Trading Underwriter

Reed is recruiting on behalf of a well-established Bristol-based insurer, located just a short walk from Temple Meads, making this role ideal for commuters from Cardiff, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Swindon, Exeter, and the wider Southwest.

We are looking to speak with an experienced Underwriter who enjoys analysing performance, building strong partner relationships, and underwriting profitable business within agreed authority levels.

This role is suited to someone already working in underwriting who has experience managing schemes, delegated authority arrangements or portfolios of business and is confident balancing technical underwriting decisions with commercial relationship management.

Hybrid Working: 2 days per week in the office.

The Role

As an Underwriter, you will take ownership of a portfolio of business partner accounts, underwriting scheme and standalone risks while balancing commercial opportunity with sound risk management. You'll act as a technical point of contact for partners, support profitable growth, and contribute to wider underwriting strategy and improvement initiatives.

This is a hands-on, relationship-led underwriting role, offering exposure to performance analysis, renewals, negotiations, stakeholder engagement and account development.

Key Responsibilities

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• Underwrite and manage scheme and standalone policies, including renewals, MTAs and new business.
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• Analyse data, declarations and portfolio performance to assess profitability and risk exposure.
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• Use underwriting and performance data to support decision-making and identify opportunities for profitable growth.
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• Negotiate rates, premiums, exclusions and terms within delegated authority.
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• Manage and develop a portfolio of key accounts and business partners.
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• Produce renewal and performance packs, reviews and supporting documentation.
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• Act as a technical referral point for complex queries.
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• Build strong working relationships with insurers, business partners and internal stakeholders.
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• Attend broker and partner meetings, supporting relationship development.
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• Ensure all underwriting decisions comply with governance frameworks, authority levels and audit requirements.
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• Maintain accurate records and diarise contractual obligations.
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• Support junior colleagues through knowledge sharing and referrals.
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• Contribute to process improvements and department-wide projects.
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About You

You'll be an experienced and commercially minded underwriter who is confident handling conversations with partners, insurers and internal stakeholders alike.

Essential

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• Proven experience in underwriting within general or commercial insurance.
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• Experience working with schemes, delegated authority arrangements, portfolios or books of business.
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• Strong technical underwriting ability and commercial judgement.
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• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret underwriting and performance data.
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• Confident user of Microsoft Excel.
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• Confidence negotiating terms and managing accounts within authority.
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• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
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• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage deadlines and priorities.
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Desirable

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• CII qualification (or working towards).
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Benefits

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• 26 days holiday, plus the option to buy up to 5 additional days.
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• Enhanced company pension scheme.
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• Group Income Protection and Legal Protection.
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• Health Cash Plan.
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• Salary sacrifice benefits (e.g. Cycle to Work).
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