Senior Commercial Underwriting Specialist

Job Title: Senior Commercial Underwriting Specialist Location: UAE Employment Type: Full-Time Work Arrangement: On-Site / Hybrid, depending on business requirements Level: Senior About Us We are seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Underwriting Specialist to assess commercial insurance risks, evaluate policy applications, and develop appropriate underwriting terms in line with company risk appetite and business objectives. The successful candidate will collaborate with brokers, clients, claims teams, risk engineers, and internal stakeholders to deliver commercially sound underwriting decisions while maintaining portfolio quality, profitability, and compliance with applicable UAE insurance regulations. Key Responsibilities Review and assess commercial insurance applications, renewals, endorsements, and risk submissions across relevant business lines. Analyze financial information, business activities, operational exposures, claims histories, and risk management measures to determine insurability. Evaluate risks associated with commercial property, general liability, engineering, marine, motor fleets, and other relevant commercial insurance products. Determine appropriate coverage, policy limits, deductibles, exclusions, conditions, premiums, and other underwriting terms. Apply underwriting guidelines, delegated authority limits, pricing models, and risk appetite standards when making underwriting decisions. Conduct risk assessments using available documentation, risk engineering reports, loss histories, and other relevant information. Identify complex or high-exposure risks and recommend appropriate risk mitigation measures, specialist reviews, or referral to senior approval authorities. Build and maintain productive relationships with insurance brokers, intermediaries, corporate clients, and distribution partners. Review renewal portfolios and recommend pricing, coverage adjustments, and retention strategies based on risk performance. Monitor portfolio performance, loss ratios, premium growth, claims trends, and exposure concentrations to support profitable growth. Coordinate with claims teams to review loss experience and incorporate relevant findings into underwriting decisions. Support reinsurance arrangements by identifying risks requiring facultative support and coordinating relevant submissions with reinsurance teams. Ensure underwriting files contain complete risk information, supporting evidence, pricing rationale, and approval documentation. Maintain compliance with applicable UAE insurance regulations, internal underwriting policies, and relevant contractual requirements. Prepare underwriting reports, portfolio analyses, risk summaries, and management information for decision-making. Identify opportunities to improve underwriting workflows, risk selection, pricing consistency, and operational efficiency. Monitor market developments, competitor activity, emerging risks, and changes in commercial insurance products. Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior underwriters and contribute to underwriting knowledge-sharing initiatives. Qualifications and Experience Bachelor's degree in Insurance, Finance, Business Administration, Risk Management, Economics, or a related discipline. At least 5–8 years of experience in commercial insurance underwriting, risk assessment, or commercial insurance portfolio management. Strong understanding of commercial insurance products, policy structures, coverage terms, exclusions, deductibles, and pricing principles. Experience assessing corporate and commercial risks, reviewing claims histories, and determining appropriate underwriting terms. Knowledge of underwriting methodologies, risk appetite frameworks, loss ratios, premium adequacy, and portfolio profitability. Familiarity with applicable UAE insurance regulations and relevant market practices. Experience working with brokers, corporate clients, claims teams, risk engineers, and reinsurance specialists. Ability to interpret financial information, risk reports, exposure data, and technical documentation. Strong analytical, numerical, negotiation, and decision-making skills. Excellent communication and relationship management abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with underwriting platforms, policy administration systems, and portfolio reporting tools. Relevant professional qualifications, such as Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) certifications or equivalent insurance credentials, are an advantage. Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple underwriting submissions within established service-level timelines. Commitment to ethical underwriting practices, accurate documentation, and regulatory compliance. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Portfolio Profitability: Support sustainable underwriting results and maintain target loss ratios. Risk Assessment Quality: Ensure consistent, accurate, and well-supported underwriting decisions. Premium Growth: Contribute to profitable premium growth and effective portfolio development. Turnaround Time: Process new business and renewal submissions within agreed service-level targets. Pricing Accuracy: Apply appropriate pricing, deductibles, coverage terms, and risk adjustments. Portfolio Retention: Support the retention of suitable commercial clients while maintaining risk quality. Compliance: Ensure adherence to underwriting guidelines, approval authorities, and regulatory requirements. Documentation Quality: Maintain complete and auditable underwriting records. Broker Relationships: Strengthen broker engagement and improve service quality. Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve risk selection, underwriting efficiency, and portfolio performance. What We Offer Competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience. Opportunities to work with diverse commercial insurance portfolios and corporate clients. Professional development and support for relevant insurance qualifications. Collaboration with experienced underwriting, claims, risk, and reinsurance professionals. Opportunities for career advancement within commercial underwriting and insurance management. A professional, performance-driven environment focused on technical excellence, responsible risk selection, and sustainable growth. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief cover letter highlighting their commercial underwriting experience, risk assessment expertise, portfolio achievements, and knowledge of UAE insurance practices. Email Subject Line: Application – Senior Commercial Underwriting Specialist (UAE) We welcome analytical and commercially minded professionals with strong technical underwriting expertise, sound risk judgment, and a commitment to delivering profitable and sustainable insurance solutions. Show more Show less