Full-Time

Director / Sr. Director

Life Sciences, Product Line Leader

Updated on 3/14/2025

Markel

Markel

1,001-5,000 employees

Specialty insurance and reinsurance provider

Compensation Overview

$175k - $225kAnnually

+ Bonus Potential

Senior, Expert

No H1B Sponsorship

San Francisco, CA, USA + 6 more

More locations: Canoga Park, Los Angeles, CA, USA | Plano, TX, USA | Richmond, VA, USA | Chicago, IL, USA | Alpharetta, GA, USA | New York, NY, USA

Hybrid working schedule of 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

Category
Lab & Research
Life Sciences
Required Skills
Product Management
Requirements
  • Minimum of 8 years of underwriting expertise with at least 5 years of underwriting experience within Life Sciences
  • Undergraduate degree preferred
  • Graduate degree and/or industry designations would be a definite plus
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills
  • Collaborative style
  • High energy, pro-active self-starter; someone with a strong sense of urgency
  • Demonstrated ability in setting and meeting objectives and getting leadership, peers and underwriters to 'buy in' through superior influencing skills
  • Flexible and spontaneous qualities are key elements to the success of this position
  • Interpersonal skills necessary to achieve desired goals and to interact effectively as well as a high level of confidence, integrity, energy and enthusiasm, executive presence and a personality that fits the 'Markel Style'
  • Ability to travel 25%
  • US Work Authorization required. Markel does not provide visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.
Responsibilities
  • Proactively identify new market opportunities and product offerings as well as support cross-sell opportunities by identifying client needs
  • Maintain product Line specific technical pricing standards and underwriting authority within the Life Sciences product line
  • Set underwriting standards and strategy for the Life Sciences product
  • Manage the Life Sciences product through continuous Portfolio Management; Provide clear underwriting direction to regional underwriting teams and ensure effective execution in line with product goals
  • Prepare, coordinate and execute product line specific training for underwriters and support staff
  • Provide reviews of accounts beyond assigned authority levels
  • Transmit concerns/feedback to Senior Leadership regarding product, underwriting and claims concerns based on interactions with management, underwriters and producers
  • Work with Retail and Wholesale Business Development teams to target producers as well as manage client relationships
  • Assist with the development of new business opportunities.
Desired Qualifications
  • Undergraduate degree preferred
  • Graduate degree and/or industry designations would be a definite plus

Markel provides specialty insurance, reinsurance, and investment services, focusing on hard-to-place risks in niche markets. Their insurance offerings include coverage for agricultural and equine risks, reinsurance for large enterprises like oil rigs, event cancellation insurance for weddings and concerts, inland marine coverage for fine art, environmental pollution, and insurance for recreational vehicles like yachts and motorcycles. Markel's approach emphasizes understanding customer needs and delivering quality service, while fostering a workplace culture that encourages personal growth and teamwork. Unlike many competitors, Markel prioritizes flexibility and spontaneity in its operations, aiming to continuously improve and innovate. The company's goal is to lead in its industry by providing tailored insurance solutions and maintaining a commitment to integrity and excellence.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Glen Allen, Virginia

Founded

1930

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Growing demand for niche insurance products boosts Markel's market opportunities post-pandemic.
  • Digital transformation enhances Markel's operational efficiency and customer experience.
  • Expansion in emerging economies allows Markel to diversify its customer base.

What critics are saying

  • Increased competition from companies like AXA may impact Markel's market share.
  • Cloud migration poses operational risks, including data security vulnerabilities.
  • Investment in Certa MGA exposes Markel to volatile tax and contingent risk markets.

What makes Markel unique

  • Markel specializes in niche markets like agricultural, equine, and environmental pollution risks.
  • The company offers unique coverage for hard-to-place risks, including event cancellations.
  • Markel's focus on specialty insurance sets it apart from general insurers.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Paid Vacation

Hybrid Work Options

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Company News

Reinsurance News
Mar 7th, 2025
Markel Specialty strengthens SE Excess Casualty leadership team

Markel, the insurance division of Markel Group Inc., has announced the promotion of Nan Fine to Managing Director, Casualty, Southeast Region at Markel Specialty, and the appointment of Hillary Warren as Manager, Commercial Wholesale Excess Casualty, Southeast Region.

Post Online
Mar 3rd, 2025
Cunliffe appointment continues Axa reunion at Markel

Nicola Cunliffe, formerly head of insurance operations at Flock and head of SME trading operations at Axa, has joined Markel as head of trading in the UK.

PR Newswire
Feb 25th, 2025
Markel Appoints Dean Johnson As Senior Underwriter In Transport And Logistics

LONDON, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel, the insurance operation within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), today announced that Dean Johnson has been appointed to the role of Senior Underwriter, Transport and Logistics, effective immediately

Tobj
Feb 25th, 2025
Markel appoints Dean Johnson as Senior Underwriter in Transport and Logistics

Markel appoints Dean Johnson as Senior Underwriter in Transport and Logistics.

Eurocrowd
Feb 21st, 2025
Looking to find out where to get sued in Fintech? Look no further: 18 March 2025, BMS Group, London

BMS Group has teamed up with CMS, the lawyers, and Markel, the insurance company.