At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse data to improve portfolio performance and support underwriting teams.
- Company: Join a supportive and flexible team at Zurich in Manchester or Leeds.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, annual bonus, private medical insurance, and flexible holiday options.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with your analytical skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, analytical mindset, and a willingness to learn; insurance background preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis.
Location: Manchester or Leeds, Hybrid.
Closing date for applications: 21st May 2026.
The opportunity:
Are you naturally curious, analytical, and eager to make an impact? As a Portfolio Support Underwriter, you’ll play a key role in helping us continually improve the performance of our regional portfolios. You’ll use your analytical skills to turn complex data into meaningful insights that support our underwriting, sales, and management teams. This means working with multiple data sources, applying different analytical techniques, and bringing a positive, proactive mindset to everything you do. You’ll be joining a supportive, friendly, and busy team where you’ll feel included and valued from day one. 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?
This is a varied role where no two days are the same. You’ll work closely with the local Portfolio Support Team, other Regional PSTs, Retail Underwriting Analytics, and Retail Underwriting leadership. You’ll report into the Regional Underwriting Leader and collaborate regularly with underwriting, sales, and management colleagues. Your responsibilities will include:
- Reviewing Quote, New Business, retention and tiering performance.
- Analysing profitability, exposure, hazard grades, and business mix.
- Assessing broker performance across a range of metrics.
- Providing insight into Line of Business sensitivities, hotspots, and trends.
- Using data to uncover underlying patterns and support portfolio understanding.
- Ensuring data quality and process effectiveness.
- Partnering with the RUL and Portfolio team to recommend actions and support strategy changes.
- Monitoring progress on improvement initiatives.
- Supporting underwriters and the RUL with ad hoc data and insight requests.
What are we looking for?
- An inquisitive, proactive mindset with a genuine interest in understanding what drives portfolio performance.
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively, building strong relationships and networks across the business.
- An insurance background with knowledge of the retail marketplace, plus confidence using multiple systems to analyse data.
- Underwriting experience is preferred but not essential—full training will be provided.
- Strong attention to detail and the confidence to challenge processes and recommendations where needed.
- Flexibility to adapt your approach to different workloads and pressures, with the ability to think on your feet and solve problems effectively.
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.
Equal Opportunity:
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.
Portfolio Support Underwriter employer: Zurich Insurance
Contact Detail:
Zurich Insurance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Support Underwriter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its culture. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your analytical skills with real data sets. Being able to discuss how you’ve turned complex data into insights will impress the hiring team and show you’re ready for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Support Underwriter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Analytical Skills: Make sure to highlight your analytical skills in your application. We want to see how you can turn complex data into meaningful insights, so share examples of how you've done this in the past!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the Portfolio Support Underwriter role. Mention specific experiences that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Be Proactive and Curious: We love candidates who show a proactive mindset and curiosity. In your application, express your eagerness to understand what drives portfolio performance and how you can contribute to our team’s success.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zurich Insurance
✨Know Your Data
As a Portfolio Support Underwriter, you'll be dealing with complex data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data in the past to drive insights. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to turn numbers into actionable strategies.
✨Show Your Curiosity
This role requires a naturally curious mindset. During the interview, express your eagerness to learn and understand what drives portfolio performance. Ask insightful questions about the company's current challenges and how you can contribute to solving them.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
You'll be working closely with various teams, so it's crucial to demonstrate your collaborative spirit. Share experiences where you've successfully built relationships across departments and how that led to improved outcomes. This will show you're a team player who values inclusivity.
✨Be Flexible and Adaptable
Flexibility is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changing workloads or pressures in previous positions. Highlight your problem-solving skills and give examples of how you've navigated challenges effectively while maintaining a positive attitude.