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.
