Senior Construction Underwriter

Senior Underwriter – Engineering & Construction

Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Salary: Circa £80k, Competitive + Bonus & Benefits

The Opportunity

A leading global insurer is seeking a Senior Underwriter to join its specialist Engineering & Construction team.

This role focuses on delivering underwriting income and profit objectives across Erection All Risks (EAR), Construction All Risks (CAR), and Operational Engineering business. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing portfolio integrity, deploying capacity appropriately, and maintaining disciplined underwriting standards within delegated authority.

This is a technically focused position suited to an experienced specialist who understands market dynamics and can balance underwriting discipline with commercial opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Performance

• Underwrite new and renewal business in line with agreed underwriting guidelines, business plans, and budget objectives
• Deliver profitable growth within delegated authority

Portfolio & Strategy

• Support the development of underwriting strategy, forecasts, and portfolio management initiatives
• Maintain underwriting quality and consistency across risk selection, pricing, and capacity deployment

Product Development

• Contribute to the enhancement and development of Engineering & Construction products
• Collaborate with colleagues across business lines and international markets where appropriate

Broker & Client Management

• Develop and maintain strong broker and client relationships
• Represent the business professionally in domestic and international markets
• Support business acquisition, retention, and cross-selling initiatives

Operational Excellence

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, policy documentation standards, and service timelines
• Support and mentor junior underwriters through peer review, training, and coaching
• Contribute to maintaining a high-performing underwriting team

About You

• Extensive experience underwriting UK Regional and International Engineering & Construction risks
• Strong technical knowledge of Erection/Construction All Risks and Operational Engineering exposures
• Experience across sectors such as Power (traditional and renewable), Mechanical & Electrical industries, and heavy/light engineering
• Deep understanding of market dynamics and competitor landscape
• Proven experience managing broker and client relationships across all tiers
• Commercially driven with strong decision-making capability
• Experience mentoring or leading colleagues

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and annual bonus
• Contributory pension scheme
• 25 days’ annual leave plus option to purchase additional days
• Private medical cover
• Life assurance
• Employee share scheme
• Subsidised gym membership
• Comprehensive learning and development programmes
• Employee Assistance Programme

Our Culture

The organisation operates with a strong set of core values centred around integrity, client focus, respect, excellence, and teamwork. It is committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing working environment.

Applications from candidates of all backgrounds are welcomed. Reasonable adjustments can be made throughout the recruitment process where required.

Contact:
Emily Doull-Reeves, Associate Director – Underwriting on 07889 672926
admin@lawesgroup.co.uk