Our client, a well established commercial insurer, is seeking a Strategic Lead, Property (Commercial Portfolio) to lead the underwriting strategy, portfolio performance, and operational execution of its Property business covering the middle market and large corporate segments.
This is a senior leadership role requiring strong technical underwriting expertise, proven people leadership, and deep market engagement. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping underwriting standards, managing complex risks, developing talent, and driving profitable growth across the Property portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Underwriting Leadership
- Lead and manage the Property line of business within the Commercial Insurance division, ensuring robust underwriting standards, disciplined risk selection, and strong portfolio performance.
- Provide technical leadership, training, and guidance to underwriters within the Property domain.
Strategy & Business Development
- Develop and implement underwriting strategies that support sustainable growth, profitability, and market expansion across middle market and large corporate Property segments.
- Identify emerging risks, trends, and opportunities to inform strategic decisions.
Portfolio Management
- Monitor and manage the performance of the Property portfolio, including loss trends, exposures, and profitability.
- Use data and insights to drive portfolio optimisation and informed decision making.
Risk Assessment & Authority
- Oversee complex and high value risk assessments.
- Approve large, complex, or unusual risks within delegated authority and ensure consistent application of underwriting guidelines.
Client & Broker Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and key corporate clients.
- Partner with the market to deliver tailored Property insurance solutions aligned with customer needs.
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure underwriting activities comply with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and industry best practices.
- Participate in assurance activities and support the implementation and ongoing enhancement of underwriting guidelines.
People Development & Culture
- Mentor, coach, and develop underwriting talent.
- Foster a culture of technical excellence, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
Innovation & Improvement
- Identify opportunities for product development, digital enablement, and process improvement to enhance the Property and SME insurance offerings.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related discipline (advanced degree preferred).
- Significant experience in Property insurance underwriting, particularly within the middle market and large corporate segments.
- Proven leadership experience within a commercial insurance environment.
- Strong technical knowledge of underwriting principles, risk assessment, and portfolio management.
- Excellent analytical, decision making, and problem solving skills.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Solid understanding of insurance regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, drive change, and deliver results in a fast paced environment.
