Senior Construction Underwriter

  • Lawes Consulting Group
  • Leeds, Yorkshire
  • Feb 26, 2026
Full time Construction

Job Description

Senior Underwriter - Engineering & Construction

Location: Leeds, West YorkshireSalary: 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