Career Returner - Underwriter

Looking to ignite your career comeback in a global organisation with an unparalleled culture? If so, we want to hear from you.

Markel is a global specialty insurance provider with a truly people-first approach. We have the tools, knowledge, and experience to offer our clients unique solutions across a wide variety of risks. We have our own trusted Lloyd’s syndicate but can also underwrite risks through our other Markel companies, depending on where our clients are in the world. We have specialists across the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, Indonesia, The Middle East, and North America.

But it’s our people and the relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients that makes us so unique.

And so, because we understand the value of diverse perspectives and experiences, we’re looking for talented professionals who want to reignite their careers as part of our involvement in the Insurance Cross-Company Returner Programme 2026 | Career Returners.

 About the Programme

• The programme offers a professionally paid placement of 6 months, from May to November 2026

• There will be a strong likelihood of a permanent role at the end of the programme.

• To support your transition back into the workplace, you will receive an internal mentor and a buddy for your day-to-day questions.

• You will benefit from Career Returners’ Coaching Programme throughout your time on the programme. 

• As part of the cross-company programme, you will have a ready-made peer support group of other returners re-entering the insurance sector.

• We are willing to accept flexible working requests.

The opportunity

As an Underwriter, you’ll play a vital role in assessing and managing risk, supporting business growth, and building relationships with brokers and internal teams. We’ll provide the training and support you need to develop the skills and confidence to price risk effectively, while working closely with senior leaders to shape our portfolio and future.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Build relationships with brokers and internal stakeholders to drive engagement.

• Analyse data and market trends to inform underwriting decisions.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal governance standards.

• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports for management and regulatory purposes.

• Support portfolio reviews and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

• Participate in networking and industry events to strengthen market presence (optional)

You will have:

• Previous experience in underwriting or a related insurance role.

• A willingness to re-ignite your analytical and decision-making skills.

• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.

• Competent IT skills and willingness to learn new systems (refresher training provided).

• A positive, proactive mindset and ability to adapt in a dynamic environment.

• Passion for delivering high-quality service and contributing to team success.

You must be:

• On a career break – for any reason - of at least 18 months (any PTA, school governor work, volunteering or similar is acceptable).

• Available to start the programme on May 11th 2026.

• Eligible to work in the UK and satisfy any regulatory requirements for the role if applicable.

What’s in it for you?

• 25 days’ holiday (pro‑rated for the FTC)

• Private medical cover for you and your family

• Private dental insurance

• Worldwide travel insurance

• Pension scheme

• Vitality wellbeing benefits

• My Family Care for emergency childcare and eldercare

• High street discounts and reduced gym memberships

We are a Disability Confident Committed employer which means we want to ensure that you have a positive experience applying for a role at Markel and can perform at your best. If there are any adjustments we can reasonably make to ensure that the process is accessible for you at every stage please email [email protected].

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