Head of Life Science Underwriting

Head of Life Science Underwriting
Location: Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, London (flexible UK locations considered)
Full-time | Permanent, Hybrid working
Shape the future of Life Science underwriting!
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a high-growth, high-profit Life Science portfolio and play a defining role in its next phase.
At Markel, Life Science is a key strategic priority. With a strong foundation already in place and significant investment behind it, we’re now looking for a market-leading specialist to accelerate growth, strengthen our proposition, and elevate our position in the UK broker market.
This isn’t your typical “Head of”, it’s a unique hybrid role blending technical underwriting leadership with front-line trading impact.

The Opportunity:

You’ll take responsibility for shaping and scaling a Life Science portfolio currently at ~£8m GWP, with a clear mandate to deliver sustained, profitable growth (25%+ YoY).

Working closely with Trading and Technical leadership, you’ll:

• Define and implement the growth strategy

• Act as the technical authority for complex underwriting decisions

• Lead the market conversation with brokers

• Drive product innovation and commercial performance

This is a highly visible leadership role, with the autonomy to influence direction, without the burden of direct line management.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Drive Growth & Market Presence:

• Own and deliver ambitious growth targets across new business and renewals

• Build and position a market-leading Life Science proposition

• Work closely with brokers to uncover and convert opportunities

• Be a visible, credible presence in the market

Lead from the Front (Trading + Technical):

• Combine deep technical underwriting expertise with commercial decision-making

• Take calculated risks to unlock growth

• Provide technical guidance on complex and specialist risks

• Act as the highest authority on underwriting appetite and referrals

Shape the Product & Proposition:

• Lead ongoing product development and innovation

• Optimise wordings, pricing, and coverage

• Partner with distribution and actuarial teams to maximise performance

• Ensure the proposition remains competitive and relevant

Influence & Develop Capability:

• Coach and upskill underwriters across new business and renewals

• Act as a technical and commercial leader without direct reports

• Drive a stronger, more daring underwriting outlook across the team

What We’re Looking For:

We’re looking for a genuine Life Science specialist who brings both technical credibility and commercial drive.

You’ll likely have:

• Life Science underwriting experience (essential)

• Strong technical expertise across complex casualty risks

• A track record of delivering profitable growth

• Confidence operating in broker-facing, market-facing roles

• The ability to balance detail with decision-making and pace

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who:

• Wants to build, grow, and shape something

• Is comfortable influencing without formal authority

• Brings energy, ambition, and a strong market reputation

Why Join Markel?

At Markel, we do things differently.

We’re a global, Fortune 500 business but we’ve built our success on a people-first culture, strong relationships, and a willingness to take on risks others can’t.

In this role, you’ll get:

• Real ownership of a strategic, growing portfolio

• A seat at the table within Trading Leadership

• The autonomy to shape strategy and drive outcomes

• The opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact

What’s In It for You:

• Great salary + excellent annual bonus & benefits package

• Hybrid working and flexibility

• Private medical, life assurance, and income protection

• 25 days holiday + buy/sell options

• Ongoing development and career progression

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you’re a Life Science underwriting expert looking for a role where you can combine technical excellence with real commercial influence, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us build something exceptional.

Markel celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns.

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 [email protected] 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 how to apply offline.

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