Underwriting

Expert

I have achieved my Higher Diploma in Insurance Management (MDI) and maintain 15 hours of CPD annually. I work as a middle or senior manager in a senior technical role, with a deep understanding of insurance concepts and strategic influence across functional areas. I engage with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, contribute to shaping the organisation’s long-term direction, and focus on creating sustainable value by integrating teams, understanding the wider risk landscape, and driving innovation through ongoing Micro-credential learning.

How can we help? Learn more about Micro-credentials

Lead and influence through skill and insight

Rosa Whitfield - Head of Teaching and Learning

Discover how the Career Pathway supports the growth of rewarding insurance careers - guiding new entrants as they begin their journey and helping experienced professionals advance, specialise, and progress all the way to expert level.

What I do

As an advanced underwriting professional, I need to possess a certain level of technical expertise in the following areas.

Technical Expertise

Advanced underwriting management

I manage the performance of my own underwriting portfolio, pricing complex risks using advanced statistical methods and collaborating with actuaries and other stakeholders. I authorise complex cases, monitor risk accumulations, and apply tailored policy wordings and terms. I consider both internal and external factors, including capital and solvency requirements, and proactively analyse emerging risks to develop mitigation strategies that protect the portfolio and support long-term business sustainability.

Implementing process improvements

I lead the identification and implementation of underwriting process improvements that align with organisational strategy. I assess the impact of rating changes, monitor delegated authority arrangements, and ensure compliance with underwriting procedures. I also conduct audits to review decision-making quality and communicate risk exposure insights to stakeholders to support effective risk distribution

Improving customer satisfaction

I analyse the customer base to ensure our products and services continue to meet evolving needs. I gather and act on customer feedback, using insights from complaints and service interactions to drive improvements that enhance the customer experience and support retention and satisfaction.

How I work (transversal skills)

I lead strategic communication across the organisation, inspiring and influencing diverse audiences through impactful presentations and messaging. I develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies that support organisational goals and navigate complex political and cultural contexts. I mentor others in effective communication and represent the organisation externally as a thought leader. I integrate new information into strategic decisions and learning approaches, and I critically evaluate complex documents to support planning and compliance. I also negotiate and consult at a senior level, building long-term stakeholder relationships and driving change through expert advice.
- Active listening
- Communicating with stakeholders
- Business communication
- Reading comprehension
- Negotiating
- Consulting and advising
- Digital literacy
I make sound judgments in highly complex and ambiguous situations, even when information is incomplete or contradictory. I anticipate and mitigate risks, consider ethical and social implications, and communicate decisions clearly to diverse audiences. I apply advanced analytical frameworks to large and complex data sets, generating insights that drive strategic decision-making. I lead innovation by fostering a culture of experimentation and championing transformative ideas. I apply critical thinking to challenge assumptions, synthesise diverse information, and communicate complex reasoning effectively. I also lead strategic planning, anticipating future trends and aligning initiatives with long-term organisational goals.
- Decision making
- Analysing data or information
- Innovative thinking
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Strategic thinking
I cultivate a culture of curiosity and innovation, anticipating future challenges and shaping strategic responses. I manage time and resources across multiple teams and projects, promoting efficiency and accountability. I drive organisational quality through best practices in detail orientation and quality control. I optimise resource use across departments and develop new approaches to solve complex problems. I also contribute to the advancement of knowledge through research, mentoring, and thought leadership, shaping the future direction of my field.
- Curiosity
- Time Management
- Attention to detail
- Resourcefulness
- Updating and using relevant knowledge
I develop and implement strategic planning frameworks that align with organisational objectives. I optimise workflows across teams and departments, anticipate challenges, and create contingency plans. I lead advanced information gathering and processing strategies, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to generate insights. I manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring efficient resource allocation and high productivity. I evaluate compliance with laws and standards and lead change management initiatives that support innovation and transformation.
- Organising, planning and prioritising work
- Gathering information
- Processing information
- Multitasking
- Evaluating information
- Change management
I cultivate strong, long-term relationships with key stakeholders and foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and ethical behaviour. I lead teams with vision and purpose, mentor other leaders, and drive strategic change across the organisation. I implement sustainable talent management strategies, guide performance, and motivate others to achieve exceptional results.
- Relationship management
- Teamwork
- Customer service
- Ethical behaviour
- Leadership
- Sustainable management of personnel resources
- Guiding, directing and motivating others

Learn More. Do More. Be More.

Hear from real members about their career journeys.

Eugene O’Sullivan, Allianz Ireland

Post college, I explored several sectors, but insurance stood out for its variety and clear progression pathways. Over the years, I’ve developed new skills, earned qualifications, and recently achieved my MDI designation - supporting my career goal to progress into management.

Cristina Rodina, KennCo Underwriting

I’m very grateful for the opportunities the insurance industry has given me, and I’m excited for what’s still ahead. With my qualifications, I now have real choices - from moving into new areas to pursuing higher-level qualifications.

Next steps

Kate stays committed to her continuing professional development and is now exploring advanced pathways such as the ACII and various Micro‑credentials.

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Overview