Location: London
Type: Permanent, full time
Hybrid role, happy to talk flexible working
The Opportunity
QBE is seeking a Senior Technical Underwriter to join our growing London Trade Finance Solutions (TFS) team.
This is a unique and senior role supporting the continued growth of the TFS portfolio, with a particular focus on the legal and technical aspects of underwriting, including underlying trade and Non-trade finance facility documentation, policy wordings, and transaction structuring.
We are looking for an individual with a legal background and strong interest in underwriting and insurance, who can bring technical and legal expertise while remaining actively involved in underwriting decisions. The role offers a balanced split between technical/legal responsibilities and underwriting activity and will evolve over time based on the individual’s strengths and interests.
This is an exciting opportunity for a legal or underwriting professional looking to further their career in insurance, gain broad exposure to a wide range of short and long‑term debt and trade finance products, and play a key role in supporting the strategic growth of the business.
Having the right to work in the UK is a requirement for this role. QBE may consider sponsorship at its discretion.
About QBE
At QBE, we get to the heart of what matters for our customers. And we do it all with a human touch.
We’re an international insurer with more than 13,000 people working across 26 countries – which means we’re big enough for your ambitions, yet small enough for you to make a real impact. It’s an exciting time. We’re building momentum towards our vision to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner.
What if you could have a positive impact – at work and in the world? As part of the QBE team, you’ll get to spend every day working with people who are passionate, talented and kind.
Your new role
This role supports business strategy through technical expertise, underwriting judgement, and legal oversight, helping ensure that transactions are appropriately structured, documented, and underwritten in line with QBE’s risk appetite.
Key responsibilities include supporting underwriting activity, owning and developing the legal and technical framework underpinning the TFS portfolio, and acting as a trusted subject‑matter expert to the wider team.
Support the development and delivery of the annual business plan for the Trade Finance Solutions portfolio.
Underwrite Non‑Payment Insurance and trade finance credit risks in line with agreed risk appetite and underwriting authority.
Take ownership of the legal and technical review of transactions, including underlying trade finance facilities, security structures, and policy wordings.
Provide guidance on legal, regulatory, and documentation matters relevant to trade finance and credit insurance, including emerging market practices and trends.
Support the structuring of complex or non‑standard transactions, working closely with underwriters, brokers, banks, and internal stakeholders.
Maintain oversight of relevant legal and regulatory developments (e.g. licensing, compliance, market standards) and assess their impact on the portfolio.
Contribute to portfolio review and analysis, identifying trends, concentrations, and opportunities to enhance underwriting quality and profitability.
Act as a technical point of reference within the team, supporting peer review and underwriting excellence.
Continually develop expertise across both underwriting and technical disciplines in a fast‑paced and evolving environment.
About you
A qualified lawyer with meaningful PQE, or equivalent experience within insurance, trade finance, or structured credit environments.
Strong interest in underwriting and insurance, with the ability to combine legal judgement with commercial and credit risk considerations.
Experience of, or exposure to, trade finance, structured lending, or corporate financing facilities provided by banks to corporate clients.
Some familiarity with Basel regulations and Loan Market Association (LMA) documentation would be advantageous.
Ability to understand transactions holistically, combining legal, technical, and underwriting perspectives.
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain disciplined underwriting governance.
Excellent communicator with the confidence to engage with senior internal and external stakeholders.
A collaborative mindset, curiosity, and willingness to shape and develop a role that is critical to the future growth of the business.
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from:
As well as the benefits below we also offer an extensive choice of other options to suit you!
30 days holiday a year with the option to buy up to 2 additional days.
Pension – you are automatically enrolled into the QBE pension plan, which entitles you to receive employer contributions of 10% of your basic salary.
Private medical insurance – we fund fully comprehensive private medical cover for you and all the family.
Short term remote work abroad - you can request up to 20 days per year to work remotely from certain locations abroad.
To learn more about benefits of working with us, click Rewarding our people - QBE European Operations
Awards & Recognition
We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:
Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025: Winner: Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year, Winner: Reinsurer of the Year - QBE Re, Winner: ESG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year, Winner: Insurance Personality of the Year - Chris Wallace, Executive Director UK insurance
AXCO Global Insurance Awards 2024 Winner: Network Management of the Year
Insurance Business UK 5-Star Cyber Awards 2024: QBE rated as a 5-Star Cyber Insurer
Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2023: QBE rated as a 5-Star Employee
To learn more about our achievements, click here
Apply now and let’s make it happen!
If you’re looking for a career that combines your expertise and your empathy, click Apply today.
Your career. At the heart of it.
Skills:
Analytical Thinking, Business Management, Coaching for success, Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Influencing, Insurance Underwriting, Intentional collaboration, Managing performance, Navigating ambiguity, Portfolio Management, Prioritization, Risk Management, Sound Judgment, Stakeholder ManagementApplication Close Date: 19/03/2026 11:59 PMHow to Apply:
To submit your application, click "Apply" and follow the step by step process.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.