SME Team Lead

Primary DetailsTime Type: Full timeWorker Type: Employee

Location: Sydney or Parramatta, NSWType: Permanent, full timeHybrid role, Happy to talk flexible working

The Opportunity

At QBE, we're committed to building stronger futures for our customers, partners and communities. We're seeking an experienced SME Team Lead to lead a high-performing team of underwriters while supporting the successful delivery of portfolio objectives across our SME business.

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:

Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team of SME Underwriters to achieve portfolio, service and growth targets.Drive the implementation of underwriting strategies and business initiatives that improve performance and profitability.Provide technical underwriting guidance and support for complex referrals and risk decisions.Build strong relationships with brokers and key stakeholders to support customer and business outcomes.Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.Ensure compliance with underwriting frameworks, risk appetite, regulatory requirements and governance standards.

About You

To be successful in this role you will have:

Proven experience leading underwriting teams within the General Insurance industry.Strong SME underwriting expertise with a track record of delivering profitable portfolio outcomes.Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor and develop high-performing teams.Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trusted broker relationships.Commercially astute with strong analytical, decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.Experience driving change, improving processes and contributing to strategic business initiatives.

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:

‘Hybrid Working’ – a mix of working from home and in the office to enhance your work/life balanceLife Leave, supporting the life events we all experience, leaving your annual leave for rest18 weeks’ gender-equal flexible leave for all new parents, including paid superA range of discounts on insurance products, car hire, hotels, goods and services

To learn more about benefits of working with us, click here .

Rewards & Recognition

We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:

2025 Winner of Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award at the Insurance Business Australia Awards for our Respect@QBE programPlatinum employer on the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) – the definitive national benchmark on LGBTQI+ workplace inclusionRanked in the top ten in the AAGE Top Graduate Employers 2025 for medium sized program as voted by graduates

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.

Successful applicants will need to complete work rights, police and credit checks through our online provider as a condition of employment.

QBE recognise the value of diverse perspectives and experience. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected for who they are. If we can provide support with access requirements, alternative work arrangements or you would like to connect with one of our networks please contact us at recruitment@qbe.com

Skills:

Analytical Thinking, Collaboration Tools, Communication, Cost Management, Critical Thinking, Customer Service, Customer Value Management, Insurance Underwriting, Intentional collaboration, Managing performance, Performance Management (PM), Quality Management, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Team ManagementApplication Close Date: 15/08/2026 11:59 PM

How 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.