Underwriter – Specialty Business

Role Overview

Manage underwriting and portfolio activity across specialty insurance lines, including financial lines, bonds, trade credit, and kidnap and ransom. The role combines risk assessment and pricing with broker and client support, reinsurance coordination, and careful policy administration to help retain business, pursue suitable growth, and protect portfolio performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and underwrite specialty risks in line with underwriting guidelines, regulatory obligations, and the company’s risk appetite; recommend pricing and terms that balance client needs with sound risk controls.
• Develop tailored insurance solutions, oversee compliance through onboarding, renewals, and the policy lifecycle, and arrange placement with approved reinsurers.
• Review portfolio results, identify opportunities to strengthen profitability and manage exposure, and track market, regulatory, and emerging-risk developments.
• Coordinate facultative reinsurance when risks exceed treaty limits or are not covered by treaty arrangements, working with reinsurers and other cedants to assess exposures.
• Prepare quotations within delegated authority and service standards, follow submissions through to conclusion, and provide ongoing support to clients and intermediaries.
• Build business through intermediary engagement, contribute to product development, and train relevant stakeholders to support production targets.
• Seek regulatory approval when required and coordinate with clients and other stakeholders to ensure bonds are cancelled promptly when appropriate.
• Issue and record policy and related documentation on time, track premium obligations, and prepare monthly and periodic reports for management.

Requirements & Qualifications

• First degree and at least three years of experience underwriting specialty insurance classes.
• AIIK, ACII, or an equivalent professional qualification; additional insurance or reinsurance management and operations certifications are preferred.
• Strong knowledge of specialty insurance operations, underwriting principles, regulatory requirements, and current industry developments.
• Ability to analyse risk information, make well-supported underwriting decisions, and respond to emerging exposures and changing market conditions.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for working with clients, intermediaries, reinsurers, and internal teams.
• Sound organisation and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple submissions and deadlines accurately.
• Business networking ability, practical problem-solving skills, and resilience in a fast-moving environment.