UK Technical Underwriting Manager Risk Managed

Job Description 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 orga