Underwriting Transformation Director

Underwriting Transformation Director London or Milton Keynes / Hybrid (Interim Contract - Construction Sector)

Duration: 6-month initial contract (potential extension)

Overview

A leading insurer operating in the construction and engineering risk space is seeking an experienced Underwriting Transformation Director to lead a major modernisation programme across its construction-related underwriting function.

This interim role requires a hands on transformation leader who can rapidly assess current underwriting performance across construction risk portfolios, define a future operating model, and deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, governance, risk selection, and service delivery.

The business is transitioning from manual, experience led underwriting to a more digital, data driven and structured decisioning model across construction warranty, contractor risk and project based insurance products.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess current underwriting performance across construction and engineering risk portfolios
• Define target operating model for a modern, digitally enabled underwriting function
• Deliver a transformation roadmap focused on efficiency, control, and commercial performance
• Improve underwriting decision-making using data, analytics, and structured risk frameworks
• Streamline underwriting workflows for construction projects, contractors, and site based risks
• Strengthen governance, authority structures, and referral processes
• Improve turnaround times and operational efficiency across high volume project cases
• Drive adoption of digital tools, automation, and standardised risk assessment frameworks
• Lead alignment across underwriting, claims, risk engineering, and operations teams
• Engage and influence senior stakeholders across the construction insurance value chain

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience delivering underwriting transformation within construction, engineering, or specialty insurance markets
• Strong understanding of construction risk, project lifecycle exposures, and contractor based underwriting
• Track record of moving underwriting from manual processes to data led and automated models
• Experience in regulated financial services or insurance environments
• Strong programme leadership with ability to deliver in complex, multi stakeholder settings
• Able to balance strategic operating model design with hands on execution
• Confident engaging senior stakeholders in technical and commercial discussions

Why This Role?

A high impact interim opportunity to shape the future of construction focused underwriting within a major insurer. You will play a key role in modernising how construction and engineering risks are assessed, priced, and managed-leaving a lasting operational legacy in a fast evolving market.