Surety Underwriter

Our client a leading MGA is looking to add a new Surety Underwriter.

We are seeking a motivated Surety Underwriter who would be interested in starting a new book of Surety business from scratch. The successful candidate will be responsible for the underwriting, management and development of a portfolio of Surety business, including Contract Bonds, Commercial Bonds and other Surety-related products. This role requires strong analytical ability, sound judgement and the capability to build lasting relationships with brokers, clients and internal stakeholders.

The Surety Underwriter will assess financial and operational risks, determine appropriate terms and pricing, and contribute to the profitable growth of the Surety portfolio whilst maintaining underwriting discipline and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Underwriting & Risk Assessment

• Underwrite new and existing Surety business within delegated authority levels.
• Analyse financial statements, management accounts and business performance data to assess creditworthiness and bond capacity.
• Evaluate contractual obligations, business structures and industry-specific risks.
• Determine appropriate bond terms, security requirements and pricing structures.
• Prepare underwriting submissions and referral cases for approval where necessary.
• Monitor portfolio performance and take appropriate actions to manage risk exposure.

Broker & Client Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers, clients and key stakeholders.
• Act as a technical point of contact for Surety-related enquiries.
• Support business development initiatives and identify opportunities for portfolio growth.
• Attend client and broker meetings to discuss underwriting requirements and market opportunities.

Portfolio Management

• Monitor portfolio profitability, loss ratios and exposure concentrations.
• Ensure underwriting decisions align with company strategy, appetite and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate underwriting records and documentation.
• Contribute to portfolio reviews and strategic planning exercises.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all underwriting activities comply with internal policies, FCA requirements and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Maintain high standards of documentation and audit readiness.
• Support risk management initiatives and governance procedures.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• Experience within Surety and other related lines of business.
• Strong understanding of financial statement analysis and credit assessment.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
• Ability to interpret contractual and legal documentation.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.
• Commercial awareness and a customer-focused approach.
• Ability to work independently whilst managing multiple priorities.

Desirable

• Previous experience underwriting Contract Surety Bonds and Commercial Bonds.
• Knowledge of construction, infrastructure and engineering sectors.
• Professional qualifications such as ACII, Cert CII, Dip CII or equivalent.
• Experience within the UK Surety market.