UK Technical Underwriting Manager Risk Managed

Introduction

At Pen, we don’t just underwrite risk, we unlock possibility. We’re a dynamic underwriting and distribution business backed by the strength of Gallagher and powered by a belief that every challenge has a solution. With entrepreneurial energy, niche expertise, and a bold growth mindset, we’re transforming what it means to be an MGA in today’s insurance landscape. Whether you’re shaping new products, solving complex problems, or collaborating across teams, your ideas and initiative will help deliver smarter solutions for our clients—and move the industry forward. Here, agility meets stability. Creativity meets execution. And your career meets real opportunity. At Pen, we champion innovation, value accountability, and thrive on building something better together. If you’re looking to join a team that’s rewriting the future of underwriting, we’d love to hear from you.

Overview

*Please note this role can be based out of any of our Pen Underwriting locations*

 

The Technical Underwriting Manager is responsible for providing technical leadership within the Risk Managed division. The role is accountable for delivering financial performance (GWP, revenue and profitability) alongside insurer performance targets (loss ratio), through effective management of underwriting standards and technical performance.

 

A key focus of the role is to design and embed a robust underwriting framework that enables the delivery of products under delegated authority from carrier partners. The role holder will own the product suite, ensuring ongoing value, competitiveness, and relevance for brokers, coverholders and end customers.

How you'll make an impact

• Lead and influence the technical performance of the business unit, driving delivery of P&L objectives through proactive performance management, including target setting, monitoring and corrective action planning
• Identify emerging risks, trends, opportunities and challenges, responding with clear, actionable plans to protect and enhance performance
• Develop and maintain underwriting frameworks, guidelines and rating structures to support consistent, high-quality underwriting decisions within delegated authority
• Contribute to product development, innovation and continuous improvement of underwriting systems and processes
• Establish and maintain high standards of technical underwriting, professional conduct and ethical behaviour across the team
• Work closely with Risk & Governance to allocate underwriting authorities and implement structured audit processes to ensure compliance and consistency
• Support internal and external audit processes, including oversight of delegated authority arrangements
• Act as a key referral point for complex or high-value risks exceeding individual underwriting authorities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including brokers, insurers and coverholders
• Lead, coach and develop underwriting teams, ensuring capability and succession for future growth and market opportunities
• Ensure adherence to service standards and effective handling of complaints in line with company procedures
• Act as a role model for company values, professionalism and ethical conduct, ensuring compliance with the AJG Professional Standards Manual
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory and governance requirements, taking ownership for identifying gaps and implementing remedial actions where required

About you

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of insurance principles and the application of these in complex underwriting scenarios
• Advanced knowledge of underwriting disciplines, pricing and rating methodologies
• Awareness of when specialist input (e.g. surveys, engineering reports) is required for complex risks
• Good understanding of claims handling, reserving and its impact on loss ratio performance
• Strong knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks and legal considerations within insurance

Experience

• Proven underwriting leadership experience within a defined line of business
• Strong track record of delivering against financial targets and managing business performance
• Experience operating within delegated authority environments
• Demonstrated ability to embed robust processes and technical standards in line with compliance requirements
• Experience working in a matrix environment, collaborating across functions to deliver shared objectives
• Strong market awareness with the ability to identify and capitalise on growth opportunities

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret KPIs and drive performance improvements
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage across all levels, both internally and externally
• Strong organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage teams against deadlines and targets
• Effective negotiation and decision-making skills in complex scenarios
• Commercial acumen and financial awareness, including business planning and trading in a competitive market
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Awareness and practical understanding of how data and AI can enhance underwriting and product development
• Strong product knowledge across standard and complex risks, with the ability to evolve offerings in response to market changes

Compensation and benefits

At Gallagher, we believe supporting our colleagues goes far beyond the role itself. For more information, visit our Benefits page.

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits programs designed to support your well-being 
• Career development opportunities and ongoing learning 
• A collaborative, people-first culture with accessible leadership 
• The opportunity to do meaningful work with global reach and local impact 

At Gallagher, we are dedicated to building an inclusive and authentic workplace. If your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to join our Talent Community to stay connected to additional career opportunities. Although this role is listed as full-time, if you’re in a job-share partnership, work reduced hours, or have any other flexible arrangement, please still get in touch. We will also offer reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process if required, so please let us know.

Gallagher is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer (Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled)