Country Underwriting Manager - European Insurance

Primary Details

Time type: Full time
Worker type: Employee
Country: United Kingdom

Opportunity

We're looking for a Country Underwriting Manager in London to shape underwriting strategy and drive portfolio performance. This role influences business direction, aligns with QBE's product and segment strategy, delivers sustainable growth, and leads high performing underwriting teams.

About QBE

QBE is an international insurer with over 13,000 people in 26 countries. We aim to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner. Joining QBE means working with a passionate, talented and kind team.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver country underwriting strategies aligned with business objectives, product strategy and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with product and European leaders 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.
• Oversee portfolio performance, monitor, report and take actions to optimise profitability.
• Maintain underwriting discipline in line with authorities, risk appetite and regulatory standards.
• Lead portfolio reviews and recommend growth or remediation strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement in underwriting processes, including automation and innovation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, customers and 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.
• Lead, coach and develop a high performing underwriting team; set objectives, provide regular feedback and support professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative, high performance culture with cross functional alignment.
• Ensure team understanding of business plans to support effective decision making.

Qualifications

• Relevant background in facilities or DUA with leadership and team management experience.
• Ability to lead a diverse team, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Strategic thinking: develop and implement effective underwriting and portfolio strategies.
• Analytical skills: analyse and interpret data to guide business decisions.
• Sales oriented: focus on market and support sales and product offerings.
• Data integrity: ensure accuracy and integrity of data used in underwriting and portfolio management.
• Right to work in the United Kingdom; QBE may consider sponsorship at its discretion.

Benefits

• 30 days holiday a year with the option to buy up to two additional days.
• Flexible working opportunities, including part time, job share and compressed hours.
• Pension plan with an automatic 10% employer contribution to basic salary.
• Access to additional benefits and schemes as a salaried employee.

Awards & Recognition

• Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025 - Winner: Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year
• Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025 - Winner: ESG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year
• Working Dads Employer Awards 2023 - Winner: Parental Policies Award

Equal Employment Opportunity

QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates. We employ a diverse team of around 13,000 people in 26 countries worldwide.