Head of Media Underwriting

Job Type:

Permanent

Build a brilliant future with Hiscox
 

About Hiscox UK

Hiscox UK is a leading brand in the insurance market, recognised as setting the standards others try to emulate. We consistently deliver strong growth and exceptional returns, recruiting only the very best and empowering them to deliver. We are known for insuring the homes of the rich and famous through to the most innovative technology companies. Our customers are diverse and unique and are only united by our ability to provide specialist insurance tailored to their needs.

The Role

The Marketing, Media and Creatives Sector is set to increase it’s growth potential and we want to make sure we are ready for this growth by providing a compelling solution delivered by sector specialists. Working within the Specialty Marketing, Media and Creative Sector team you will responsible for driving the profitable growth of this sector at a time when we have ambitious growth plans. Working within the Specialty division you will responsible for the profitability and accelerated growth of the Marketing, Media and Creatives Sector book within the UK across all current (and future) distribution channels. Reporting to the Head of Specialty you will be at the forefront of our underwriting strategy for the Media Sector. You will identify and investigate new and exciting opportunities for growth through pricing, product innovation, distribution and underwriting. You will also lead an established and high performing Media team who operate within a fast paced environment. You will be involved in product development, complex new business and renewal case underwriting and dealing with some of the largest clients and brokers in the Media sector both in the UK and Internationally.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead underwriting by managing complex risks and detailed referrals. It is therefore essential that you are technically astute, have strong relationship management skills and are driven by an exceptional service ethic.

• Deliver the financial plan. Accountable for the accelerated growth of the Media sector, ensuring both the top line and bottom line hits budget.

• Accountability for identifying, investigating and developing  new and exciting opportunities for growth through pricing, product, distribution and underwriting

• Use a range of data to identify underwriting trends, rules and process improvements to improve the customer experience, drive profitable growth and our underwriting strategy

• Develop and grow key strategic relationships with brokers, associations and  buying groups within the sector

• A key part of the role is to inspire, lead and develop Underwriters, through targeted coaching and training

• Keeping abreast of new risks and exposures within the sector to ensure Hiscox market leading position is maintained

• Maintenance of policy wordings, Technical Underwriting Guides and input to all customer facing materials

• Provide thought leadership both internally and externally

• In depth knowledge of competitors, products and propositions within the market

• In depth knowledge of the Media Sector and understanding of current and emerging trends that will influence insurance purchase

• Lead, manage and develop the Specialty media team of underwriters

Pro-active internal & external development:

• Increase Hiscox’s media sector profile both internally and externally

• Forge strong professional relationships with our key brokers

• Keep abreast of the competitive landscape from market moves to new product launches

• Promote and develop media products in the regional offices, including training of local underwriters and brokers as required

• A deep understanding of your brokers and the development opportunities in the media sector

Candidate Profile

Our must haves

You will be self-starting, quick thinking, resilient, be able to cover a breadth of tasks/ topics, be a fantastic communicator, show drive and demonstrate a desire to continually improve and develop your skills and abilities

• 10+ years experience of writing media business with a proven track record of successful underwriting across all products lines.

• A proven track record of business development and profitable growth

• A keen interest in the media sector

• Excellent technical underwriting skills, with close attention to detail

• Results driven with ability to handle data and interpret the impact of sector growth, rates and exposure changes and communicate this regularly to the wider business

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

• Enjoy building strong relationships, seeking out new opportunities and being a trusted advisor for your brokers and clients

• Experience in providing superb service whilst managing lots of work and changing priorities at once

• Analytical proactive and creative, can think on their feet and ‘outside the box’

• Ability to distil complex issues into clear, simple strategies and plans.

• The energy to play the long game (persistence/tenacity) and demonstrable drive, self-motivation and determination to achieve results

• Consistently demonstrate behaviours conducive to achieving both personal and team objectives, in line with performance metrics and the core values of Hiscox

• Previous leadership experience, with the ability to deliver exceptional results through others

• Degree qualified, although this is not a pre-requisite for an exceptional underwriter

• ACII qualified or exempt through relevant experience as defined by the FCA

Diversity and flexible working at Hiscox

At Hiscox we care about our people. We hire the best people for the job and we’re committed to diversity and creating a truly inclusive culture, which we believe drives success. We also understand that working life doesn’t always have to be ‘nine to five’ and we support flexible working wherever we can. No promises, but please chat to our team about the flexibility we could offer for this role.

Work with amazing people and be part of a unique culture