Senior Underwriter - Life Science

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…