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 salary, flexible working options, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours and job-share options available to fit your lifestyle.
- 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
At Zurich, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. As a Portfolio Support Underwriter in Manchester or Leeds, you'll benefit from a range of tailored employee benefits, including a generous pension scheme and private medical insurance, while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and collaboration within a dynamic team. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a role that encourages curiosity and analytical thinking, all within a company that prioritises your individual needs and career aspirations.
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 might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its values. Show us how your analytical skills can make a real impact on their portfolios. Tailor your examples to highlight your curiosity and proactive mindset!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your data analysis skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in the past. We love candidates who can turn complex data into meaningful insights, so show us what you've got!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Support Underwriter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Portfolio Support Underwriter role. Highlight any analytical work you've done, especially if it relates to data insights or underwriting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to showcase your curiosity and proactive mindset. Share specific examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve performance in previous roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to analyse complex data and turn it into actionable insights. Mention any tools or systems you're familiar with that can help in this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to 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 prepared to discuss how you've used data in the past to drive insights. Think of specific examples where your analysis made a difference.
✨Show Your Curiosity
This role requires a naturally curious mindset. During the interview, ask insightful questions about the company's portfolio performance and how they measure success. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
You'll be working closely with various teams, so emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share experiences where you built strong relationships across departments and how that led to successful outcomes.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
Since the company values flexible working arrangements, be open about your own needs. Discuss how you can adapt to different workloads and pressures, and share examples of how you've successfully managed your time in previous roles.