Commercial Underwriter

Job Description

Commercial Underwriter

London | Commercial Combined & SME Underwriting

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and confident Commercial Underwriter to join a growing underwriting team in London.

You will underwrite a high volume of Commercial Combined and SME risks , typically around £3,000 GWP, with the ability to write cases up to £100,000. Working on a presentation basis, you’ll assess risks, interpret policy wordings, and support the Underwriting Director while operating with increasing autonomy once trained.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced underwriting environment, enjoys technical decision‑making, and is motivated by achieving personal underwriting targets.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Commercial Combined / SME Underwriting — Underwrite a high volume of enquiries, assessing risks and applying sound judgement.

• Policy & Wording Interpretation — Interpret policy and endorsement wordings; draft or modify wordings where required.

• Decision‑Making — Determine policy terms and calculate premiums within in‑house authority and binding authority agreements.

• Loss Ratio Control — Demonstrate strong underwriting discipline and contribute to portfolio profitability.

• Broker Service & Support — Meet and exceed broker service expectations, providing clear, timely decisions.

• Risk Assessment — Identify hazards and coverage considerations that impact acceptance, pricing or terms.

• Claims & Risk Insight — Understand how claims history and risk management influence underwriting decisions.

• Relationship Management — Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers and key trading partners.

• Sales Campaign Support — Assist in the development and operation of campaigns to drive profitable business.

• Market Awareness — Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of market trends, competitor activity and emerging risks.

• Internal Collaboration — Work closely with internal teams, maintaining open communication and model behaviours.

• Compliance & Governance — Operate within underwriting authorities, guidelines and regulatory requirements.

• Business Contribution — Support wider business initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement.

What You’ll Bring

• Commercial underwriting experience — Minimum 3 years.

• Strong understanding of Commercial Combined and SME underwriting.

• Ability to calculate premiums and apply terms within authority limits.

• Experience monitoring underwriting performance and insurer loss ratios.

• Confidence presenting risks to insurers and negotiating terms.

• Strong communication, relationship‑building and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and produce high‑quality work.

• Desire to learn, challenge the status quo and support business objectives.

• Experience with high‑risk or hard‑to‑place business (desirable).

• Existing broker relationships (desirable but not essential).

Qualifications

• Cert CII or part‑qualified preferred.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Opportunity to underwrite a wide range of Commercial Combined and SME risks.

• Increasing autonomy once trained, with clear personal underwriting targets.

• Exposure to niche, high‑risk and hard‑to‑place business.

• Strong broker interaction and relationship‑building opportunities.

• A supportive, collaborative underwriting environment with room for progression.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Our hiring and selection processes are fair, unbiased and based solely on merit. We treat all colleagues, candidates, clients and partners with respect, equality and professionalism — regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or family circumstances.

A copy of our D&I Policy is available upon request.