Senior Life Underwriter in Birmingham

Join to apply for the Large Case Life Underwriter role at Zurich. This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis (37.5 HPW). Location: Flexible – home-working contracts available.

The opportunity: At Zurich, we’re on an exciting journey of change and transformation. Our aim is to be the leading Retail Protection provider for advisers, customers, and colleagues alike. As our business grows, we’re now looking for a passionate, detail-focused Large Case Underwriter to join our successful team. Large Case Underwriting is where complexity meets opportunity. You’ll be responsible for assessing high-value Life, Critical Illness, and/or Income Protection applications with substantial Sum Assureds, including analysis of automatic medical reports, medical exams, blood tests, financial questionnaires, and accounts. You’ll work closely with Reassurers, as well as our Sales and Pricing teams, to deliver bespoke and competitive pricing solutions. Providing timely updates to advisers and building excellent relationships will help us deliver outstanding customer service. We value those who challenge us to improve, and we offer a supportive and flexible workplace focused on development and growth.

Flexibility: Many employees work flexibly in various ways, including part-time, flexible hours, job share, remote work, or compressed hours. Please discuss your needs at interview.

Responsibilities

• Assess large, complex life insurance applications, making high-quality, timely decisions in line with Zurich’s philosophy and frameworks.
• Analyze and interpret a wide range of medical evidence, financial documentation, and risk factors.
• Liaise with Reassurers and internal teams to create bespoke, competitive offers.
• Engage and develop relationships with strategic accounts and deliver a market-leading service.
• Build strong working relationships with Sales, Pricing, and other functions.
• Support and mentor colleagues, sharing expertise to develop the team.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement with integrity and a positive attitude.
• Train and support team members, providing coaching where needed.

What are we looking for?

• Authority to underwrite high-value protection products (Life, Critical Illness, and/or Income Protection).
• Strong analytical skills and ability to make informed decisions on complex cases.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain decisions and negotiate outcomes.
• Experience working in a team environment and independently.
• High attention to detail with a track record of quality results.
• Good IT skills and familiarity with underwriting systems.

What will you get in return?

Zurich offers a wide range of employee benefits to provide real flexibility and enable you to tailor benefits throughout the year. Benefits include a 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.

Inclusive recruitment: We want all candidates to feel comfortable and to perform at their best during the interview. You’ll be able to let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed when you apply.

At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world and the best global insurer. With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, we’re a long-standing player in the insurance industry. We focus on sustainable impact, wellbeing, and continuous development. We’re committed to diversity and inclusion and to treating all applicants fairly and with respect.

We’re passionate about supporting employees to help others through volunteering and community activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, has awarded grants and volunteered time in the UK valued at over £90 million.

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