Head of Retail Pricing in Birmingham

Head of Retail Pricing in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 72000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Zurich Insurance

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic pricing team and drive innovative strategies for retail pricing.
  • Company: Join Zurich, a global leader in insurance with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.
  • Other info: Be part of a community-focused company dedicated to employee wellbeing and continuous development.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of retail pricing and make a real impact in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in retail pricing with strong analytical skills and strategic mindset.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.

Working hours

This role is available on a part‑time, job‑share or full‑time basis.

Location

You can be based in our London, Birmingham, or Whitely office. Regular travel to our London office will be required.

Package

Competitive salary + £7,608 car allowance + 25% bonus opportunity

Closing date

31st October 2025

Opportunity

Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the future of retail pricing? Do you have the strategic mindset, curiosity and energy to inspire a high‑performing team, drive innovation and deliver commercial impact? We’re looking for a forward‑thinking Head of Retail and Zurich Municipal Pricing to lead our UK‑based team of approximately 40, challenge the status quo, and deliver pricing excellence across our Retail and Zurich Municipal portfolio.

Our Retail and Zurich Municipal (ZM) portfolios includes high‑volume portfolios, such as traded fast flow and delegated business, as well as oversight of more complex Mid‑Market, case underwritten and High Net Worth (HNW) segments.

This newly created role, reporting directly to the Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO), sits within the underwriting leadership team and plays a pivotal role in shaping the continuous improvement of the pricing function. In this highly visible role, you will balance business‑as‑usual (BAU) priorities with long‑term strategic deliverables, ensuring both immediate and future business impact. You’ll drive regular prioritization of deliverables, collaborating across teams and focussing resources on high‑impact projects. You’ll bring expertise in both direct and delegated authority pricing, ensuring alignment with underwriting performance and our commercial objectives.

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.

Responsibilities
  • Lead and develop a high‑performing pricing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Set the strategic direction for UK retail pricing, including both strategic and tactical development plans for pricing tools, models, data and analysis, and driving forwards and implementing the actuarial components of the agreed strategy.
  • Lead and manage both BAU and long‑term deliverables, ensuring clear business impact and regular review of priorities with an agile mindset.
  • Translate complex pricing analysis into clear, actionable insight and recommended action plans for Retail and ZM business leaders to deliver outcomes at pace.
  • Provide strategic direction, lead and support the implementation of model price, rate revisions, rate development, competitor benchmarking, rate proposals for case and portfolio rated business.
  • Proactively engage and challenge stakeholders across the business, fostering collaboration, healthy debate and influencing outcomes on strategic portfolio and individual account pricing decisions.
  • Lead pricing governance for Retail and ZM ensuring delivery of pricing activities within UK and group guidelines and ensuring compliance with FCA, CBI and other regulator pricing rules.
  • Lead, mentor and develop department of actuarial professionals, providing input to or leading global training and people development initiatives; implement talent management and succession planning; lead a team with one or more reporting levels; responsible for functional budget and expense management.
  • Work closely with the Head of Commercial Pricing and UK CPA to drive cross‑functional pricing and broader team initiatives.
  • Key Member of the Underwriting Leadership team, bringing experience and influence as a senior leader, while taking ownership and accountability for outcomes.
Qualifications
  • A strategic leader with strong experience in retail pricing and a proven track record of delivering commercial value through data‑driven strategies, while consistently achieving results in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Qualified actuary (or equivalent analytical background), with deep technical expertise and a strong understanding of pricing methodologies, modelling, and digital solutions. (AI/data enrichment highly desirable)
  • Commercial acumen suited to Zurich UK’s strategic focus, with the ability to translate market insights into pricing actions that drive profitable growth.
  • Leadership experience across pricing teams, with proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high‑performing teams.
  • Strategic mindset, capable of shaping and evolving retail pricing capabilities to support Zurich’s go‑to‑market strategy and business objectives.
  • Change leadership, driving innovation through the use of data, technology, and advanced analytics to enhance pricing sophistication and underwriting performance.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify and communicate complex pricing concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
Certified Persons

This role is a Certification Regime role that is subject to Fitness & Propriety standards under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR). The successful candidate will be offered the position subject to the successful completion of Regulatory Reference requirements.

Benefits

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.

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.

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.

Join Us

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

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Head of Retail Pricing in Birmingham employer: Zurich Insurance

At Zurich, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions flexibility and inclusivity. With competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, and opportunities for professional growth, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally. Our commitment to diversity, community engagement, and employee wellbeing ensures that you will be part of a supportive team dedicated to making a positive impact in the insurance industry.

Zurich Insurance

Contact Details:

Zurich Insurance Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Retail Pricing in Birmingham

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Retail Pricing in Birmingham

Strategic Leadership
Retail Pricing Expertise
Data-Driven Strategies
Pricing Methodologies
Modelling Skills
Digital Solutions Knowledge
Commercial Acumen

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Zurich Insurance.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Zurich Insurance's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Zurich Insurance

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Zurich Insurance.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Zurich Insurance will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Zurich Insurance employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.