Trainee Underwriter: Leeds

Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis (Monday to Friday).

Location: Leeds (Hybrid working, minimum 50% office based).

Salary: £26,228 plus excellent benefits, career progression and full study support.

Closing date for applications: 30th September 2026.

The opportunity: Our team members help our broker partners provide insurance solutions to small and medium sized businesses who are the backbone of the UK economy. We are currently expanding our team and are looking for individuals to join and support the continued growth and development of our SME Underwriting Centre. We are looking for Trainee Underwriters to come and join us in Leeds, and this could be you!

Working in our team, you will analyse and underwrite new and renewal business, interact with Brokers to support their customers and work as part of a diverse team in a fast-paced environment. If you pride yourself in providing excellent customer service every day, then you could be the perfect fit. In this role communication and quick learning is key, in turn you will get to experience working for a global, truly people centric organisation. We will support you with extensive training and a structured career pathway to help you grow and develop. Alongside this, you’ll work with supportive colleagues in a fantastic team environment.

Please note: this role includes a structured training programme during the first 8–12 weeks. If you have any pre-booked holidays during this period, please inform us at the application stage so we can plan accordingly.

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?

• Build and manage relationships with Brokers, by listening, understanding and meeting customer needs to support onboarding new business and retaining existing customers through delivering excellent service.
• Support Zurich's culture by demonstrating trading and negotiation behaviours.
• Develop sound risk and business awareness alongside learning our organisation's risk appetite.
• Quote and set coverage, negotiate terms and conditions on New Business, Mid Term Adjustment and Renewals.
• Make Outbound calls to Brokers, demonstrating a desire to win business, alongside managing tasks, Inbound Calls and Live Chat.
• Resolve technical problems by referring to policies, procedures, specifications and on short-term, defined scope projects.
• Administer and monitor underwriting rules and guidelines and insurance laws and regulations.
• Be an active team member of a large multi-location Underwriting environment.

What are we looking for?

• Excellent communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of the insurance industry/Financial Services and the legal and regulatory environment is preferable but not essential.
• A solutions and service orientation.
• Team player.
• Strong skills in relationship building, active listening, needs analysis and win-win negotiating.

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.

You can find out more about our wide range of employee benefits on our website.

Who we are: 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.