Specialist Risk Engineer - Construction in Chelmsford

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

Salary: C£70,000, depending on experience, plus allowances and car.

Home based (UK South-East / London) with UK and International travel.

Closing Date: 30th January 2026.

Who we are:

Zurich is one of the world’s leading insurance groups, and one of the few to operate on a global basis. Our mission is to help our customers understand and protect themselves from risk. We help individuals, small and medium sized companies and global corporations around the world understand and protect themselves from risk by offering a wide range of insurance products, solutions and advisory services. Risk selection, pricing, and improvement are fundamental to the success of Zurich. Doing this effectively requires specialist expertise and understanding of the industries our customers operate in, and the hazards to which they are exposed. Zurich’s in-house risk engineering team provide that expertise, which is something that sets us apart in the eyes of our customers.

The opportunity:

This is a fantastic opportunity to work within our risk engineering business, Zurich Resilience Solutions (ZRS), as a Construction Risk Engineer. You will be responsible for independently assessing complex construction risks in accordance with ZRS internal procedures and standards. You will act as an expert resource to Zurich Underwriting, Claims and the global risk engineering network on construction-related subjects. In addition, you will collaborate with insurance market partners, clients, and internal teams, providing guidance and support that enhances risk management standards. For more experienced candidates, there will be opportunities to mentor junior risk engineers, contribute to process improvements, and take on leadership responsibilities. This is a home-based role and will require occasional travel to our London office and to our client sites in the UK and internationally.

What will you be doing?

• To assist underwriters by assessing complex construction projects, and operational civil engineering assets risk quality. This involves assessing broker and customer project submissions to produce desk top risk assessment reports.
• Undertaking ‘Potential Maximum Loss’ analysis for Property Damage, Schedule Delays, Business Interruption and Liability.
• To carry out site-based risk engineering surveys of worldwide construction projects and produce clear technical reports for internal or external distribution.
• To support claims validation and investigation processes.
• To provide thought leadership and technical insight on risk features of related construction industries, including lessons from losses.
• To contribute to ZRS business development by seeking new customers and risk engineering opportunities.

What are we looking for?

Successful applications will need to demonstrate the following requirements:

• Bachelors or Master’s degree in Civil and/or Structural Engineering.
• Chartered Member of either Institute of Civil Engineering (ICE) or Institute of Structural Engineering (IStructE).
• Excellent knowledge of the construction industry, including experience of working on complex multidisciplinary infrastructure projects and construction sites.
• Excellent working knowledge of a variety of construction materials and methods and understanding of industry risk management practice.
• Ability to produce concise and accurate technical reports to tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to self-motivate.
• Having experience of working within commercial insurance market would be beneficial, but not essential.

We are committed to continuous improvement, and we offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.

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.

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 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.

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