Senior Underwriter – Latent Defects

Markel International – Hybrid working from any UK office (London, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Croydon).

Responsibilities

• Lead the underwriting approach for latent defects insurance across commercial, residential, and mixed‑use construction.
• Act as a referral point for broker partners and work to agreed service levels.
• Oversee performance of the latent defect portfolio, ensuring profitability and growth. Monitor claims trends, market shifts, and loss ratios to inform renewal and pricing strategies.Build and nurture productive relationships with brokers and cover holders, representing the business as a subject matter expert on latent defects.
• Work closely with the Underwriting Manager to refine and develop latent defects products and wordings, ensuring relevance and competitiveness in the UK market.
• Provide technical support and assistance in reviewing risk survey reports.
• Ensure all underwriting and reporting activities adhere fully to governance standards, FCA requirements, and other relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of the UK construction sector, latent defects insurance market, and competitor activity.
• Contribute to ambitious targets within the Schemes team, providing support to team members by sharing technical expertise.
• Provide and technical guidance to less experienced underwriters and contribute to the team’s collaborative learning environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience (typically 5+ years) in underwriting construction risks with a focus on latent defects, structural warranty, or similar within the UK insurance market.
• Track record of managing a profitable portfolio and building lasting relationships with brokers and clients.
• Experience of participating in or leading product development, including policy wording and pricing strategies.
• Deep understanding of construction processes, building regulations, and typical causes of latent defects.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK latent defects insurance, legislation, and claims trends.
• Proficient in risk assessment and mitigation, including interpretation of technical reports and site surveys.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Collaborative team mate who values diversity of thought and actively contributes to a positive, high‑performance culture.
• High attention to detail, integrity, and commitment to delivering outstanding client service.

Benefits

• Competitive salary plus generous annual bonus.
• 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.
• Company pension scheme, private medical and dental cover, life assurance, travel insurance cover, income protection, season ticket loan.
• Flexible working patterns.
• Opportunities to learn new skills and develop a career within a supportive environment.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with all reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful. Please contact us via email at rec@markel.com or call us at 0161 507 5827 to request any accommodations that may be needed. This includes any alternative formats of any documents or information on.