At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic growth and lead the underwriting of complex mid-market retail insurance risks.
- Company: Join Zurich, a leader in the insurance industry with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, generous holiday, and health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive employer focused on creating a supportive workplace for all.
- Why this job: Shape the future of insurance while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in underwriting and strong business development skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Midlands / Birmingham
Working hours: part‑time, job‑share or full‑time basis
Salary: Competitive package + company car
Are you an accomplished underwriter with a passion for market growth and strategic leadership? Do you thrive on influencing the market, unlocking new opportunities, and shaping portfolios? At Zurich, we’re excited to announce a newly created Senior Development Underwriter position—offering the opportunity to champion our new business strategy and play a leading role in strengthening our position across the mid‑market retail insurance sector.
As Senior Development Underwriter, you will drive Zurich’s growth agenda across our mid‑market retail portfolios. This is a new and highly visible role, designed to accelerate business development and deliver strategic impact. You’ll combine deep technical expertise with commercial acumen, leading the origination, negotiation, and underwriting of complex risks. Your ability to develop relationships with brokers, clients, and market influencers will be key to growing Zurich’s business and reputation.
Many of our employees work flexibly in a variety of different ways, including part‑time, flexible hours, job share, an element of working from home or compressed hours. This is because we want the best people for our roles, and we recognise that sometimes those people aren’t available full‑time. Please discuss with us at interview the flexibility you may need.
Responsibilities
- Driving strategic growth: Lead the identification, development, and conversion of high‑value mid‑market retail insurance opportunities, positioning Zurich as an underwriter of choice.
- Market leadership: Build and leverage senior relationships with brokers, clients, and industry stakeholders to secure new business and enhance Zurich’s presence in target markets.
- Expert underwriting: Take ownership of complex, high‑value risks—providing expert analysis, bespoke solutions, and profitable decision‑making.
- Insight‑led strategy: Monitor, interpret, and respond to market trends, competitor activity, and regulatory change—informing the development of market‑leading propositions.
- Mentoring and collaboration: Coach and support regional teams, share specialist knowledge, and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement to drive commercial success.
Qualifications
- Significant experience in mid‑market retail insurance underwriting, with a strong track record of business development and portfolio growth.
- Advanced technical and analytical skills—confident in assessing and structuring complex risks.
- Proven ability to engage, influence, and negotiate with senior brokers, clients, and internal stakeholders.
- A strategic, commercially minded approach, with a focus on innovation and business results.
- Experience mentoring others or leading team development is highly desirable.
Benefits
- 12% defined non‑contributory pension scheme.
- Annual company bonus.
- Income protection.
- Life cover—four times your salary.
Time away
- 28 days holiday a year plus bank holidays. You can also request to swap UK bank holidays for days off that have cultural or religious significance to you.
- The option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.
- Three days paid volunteering.
- Up to 16 weeks’ full pay for maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
Your Health
- Access to private medical insurance.
- Virtual GP appointments.
- Discounted gym membership.
- Free flu jab.
- Access to a wealth of support from our wellbeing partners.
We’re Making a Difference
Creating a brighter, more sustainable future underpins all that we do at Zurich. We were the first insurer to sign the ‘UN Business Ambition for 1.5˚C’ pledge. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, has awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.
Inclusive Employer
As an inclusive employer we want to ensure that all candidates feel comfortable and are able to perform at their best during the interview. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed when you apply. If you require an alternative method of applying, please send an email to recruitment@uk.zurich.com.
Senior Development Underwriter - Mid-Market Retail Insurance - Birmingham employer: Zurich 56 Company Ltd
Zurich is an exceptional employer that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being, offering a competitive salary package alongside a comprehensive benefits scheme, including a generous pension plan and extensive holiday options. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and continuous improvement, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship in the dynamic field of mid-market retail insurance. Join us in Birmingham to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a positive impact in the industry and the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Underwriter - Mid-Market Retail Insurance - Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, especially those in mid-market retail insurance. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential employers or networking contacts, highlight your experience in underwriting complex risks and your strategic approach to business development. We want to see how you can drive growth and make an impact at Zurich.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Zurich’s market position and recent developments in the insurance sector. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your insight-led strategy. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you can easily keep track of your application status and any updates. Let’s get you that Senior Development Underwriter role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Underwriter - Mid-Market Retail Insurance - Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Development Underwriter role. Highlight your experience in mid-market retail insurance and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive strategic growth.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with Zurich's goals. Don’t forget to mention your experience in building relationships with brokers and clients.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires advanced technical and analytical skills, be sure to include specific examples of how you've assessed and structured complex risks in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your expertise and confidence.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zurich 56 Company Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mid-market retail insurance knowledge. Understand the latest trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the industry.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves engaging with brokers and clients, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders in the past. This will highlight your ability to drive strategic growth for Zurich.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss complex risks you've assessed and how you structured solutions. Use specific examples to illustrate your advanced technical and analytical skills. This will prove that you can take ownership of high-value risks effectively.
✨Emphasise Mentoring Experience
If you've mentored others or led team development, make sure to highlight this during the interview. Discuss how you've fostered collaboration and continuous improvement in your previous roles. This aligns perfectly with Zurich's focus on mentoring and teamwork.
