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Senior Underwriter

Location London, United Kingdom Job type Full-Time Work mode Hybrid Job level Professional Job ID 14654 Company Munich Re Employment type Regular Area of expertise Claims & Underwriting
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Together, we engage with everything we have and are, to help humankind act braver and better.

About UK Life Branch:

The UK life branch office, based in London, operates within the Europe and Latin America (EULA) region. Together with the Munich and Madrid offices, it constitutes the Life 1 division of Munich Re. The UK life market is one of the, if not the, most competitive life markets in the world. We understand that Life insurers work in a dynamic market where medical progress, demographic trends and changing lifestyles are constantly giving rise to new risk landscapes. This demanding situation is made even more challenging by changing laws and regulations and ever tougher competition. So, we need a smart strategy and structure to succeed.

At UK & Ireland Life we have three pillars to our business strategy, protection, longevity and reinsurance structuring. All three are key to the success of our business so it’s important to look at the big picture.
In terms of clients, we trust them as experts of their business and provide them with the financial strength of the world’s largest reinsurer, global expertise and sharp pricing so that they are both competitive and profitable.

About the role:

The Senior Underwriter is a trusted technical and client-facing specialist supporting Life, Critical Illness and Disability business in the UK and Irish markets. The role combines independent assessment of complex referrals with high-quality client advice, underwriting audits, technical development and practical improvements to client and internal processes.

Working collaboratively across the Protection Division, the postholder will apply sound medical, financial and occupational underwriting judgement while balancing risk, commercial considerations and client outcomes. The role contributes to Munich Re’s Ambition 2030 by strengthening underwriting quality, client confidence, operational effectiveness and our reputation as a strategic partner of choice.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Own the assessment of large, unusual and complex Life, Critical Illness and Disability referrals within agreed authority limits; make timely, evidence-based decisions and explain recommendations clearly, including where a case cannot be supported.
  • Apply rigorous medical, financial, occupational and lifestyle risk assessment, using relevant evidence, underwriting philosophy and treaty or facultative requirements; identify emerging risk considerations and escalate appropriately.
  • Provide pragmatic, commercially aware advice that considers risk selection, client needs, customer outcomes and the implications for reinsurance exposure, without compromising underwriting standards.
  • Plan and undertake client underwriting audits, quality reviews and process assessments; produce clear findings, proportionate recommendations and follow-up actions, and monitor agreed improvements through to completion.
  • Build credible relationships with designated clients through proactive engagement, on-site or virtual meetings, case discussions and tailored technical training; understand decision-makers, operational pressures and reinsurance arrangements.
  • Support client underwriting philosophies, guidelines, administration arrangements and referral processes, identifying opportunities to improve consistency, efficiency, governance and service.
  • Contribute technical underwriting insight to tenders, product or proposition development, portfolio discussions and other commercial initiatives where requested, partnering with pricing, claims, actuarial and client management colleagues.
  • Identify, test and help implement practical improvements using data, automation and emerging technology, including AI-enabled underwriting solutions where appropriate and subject to governance and validation.
  • Share expertise, provide constructive peer review, coach less-experienced colleagues and contribute to technical training and knowledge management across the branch.
  • Lead or participate in agreed projects and cross-functional initiatives; take ownership of defined deliverables, communicate progress, manage dependencies and raise risks early.
  • Represent Munich Re professionally in client forums and relevant industry events, contributing to market insight and a strong external reputation.

The successful candidate will ensure:

  • Complex referrals are assessed accurately, independently and within agreed turnaround expectations, with decisions and rationale recorded clearly and proportionately.
  • Underwriting advice is consistent with agreed philosophies, authority limits, risk appetite and reinsurance commitments, with appropriate escalation of exceptions.
  • Client audits and reviews result in actionable findings, accountable follow-up and demonstrable improvements in quality, governance or process efficiency.
  • Client relationships are maintained proactively, with issues addressed constructively and technical support delivered to a consistently high standard.
  • Commitments on projects, training and continuous improvement are delivered on time, with measurable benefits wherever practical.
  • Knowledge is shared, colleagues are supported and emerging medical, regulatory and technological developments are translated into relevant underwriting practice.

Core competencies:

The role requires Munich Re’s core competencies:

  • Drives Results and Business Insight (We Think Big);
  • Collaboration (We Lead the “We”);
  • Client Focus and Cultivates Innovation (We Grow with Our Clients);
  • Courage (We Care & Dare);
  • Persuades (We Are Clear & Authentic).

Role-specific behaviours:

Independent and accountable decision-making; critical thinking and constructive challenge; commercial judgement; sound prioritisation; clear written and verbal communication; attention to material risk without unnecessary delay; and the ability to influence without formal authority.

Key Skills & Experience:

Essential

  • Substantial experience in UK Life and protection underwriting, with proven capability in complex Life, Critical Illness and Disability risk assessment; strong experience in at least two product lines and the ability to develop across the others.
  • Sound understanding of medical, financial, occupational and non-medical underwriting principles, evidence requirements and risk classification.
  • Ability to exercise independent technical judgement, articulate difficult decisions and balance service, risk and commercial considerations.
  • Experience of working with insurers, reinsurers or other external stakeholders and establishing credible professional relationships.
  • Excellent written communication, structured analysis, presentation and training skills, with confidence to challenge senior technical stakeholders.
  • Strong organisation and prioritisation skills, a commitment to timely delivery and proficiency with relevant underwriting and Microsoft 365 systems.

Desirable

  • Experience in a life reinsurer or a senior insurer-facing technical role, including facultative casework or treaty-related underwriting.
  • Experience conducting underwriting audits, quality assurance reviews or underwriting philosophy and process reviews.
  • Exposure to underwriting rules engines, automated underwriting, data-led improvement or AI-enabled decision support.
  • Participation in client tenders, product development, industry forums or cross-functional change projects.

Qualifications and Educational Requirements:

  • Relevant professional underwriting qualification, such as CII qualifications, or equivalent demonstrable technical experience.
  • Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development and maintenance of current medical, market and regulatory knowledge.
  • Additional medical, insurance, risk or related qualifications are advantageous but not essential.

Thought Leaders:

Act as a recognised source of technical expertise and a role model for high standards, sound judgement and reliable delivery. Support colleagues through mentoring, peer review and active knowledge sharing. Demonstrate inclusive behaviour, invite constructive challenge and treat colleagues, clients and business partners fairly and respectfully.

Regulatory & Conduct Requirements:

In addition to the responsibilities set out above, the role will also become responsible for:

  • Ensuring compliance with Insurance Distribution Directive
  • Liaising with all relevant regulatory bodies in the UK, creating a highly credible reputation and strong, collaborative relationship
  • Ensuring compliance with Munich Re’s Code of Conduct and the FCA Conduct Rules

Benefits:

You will be rewarded with a great compensation package, on target bonus, 25 days annual leave with the option to purchase more along with private medical insurance and employers' contributory pension of 10%

We are one of the few employers to offer fully paid  6months family leave for times when you need it the most. 

About us:

You will work in an environment where we think big: Change and culture are continuously role-modelled. We create and articulate a compelling and ambitious shared purpose, vision and direction. We pave the way towards success and see failure as learning

You are going to experience that we care & dare: We are empathetic. We know when to lead and know when to let others lead. We attract, grow and coach future leaders

We communicate in a clear & authentic way: We interact with a positive and humble spirit. We solicit feedback, ask and listen, learn and unlearn

You will grow with your clients: Whatever our role, we support business, in an efficient and effective way, to create value for our clients. We embrace new ways of working using digitalisation to deliver solutions

We lead the We: We have a passion for winning and growing as a team. We inspire people to be capable of joint performance. We create an inclusive environment where different thoughts, generations, cultures and experiences are valued and encouraged

At Munich Re, embracing the power of differences is at the core of who we are. We believe diversity fosters resilience and innovation and enables us to act on our purpose of helping humankind act braver and better. We recognise diversity can be multi-dimensional, intersectional, and complex, so we want to build a diverse workforce that includes a wide range of racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender identities; economic and geographic backgrounds; physical abilities; ages; life, school, and career experiences; and political, religious, and personal beliefs. Additionally, we are committed to building an equitable and inclusive work environment where this diversity is celebrated, valued, and has equitable opportunities to succeed.

If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with everything outlined, or you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the candidate we are looking for!

All candidates in consideration for any role can request a reasonable adjustment at any point in our recruitment process. You can request an adjustment by speaking to your Talent Acquisition contact.

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Your Benefits

With us, you get more than just an exciting job. Enjoy a wide range of employee benefits tailored to your wellbeing and development. Please note that regional differences may apply.

Competitive Salary

We provide fair and competitive compensation that reflects your performance and commitment.

Company performance-based Incentives

In addition to your salary, our variable compensation approach allows you to share in Munich Re's success.

Recognition and Special Rewards

We recognise outstanding individual contributions through a variety of targeted rewards and incentives.

Retirement Planning

We support your long-term financial wellbeing with retirement solutions aligned with local regulations.

Inclusive Workplace Culture

We foster a respectful, inclusive, and values-driven environment.

Learning & Development

We offer tailored learning opportunities with a strong focus on core skills and business-critical knowledge.

Work-Life-Balance

Supporting your ability to balance family, leisure, and your career.

Health & Wellbeing

We support your physical and mental health through a range of programs and activities in each location.

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