SVP, Head of International Construction, UK

Job Description

We are seeking an accomplished and strategically minded Head of International Construction to lead the development of Sompo’s UK Construction book.

Based in London, this leadership role carries full responsibility for underwriting performance, P&L management, and strategic development of a diverse Construction portfolio.

As the regional leader, you will set underwriting direction, drive profitable growth, and ensure the construction portfolio remains competitive, disciplined, and aligned with corporate objectives. You will oversee underwriting standards, guide market engagement, and partner with executive leadership to shape long-term regional strategies in a dynamic and expanding market.

Our business, Your impact, Shared opportunity

What you’ll be doing:

• Portfolio Management – Develop and execute a strategy for the Construction portfolio.  

• Oversee underwriting of complex and major construction risks, ensuring compliance with corporate governance, delegated authorities, and global underwriting standards.

• Take full ownership and accountability of the portfolio’s P&L, ensuring it is well-diversified and balanced in terms of risk profile and segmentation.  Regular reporting, through data analysis and portfolio reviews will be a key responsibility.
• Team management – Be an active participant in the Energy and Construction leadership team, managing and mentoring junior members, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Contribute to the growth and profitability of the portfolio by playing a key part in defining the broader strategy and underwriting appetite.
• Stakeholder management – enhancing our existing and creating new relationships with clients, brokers and key internal and external stakeholders.

• Innovation and Product development – working alongside the pricing, claims, product and distribution teams to enhance our current offerings to refine product structures, wordings, and risk selection.
• Market analysis – monitoring all industry and product trends to refine underwriting strategy and product offerings.
• Administration – ensuring file keeping and client files are managed in accordance with our compliance and regulatory minimum standards.
• Marketing – Support marketing efforts, creating high quality, original solutions to enhance the reputation and market presence of Sompo.
• Lead annual business planning, budgeting, and performance forecasting for the Construction line of business.

What you’ll bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in insurance, engineering, finance, or a related field.
• 15+ years of underwriting experience, with substantial exposure to construction and engineering risks and at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Deep expertise in underwriting major infrastructure, civil engineering, and complex construction projects on a global basis.
• Demonstrated ability to manage P&L responsibilities, drive portfolio performance, and lead strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven track record building and leading multicultural teams in a matrix or regional environment.

At Sompo, we recognise that the talent, skills, and commitment of our employees drive our success. This is why we offer competitive, high-quality compensation and benefit programs to eligible employees.

Our compensation program is built on a foundation that promotes a pay-for-performance culture, resulting in higher incentive awards, on average, when the Company does well and lower incentive awards when the Company underperforms.  The total compensation opportunity for all regular, full-time employees is a combination of base salary and incentives that gets adjusted upfront based on overall Company performance with final awards based on individual performance.

We continuously evaluate and update our benefit programs to ensure that our plans remain competitive and meet the needs of our employees and their dependents. 

Below is a summary of some of the benefits we offer, which may vary depending on the country:

• Health & Wellness Benefits
• Retirement & Savings Plans
• Global Parental Leave & Adoption Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Qualification benefits

In today’s world, what do we stand for?

At Sompo, our shared purpose is to create meaningful value for clients, communities, and each other. We strive to foster a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and empowered to excel.

As a global organisation, we embrace diversity and champion equal opportunity. Guided by our core values—Accountability, Agility, Collaboration, Development, and Integrity—we build trust and support one another to achieve our goals worldwide. Life at Sompo page

Our values come to life in how we hire and grow talent. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organisational need, and we strive to ensure equitable access to opportunities so everyone can do their best work.

If you need an accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the recruiter in charge

Sompo is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce.

To learn more about visit our website at www.sompo-intl.com