Underwriting Assistant - Financial Institutions

Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis.

Location: A commitment to work from our London Mark Lane office 2 to 3 times a week.

The opportunity: Start your underwriting career with Zurich. Ready to build a career in one of the most dynamic corners of the London insurance market? Join our Financial Institutions (FI) underwriting team and help protect some of the world's most complex and high-profile clients – with the training, mentoring and progression to grow into a fully‑fledged underwriter.

Why Financial Institutions? Our clients are the organisations that power the global economy: international banks, asset managers, insurers, private equity firms, fintechs, payment providers and crypto exchanges. The risks they face are complex, fast‑moving and often make the headlines — from AI threats and regulatory enforcement to executive liability, cyber, and financial crime. You’ll get a front‑row seat to how global finance really works and build technical expertise that’s genuinely in demand.

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 talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may need.

What will you be doing? As an Underwriting Assistant within the Financial Institutions team, you will:

• Underwriting and Risk Analysis
  • Analyse new and renewal submissions alongside experienced underwriters.
  • Review financial data, loss records and risk information to identify key exposures.
  • Prepare referral packs for underwriters.
  • Contribute to rating and pricing decisions using our underwriting tools.
• Broker and Market Engagement
  • Build broker relationships as a trusted day‑to‑day point of contact.
  • Respond to broker queries and drive follow‑ups to completion.
  • Deliver quotes, endorsements and renewal documentation accurately and on time.
• Portfolio and Business Management
  • Contribute to portfolio reviews and produce reporting insights.
  • Participate in driving profitable growth across the portfolio.
• Operations and Continuous Improvement
  • Process risks, endorsements and documentation with accuracy and pace.
  • Ensure data quality in our underwriting systems.
  • Champion process improvements and share ideas that make us better.

What are we looking for?

• Curiosity about financial services and a genuine interest in how businesses manage risk.
• A sharp eye for detail and confidence working with numbers and complex information.
• Clear communication skills – you can explain things simply, in writing or on a call.
• A collaborative mindset and enjoy building strong relationships across teams.
• A proactive approach – you spot opportunities and aren’t afraid to suggest improvements.
• A long‑term interest in building a career in specialty underwriting.
• A commitment to work from our London Mark Lane office 2 to 3 times a week.
• Previous experience in insurance, financial services or a numerate field is welcome but not essential. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, even if you don’t tick every box above.

What you’ll get: We invest in our people because we know great careers are built on great support. Join us and you’ll enjoy:

• Professional qualifications – full sponsorship for CII/ACII study, including exam fees, study leave and materials.
• Structured development – tailored onboarding, technical training and mentoring from experienced underwriters.
• A clear career path – many of our Underwriting Assistants progress into Underwriter roles, and we’ll help you get there.
• London Market exposure – hands‑on experience with global clients, brokers and complex risks from day one.
• Competitive rewards – market‑aligned salary, annual bonus, pension, private medical cover and wider wellbeing benefits.

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, alongside a range of other flexible benefits.

At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world. Together, we’re creating a brighter future for our customers, our people and our planet. With over 65,000 employees, you’ll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company that is 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 where your creativity, ideas and contributions are recognised and rewarded, Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.

Our culture: At Zurich, our strength comes from the diverse experiences, perspectives and talents of our people. Our goal is to create a workplace where every employee can flourish and where everyone feels valued, heard and respected. Over a quarter of our employees are members of at least one of our inclusion communities (Employee Resource Groups), with groups focused on areas such as social mobility and cultural awareness. We’re proud to have received numerous industry awards recognising our diversity and inclusion policies and initiatives.

We’ve created an environment that places 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 practical advice and access to a wide range of lifestyle support, alongside opportunities to learn, grow and develop the skills needed for the future.

We actively support our employees to give back to their communities through volunteering and charitable activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest‑established corporate trusts in the UK. Together, we’ve supported causes across the UK through grants and volunteering, contributing over £100 million in funding and volunteered time.

Your application: We’re committed to treating all applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected characteristic. As an inclusive employer we also 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.

We’d love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please send an email to recruitment@uk.zurich.com.

So, make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.

The 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.