Country Underwriting Manager - European Insurance
Role Highlights
London with hybrid working
Shape underwriting strategy and drive portfolio performance.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a Country Underwriting Manager to join our team in a key leadership role, shaping underwriting strategy and driving portfolio performance. This is an opportunity to influence the direction of our business, ensuring alignment with QBE’s overall product and segment strategy while delivering sustainable growth.
Working closely with Product and Distribution teams, you’ll play a central role in driving business performance and leading high-performing underwriting teams. With a strong focus on collaboration, leadership, and strategic decision-making, you’ll support the continued development of our people while ensuring underwriting practices are consistent, effective, and aligned with our broader objectives.
In addition to managing the P&L for the country, this role will also help and enable us to develop expertise and be our single point of contact for all DUAs and facilities in Europe.
About QBE
At QBE, we get to the heart of what matters for our customers. And we do it all with a human touch.
We’re an international insurer with more than 13,000 people working across 26 countries – which means we’re big enough for your ambitions, yet small enough for you to make a real impact. It’s an exciting time. We’re building momentum towards our vision to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner.
What if you could have a positive impact – at work and in the world? As part of the QBE team, you’ll get to spend every day working with people who are passionate, talented and kind.
Your new role
Strategy & Planning
Develop and deliver country underwriting strategies aligned to business objectives, product strategy, and regulatory requirements
Partner with Product and European leadership to shape and execute the business plan
Provide underwriting and portfolio insights to support strategic decision-making
Ensure alignment across underwriting frameworks, pricing, and product development
Portfolio & Underwriting Management
Oversee portfolio performance, ensuring effective monitoring, reporting, and actions to optimise profitability
Maintain underwriting discipline in line with authorities, risk appetite, and regulatory standards
Ensure accuracy and integrity of data used in underwriting and portfolio analysis
Lead portfolio reviews and recommend strategies for growth or remediation
Drive continuous improvement in underwriting processes, including automation and innovation
Customer & Market Focus
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders
Work with Distribution and Product teams to refine underwriting guidelines and propositions
Incorporate market insights and broker feedback into underwriting and product strategies
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing underwriting team
Set clear objectives, provide regular feedback, and support professional growth
Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture with strong cross-functional alignment
Ensure team understanding of business plans to support effective decision-making
Having the right to work in the UK is a requirement for this role. QBE may consider sponsorship at its discretion.
About you
A relevant background in Facilities / DUA to include leadership and Team Management
The ability to lead a diverse team, fostering collaboration and high performance.
Strategic Thinking - Ability to develop and implement effective underwriting and portfolio strategies
Analytical skills - Ability to analyse and interpret data to guide business decisions and improve performance
Sales Oriented - Focus on market and support sales and product offerings
Data Integrity - Strong focus on ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data used in underwriting and portfolio management to support informed decision making.
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from:
As well as the benefits below we also offer an extensive choice of other options to suit you!
30 days holiday a year with the option to buy up to 2 additional days.
Flexible working - balancing work and life is important so our flexible working opportunities are open to all, this can include part-time, job share and compressed hours.
Pension – you are automatically enrolled into the QBE pension plan, which entitles you to receive employer contributions of 10% of your basic salary.
To learn more about benefits of working with us, click Rewarding our people - QBE European Operations
Awards & Recognition
We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:
Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025:
Winner: Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year
Winner: ESG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year
Working Dads Employer Awards 2023 Winner:
Parental Policies Award
To learn more about our achievements, click Awards & Recognitions - QBE European Operations
Apply now and let’s make it happen!
If you’re looking for a career that combines your expertise and your empathy, click Apply today.
Your career. At the heart of it.
Skills:
Analytical Thinking, Coaching for success, Critical Thinking, Customer Service, Influencing, Insurance Underwriting, Intentional collaboration, Managing performance, Navigating ambiguity, Negotiation, Portfolio Management, Process Improvements, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic ManagementHow to Apply:
To submit your application, click "Apply" and follow the step by step process.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.
