At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead underwriting for UK Contract and Commercial Surety, driving portfolio growth and exceptional service.
- Company: Join Zurich, a global leader in insurance with a strong commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your career in the London Market.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in underwriting and strong financial analysis skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values wellbeing and community involvement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Working hours: This role is available on a part time, job share or full time basis.
Salary: Competitive salary plus an excellent benefits package!
Location: London - hybrid working with at least 3 days in our Mark Lane office.
Closing date for applications: 4th February 2026
The opportunity
Are you an experienced underwriter in UK Contract and Commercial Surety, ready to take the next step? Or perhaps a senior underwriter with extensive experience looking to bring your expertise to play a pivotal role in driving the success of our Surety business at the heart of the London Market? If so, we would love to hear from you!
Joining our Commercial Insurance business in London, you will be a key member of our Surety Underwriting team, helping to grow our portfolio by delivering exceptional service and underwriting expertise to brokers and customers.
Key responsibilities
- The facility and bond underwriting within individual underwriting authority and for providing recommendations for approval by credit committee for facilities and bonds outside of individual underwriting authority.
- Participation on credit committees with authority alongside other credit committee members to approve larger facilities and bonds underwritten by Zurich's UK Surety team.
- Negotiate bond wordings, indemnities and other recourse documents for new and existing facilities including negotiations with external solicitors and clients.
- Act as referral point for other members of the team for bond enquiries, indemnity and recourse documentation.
- Develop a pipeline of facility and bond enquiries through client, internal Zurich relationships, cross selling and broker relationships.
- Identifying and developing new surety products and target segments.
- Implementing new operational improvements.
What are we looking for?
- Proven experience in underwriting UK Contract and Commercial Surety business
- Strong financial analysis skills, with the ability to review and interpret financial statements to assess the creditworthiness of Surety clients
- Solid understanding of indemnity structures and how they apply in practice
- Collaborative approach and a strong team player
- In depth knowledge of Surety bond wordings and associated documentation
- Ideally, a well established network of contacts within the UK Surety market
What will you get in return?
Everyone's different. That's why at Zurich, we offer a wide range of employee benefits so our people can choose what fits them and their life. Our benefits provide real flexibility so our people can make considered choices and tailor their benefits throughout the year. Our benefits include 12% defined non contributory pension scheme, annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.
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.
Who we are
At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world and the best global insurer. Together we're creating a brighter future for our customers, our people and our planet.
With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, you'll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company who are a long standing player in the insurance industry.
We've made a promise to each other and every employee; to focus on sustainable impact, to care about each other's wellbeing, to use our diverse expertise to be curious and optimistic and to develop the skills needed for our future.
If you're interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment for a company that recognises and rewards your creativity, initiatives and contributions - then Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.
Our Culture
At Zurich, our sense of community is strong and we're particularly passionate about diversity and inclusion, which we've won numerous awards for. We want our people to bring the whole of themselves to work and ensure everybody is made to feel welcome, regardless of their background, beliefs or culture. We want our employees to reflect the diversity of our customers, and so are committed to treating all of our applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability or any other protected characteristic.
We've an environment that places a real importance on our people's wellbeing from a physical, mental, social and financial perspective. We work with our wellbeing partners and industry experts to provide the best advice and access to a wealth of lifestyle support. We're also committed to continuous improvement and we offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.
We're passionate about supporting employees to help others by getting involved in volunteering, charitable and community activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest established corporate trusts in the UK. In that time, we've awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.
Financials
- 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 is important to us
- 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 here in 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.
Senior Surety Underwriter employer: Zurich 56 Company Ltd
Contact Detail:
Zurich 56 Company Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Surety Underwriter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the Surety market and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your financial analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you assess creditworthiness and negotiate bond wordings. We want to see your expertise shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your collaborative spirit! During interviews, highlight examples of how you've worked with teams to drive success in underwriting. We love seeing candidates who can play well with others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Zurich.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Surety Underwriter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Surety Underwriter role. Highlight your experience in UK Contract and Commercial Surety, and don’t forget to showcase your financial analysis skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your underwriting expertise and collaborative approach. Let us know why you’re excited about joining Zurich!
Showcase Your Network: If you have a well-established network within the UK Surety market, make sure to mention it! This can really set you apart from other candidates. We love seeing how you can leverage your connections to help grow our portfolio.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and values while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zurich 56 Company Ltd
✨Know Your Surety Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK Contract and Commercial Surety. Be ready to discuss specific underwriting cases you've handled, as well as your understanding of indemnity structures and bond wordings. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but have real expertise to bring to the table.
✨Show Off Your Financial Skills
Since strong financial analysis skills are crucial for this role, prepare to demonstrate how you've reviewed and interpreted financial statements in past positions. Bring examples of how your analysis has influenced underwriting decisions or improved outcomes for clients.
✨Network Like a Pro
Having a well-established network within the UK Surety market can set you apart. Before the interview, think about how you can leverage your connections to benefit the company. Mention any key relationships you have with brokers or clients that could help grow their portfolio.
✨Be a Team Player
This role requires collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively in teams before. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues with bond enquiries or contributed to credit committees. Highlighting your collaborative approach will resonate well with the interviewers.