At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Marine underwriting strategy across Europe and drive portfolio performance.
- Company: Join a global leader in specialty insurance with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, annual bonus, and flexible holiday options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the marine sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Expertise in marine underwriting and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Working hours: This role is available on a part‑time, job‑share or full‑time basis.
Location: London
Closing date for applications: 31st July 2026
The opportunity: Global Specialty is a strategic growth business within Zurich, combining market‑leading underwriting, claims and risk engineering expertise to deliver tailored solutions for clients across Marine, Energy, Financial Lines, Construction, Cyber, Credit & Surety, Accident & Health and other specialty lines. Our Marine Europe business supports international trade by providing specialist insurance solutions for a broad range of marine risks.
What will you be doing?
- Set and oversee execution of the Marine underwriting strategy across Europe, ensuring alignment with business objectives and delivery of target portfolio performance.
- Take accountability for portfolio performance through the use of data, analytics, performance metrics and market insights, identifying opportunities and risks and implementing changes where required.
- Monitor and analyse market trends, customer needs, distribution dynamics and regulatory developments relevant to the marine sector and adjust strategy accordingly.
- Hold ultimate accountability for financial results across the European Marine portfolio.
- Collaborate closely with Claims, Risk Engineering, Distribution and other internal stakeholders to achieve business objectives and deliver strong customer outcomes.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key clients, brokers and market partners to support profitable portfolio growth, and engage with reinsurers, regulators and rating agencies as required.
- Participate in regulatory, compliance and governance‑related activities relevant to the line of business.
- Ensure the development of appropriate underwriting capabilities across Marine and foster a proactive, inclusive approach to talent development, succession planning and recruitment.
- Act as a subject matter expert, supporting the development and delivery of line‑of‑business underwriting training across the region.
- Drive continuous improvement of underwriting tools, processes and operational efficiency across the Marine line of business.
- Act as a referral point for underwriting decisions requiring higher levels of empowerment and support underwriters on the largest and most complex individual deals.
- Lead and contribute to underwriting reviews, identifying performance trends and ensuring agreed actions are implemented.
What are we looking for?
- Demonstrated expertise in underwriting marine risks and managing marine underwriting portfolios, with a proven track record of delivering profitable growth and driving portfolio performance.
- Deep understanding of the European marine market, underwriting landscape and regulatory environment.
- Strong portfolio management capabilities with experience leveraging data‑driven insights to inform strategic decisions.
- Proven ability to develop and implement underwriting strategies across multiple markets.
- Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to lead, motivate and foster a culture of trust, accountability and high performance across geographically dispersed teams.
- Strong technical underwriting expertise and credibility within the market.
- Exceptional influencing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging with senior executives, brokers and external partners.
- Highly effective communicator with the ability to build strong internal and external relationships.
- Strong commercial acumen and customer‑centric mindset.
- Excellent English language skills.
What will you get in return?
We offer a range of employee benefits, including a 12% defined non‑contributory pension scheme, an annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some holiday, alongside a range of other flexible benefits.
We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected characteristic. Any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed during the interview can be discussed with us.
We look forward to a fair and inclusive application process and encourage all candidates to apply.
Head of Marine - Europe in London employer: Zurich Insurance
At Zurich Insurance, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values flexibility and inclusivity. Our Strategic Account Manager role offers a collaborative work culture with opportunities for professional growth, supported by a comprehensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme and the ability to tailor your holiday options. Join us in London or from anywhere in the UK, and be part of a team that empowers you to make a meaningful impact while balancing your personal and professional life.
