Looking to build a career where your analytical skills make a real impact?
For Chris, that opportunity came when he moved from a small insurance business to one of the UK’s best-known names: Direct Line.

Now a Chapter Lead in Pricing and Underwriting, Chris leads a skilled, collaborative team shaping how Direct Line trades safely, meets regulations, and delivers great outcomes for customers.

“None of us have all the skills we need on our own, but together we cover everything,” Chris says. “It’s a hugely collaborative role.”

What does the Pricing & Underwriting Centre of Expertise do?

Chris’s team applies technical pricing and underwriting knowledge to Direct Line’s governance and control frameworks. They work across all brands and insurance products to ensure the business complies with legal and regulatory obligations — while always delivering fair outcomes for customers.

“We work with all areas of the business. Every week is different.”

That variety is one of the main reasons Chris finds the role so rewarding.

From Small Business to Big Impact

Before joining Direct Line, Chris worked at a much smaller Managing General Agent (MGA) with fewer than 100 employees. Moving to a company with thousands of colleagues and millions of customers was a big change — but a welcome one.

“I really enjoy working for a bigger company. You meet more people, get involved in a wider range of projects, and have access to cutting-edge tools and data.”

The scale and complexity of the business allow Chris and his team to work on projects that truly make a difference — especially when it comes to implementing industry regulations.

A proud moment: Tackling price walking with FCA regulation

One of Chris’s standout moments was contributing to the company-wide response to the FCA’s General Insurance Pricing Practices regulation (GIPP), designed to end “price walking” — the practice of gradually increasing a customer’s renewal premium over time.

“It was a major piece of regulation, and incredibly important to get right. It’s rewarding to know we played a key role in delivering it — and we continue to think about it every day.”

The regulation came into force in January 2022 and continues to shape how Direct Line trades safely and fairly.

Autonomy and Progression

Chris works closely with senior stakeholders across the business and says there’s a strong sense of trust and freedom in the way work is approached.

“There’s a real sense that your opinion matters. You’re empowered to shape proposals, contribute ideas, and help bring them to life.”

In just over three years, Chris has progressed in his career and seen others in the team do the same — whether through promotions or by moving into new areas of the business.

“If there’s something you want to do or a direction you want to take your career in, chances are you’ll find an opportunity to do that here.”

No two days the same

Whether responding to a new regulation or supporting a different brand, Chris says the day-to-day never feels repetitive.

“It might sound like a cliché, but no two days are the same. With different brands, different products, and constant innovation, there’s always something new to get involved in.”

This variety, paired with the chance to make a genuine impact, is what keeps Chris motivated and growing.

Ready to see where a career in Pricing & Underwriting could take you?

👉 Explore opportunities at Direct Line.