Development Underwriter (Life Sciences)

Overview

In this role, you will own and grow Markel’s Life Sciences portfolio across the UK, combining technical underwriting with strong market-facing skills. You’ll build broker relationships, identify opportunities, and drive profitable portfolio growth while shaping the proposition. The position offers autonomy, exposure to innovative Life Sciences businesses, and a clear path for career progression. You’ll work with an experienced Life Sciences team to expand market presence and influence underwriting appetite.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Quarterly bonus opportunity (target 20% of salary)
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage broker relationships across key UK markets
• Create and convert new business opportunities
• Underwrite Life Sciences risks within delegated authority
• Become a recognised specialist within your broker network
• Build a robust pipeline of opportunities and maintain CRM activity
• Collaborate with underwriting colleagues to deliver broker outcomes
• Provide market insight and help shape future underwriting appetite
• Represent Markel at broker meetings, market events and industry forums
• Support growth and profitability objectives across the portfolio

Key requirements

• Underwriting experience within Commercial Combined, P&C, Financial Lines or Life Sciences
• Strong broker development and relationship-building skills
• Commercial awareness and trading capability
• Confidence negotiating and influencing outcomes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Drive to create opportunities and build a portfolio
• Proactive and self-motivated approach to work

• Outgoing and relationship-focused
• Commercially minded
• Naturally curious
• Underwriting experience in relevant lines (Commercial Combined, P&C, Financial Lines or Life Sciences)
• Broker development and relationship-building
• Market-facing and portfolio-building capabilities

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