At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead actuarial services and provide strategic insights for the UK Life business.
- Company: Join a leading firm with a strong focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, 12% pension scheme, annual bonus, and flexible holidays.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Influence high-level decision-making and drive transformation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified actuary with 5+ years of experience and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Working hours: part-time, job-share or full-time basis. Salary: Attractive compensation package depending on experience plus an excellent benefits package. Location: Swindon, hybrid working. Closing date for applications: 3rd June 2026.
The opportunity We are looking to appoint a Deputy Chief Actuary for the UK Life business. This senior leadership role supports the UK Life Chief Actuary and their wider team, who are responsible for reserving, capital management, and oversight of pricing governance across the business. You will play a key role in providing insight into business performance, shaping actuarial strategy, and contributing to UK-wide strategic initiatives and transformation activity. The UK Life Actuarial function consists of around 50 people. You will lead a team, reporting directly to the UK Life Chief Actuary. This role offers strong visibility across the UK and the wider Group, with regular interaction at senior level including the EMEA Chief Actuary, UK Life CFO and UK Life CRO. It is an excellent opportunity to operate at the heart of the business and influence decision‑making at the highest level.
What will you be doing?
- Leading actuarial services, ensuring delivery of high‑quality and robust outputs
- Making informed actuarial recommendations based on professional judgement and experience
- Reviewing actuarial principles, methodologies and economic assumptions used across reserving, regulatory, statutory and management reporting
- Supporting the cascade of Group strategy into the UK Life actuarial function, including leading and overseeing change initiatives such as Accelerated Close and the development of rolling forecasts
- Contributing to strategy development and portfolio management, ensuring actuarial considerations are embedded into business decisions
- Providing thought leadership on complex actuarial and portfolio issues, supporting both local and global priorities
- Leading complex analyses and special projects, including providing insight on mergers & acquisitions and supporting system developments requested by Group Actuarial and Group Finance
- Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, including UK, regional and Group Chief Actuaries, as well as UK Life executive leadership (including the UK Life CFO, UK Life CRO and UK Life CEO)
- Leading cross‑functional initiatives to improve data quality, availability and governance to enable deeper and more granular analysis
- Driving continuous improvement across actuarial processes and leading key change and transformation projects within the UK Life Actuarial function
- Ensuring robust governance of baselining processes in line with Group, Regional and Local regulatory requirements
- Leading, developing and mentoring a team, with accountability for team performance, engagement and development
- Supporting the production of the ZAL Actuarial Function Report (AFR) and contributing to key governance forums, including the UK Life Reserving Committee, deputising for the Chief Actuary where required
- Taking a lead on regulatory matters, including regulatory reporting and engagement
In addition, you will support the UK Life Chief Actuary with:
- Driving improvements to capital modelling and capitalisation activities, including management actions
- Capital calculations, modelling and reporting
- Validation and review of PRA submissions and regulatory reporting
- Oversight of internal models across the Group, including SST, economic models and IFRS analysis
- Embedding capital models into business decision‑making, including product strategy, reinsurance and strategic asset allocation
- Delivering ad‑hoc modelling and capital analysis to support business needs and additional reporting requirements
What are we looking for?
- Fully qualified actuary (FIA or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years’ post‑qualification experience
- Degree (or equivalent) in a numerate discipline such as Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Engineering or a related field
- Strong ability to influence, negotiate and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders
- Proven analytical capability, with strong business acumen and the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable insight
- Experience operating across multiple actuarial or business areas, with a broad understanding of life insurance dynamics
- Track record of leading teams and delivering through others, with a focus on development and engagement
- Experience in improving and enhancing automation of delivery of key Actuarial Reporting processes
- Ability to navigate complexity and provide thought leadership on challenging actuarial and business issues
What will you get in return?
We offer a wide range of employee benefits to allow you to tailor your package. Benefits include a 12% defined non‑contributory pension scheme, an annual company bonus, private medical insurance and flexible holiday options. Additional benefits and flexibility are available throughout the year. We’re committed to treating all applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their background, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected characteristic.
Deputy Chief Life Actuary in Swindon employer: Zurich Insurance
As a Deputy Chief Life Actuary at our Swindon location, you will join a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation, offering a hybrid working model to support work-life balance. With an attractive compensation package and a comprehensive benefits scheme, including a generous pension plan and private medical insurance, we prioritise employee well-being and professional growth. Our inclusive work culture fosters development opportunities, allowing you to influence strategic decisions at the highest level while leading a talented team in a pivotal role within the UK Life business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Life Actuary in Swindon
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at companies you’re interested in. Networking can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
If you can, set up informational interviews with professionals in your field. This is your chance to ask questions, learn about their experiences, and showcase your enthusiasm. Plus, it’s a great way to get insider tips on landing that Deputy Chief Life Actuary role!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences. Prepare examples of how you’ve led teams or improved processes in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate for the position.
✨Follow Up Like a Boss
After any interview or networking event, send a follow-up message thanking them for their time. This not only shows your appreciation but also keeps you fresh in their minds. A little courtesy can go a long way in making a lasting impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Life Actuary in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Deputy Chief Life Actuary role. Highlight your leadership experience, analytical capabilities, and any relevant projects you've led that showcase your ability to influence senior stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to strategic initiatives or led teams in the past, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Showcase Your Qualifications:As a fully qualified actuary, make sure to clearly state your qualifications and relevant experience. We want to see your post-qualification experience and how it relates to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zurich Insurance
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Deputy Chief Life Actuary, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Brush up on key actuarial principles and methodologies relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in past positions, especially in areas like capital management and pricing governance.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This role involves leading a team and influencing senior stakeholders. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight your ability to mentor others and drive change initiatives, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the UK Life insurance market and the company's position within it. Be ready to discuss current trends and challenges in the industry, and how your insights can contribute to strategic initiatives and transformation activities.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Ask about their approach to regulatory matters or how they envision the future of actuarial services within the organisation. This not only demonstrates your engagement but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
