At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to deliver impactful insurance solutions for public services.
- Company: Join Zurich, a leading provider in insurance and risk management.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, competitive pension, and health benefits tailored to your needs.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and a collaborative mindset are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to well-being and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis.
Location: Nationwide - travel required to Farnborough, London, Fareham & Birmingham
Closing Date: 26th January 2026
The opportunity: This is an exciting opportunity to hold a key Leadership position in a successful and growing business – developing our people and delivering for our customers. As Portfolio Lead for the Zurich Municipal Public Services team, you will work closely with the Head of Market and Leadership team to manage delivery of our commercial plans, provide oversight of our operational performance and manage the profile of our underwriting portfolio to ensure a sustainable book over the long-term. A strategic and influential role, you will be an analytical thinker who is comfortable working with data, competent in interpreting underwriting and insurance KPI’s. As a leader in our business, you will help create the team environment for our people to deliver for our customers, each other, our shareholders and our communities.
Your day-to-day role will see you working within and outside of your immediate team, engaging with a broad range of stakeholders across our organisation from Underwriting & Sales Leadership Teams, Finance, Claims, Reserving, Zurich Resilience Solutions and more.
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 the interview about the flexibility you may need.
What will you be doing?
- Working with the Head of Market and National Sales Manager to deliver commercial plans and priorities – delivering growth in our chosen markets
- Reporting of portfolio performance – monthly and quarterly performance evaluation; performance against plan, key trends and recommendations.
- Segmenting and analysing our book; looking to issues and opportunities
- Maintaining existing, and as appropriate enhancing our operational reporting suites to manage our operational performance and commercial delivery
- Working as part of a team to shape our business strategy in response to major market shifts.
- Operational Performance Oversight - reporting on work states and escalating key issues as required
Who are we looking for?
- Excellent analytical and evaluation skills - familiarity with business intelligence suites, such as PowerBI, and manipulating data sets using Excel or Python Code preferred.
- The confidence to make sound and timely decisions – drawing inferences from data as necessary - and approach novel problems with creative solutions.
- Outstanding communication skills – to listen and understand the views of all related stakeholders and the implications for the insurance portfolio.
- A customer focused mindset – how they consider the implications for and need of customers in managing a portfolio
- High levels of inquisitiveness – never short of a question
- An excellent collaborator – working with individuals at all levels of the organisation for the success of the portfolio.
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.
What happens next? As an inclusive employer we 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.
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 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 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 of our applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability or any other protected characteristic.
We have an environment that places real importance on our people’s well‑being from a physical, mental, social and financial perspective. We work with our well‑being 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.
So, make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.
Portfolio Lead - 12 Month Fixed-Term employer: Zurich Insurance
Contact Detail:
Zurich Insurance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Lead - 12 Month Fixed-Term
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and think about how you can contribute to their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Lead - 12 Month Fixed-Term
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Portfolio Lead role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and help us deliver for our customers.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires excellent analytical abilities, don’t shy away from sharing specific examples of how you've used data to make decisions or solve problems in the past. We love a good story that showcases your skills!
Communicate Clearly: Outstanding communication is key! Ensure your application is clear and concise, reflecting your ability to convey complex ideas simply. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can engage with various stakeholders effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zurich Insurance
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Portfolio Lead, you'll need to be comfortable with data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to underwriting and insurance. Familiarise yourself with tools like PowerBI and Excel, and be prepared to share examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about leadership and collaboration. Think about your previous experiences leading teams and how you foster a positive environment. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve motivated your team or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your ability to create a supportive atmosphere for your colleagues.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You'll be working with various stakeholders, so it's crucial to show that you can communicate effectively. Prepare to discuss how you've engaged with different teams in the past and how you’ve navigated complex relationships. Highlight your customer-focused mindset and how it has influenced your decision-making.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the company’s strategy, culture, and the challenges they face in the market. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your inquisitive nature, which is highly valued in this position. It’s a great way to demonstrate that you’re thinking critically about how you can contribute.