfolio is at an exciting point in its evolution.
We've recently launched an enhanced Life Science product, offering broader cover, additional value-added services and stronger market competitiveness. With ambitious growth plans in place, we're looking for someone who can help us take the portfolio to the next level.
As a Senior Underwriter, you'll be trusted with our largest and most complex risks, act as a key technical leader within the team and play an important role in developing both our people and portfolio.
You'll become a trusted deputy to the Team Manager, helping shape underwriting strategy, supporting team development and contributing to the future success of the business.
If you're looking for a role where your opinions matter, your expertise is valued and your impact will be visible, we'd love to hear from you.
The Opportunity:
You'll join a collaborative team responsible for a specialist Life Science portfolio covering:
Pharmaceutical companies
Biotechnology businesses
Medical device manufacturers
Clinical trials
Research & Development organisations
Cosmetics businesses
Vitamins and supplement manufacturers
This is one of the most technically diverse and intellectually stimulating classes of business within Commercial Lines, offering exposure to complex and varied risks that challenge and develop your underwriting expertise.
What You'll Be Doing:
Technical Underwriting
Managing a portfolio of complex Life Science renewal business
Taking ownership of larger and higher-value accounts
Making sound, commercially balanced underwriting decisions
Negotiating profitable renewals and retention strategies
Supporting portfolio growth whilst maintaining underwriting discipline
Broker Relationship Management
Building and strengthening broker relationships
Becoming a trusted underwriting partner
Identifying opportunities to retain and grow quality business
Contributing to a more relationship-led approach across the portfolio
Team Development & Leadership
Acting as a technical referral point for colleagues
Coaching and mentoring less experienced underwriters
Sharing insight, expertise and best practice
Supporting the Team Manager as a trusted deputy
Participating in leadership and trading discussions
Strategic Contribution
Supporting the future growth of the Life Science proposition
Influencing how the team develops and evolves
Contributing ideas that improve performance, service and broker experience
What We're Looking For:
We're open-minded about background and recognise that exceptional talent doesn't always come from a perfect match on paper.
You'll ideally bring:
Essential Experience
Strong underwriting experience within:
Life Sciences
Property & Casualty
Commercial Combined
You'll Also Have
Strong technical underwriting capability
Confidence handling complex commercial risks
Commercial awareness and sound judgement
Experience building broker relationships
The ability to influence and support others
A collaborative and positive approach
Highly Desirable
Life Science underwriting experience
Experience mentoring or coaching colleagues
Exposure to…