At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic growth and lead high-value mid-market retail insurance opportunities.
- Company: Join Zurich, a leader in the insurance industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, annual bonuses, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of mid-market retail insurance and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in underwriting and strong business development skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available to suit your lifestyle.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis.
Location: Midlands / Birmingham.
Closing date for applications: Friday 24th April 2026.
The opportunity:
Are you an accomplished underwriter with a passion for market growth and strategic leadership? Do you thrive on influencing the market, unlocking new opportunities, and shaping portfolios? At Zurich, we’re excited to announce a newly created Senior Development Underwriter position—offering the opportunity to champion our new business strategy and play a leading role in strengthening our position across the mid-market retail insurance sector. As Senior Development Underwriter, you will drive Zurich’s growth agenda across our mid-market retail portfolios. This is a new and highly visible role, designed to accelerate business development and deliver strategic impact. You’ll combine deep technical expertise with commercial acumen, leading the origination, negotiation, and underwriting of complex risks. Your ability to develop relationships with brokers, clients, and market influencers will be key to growing Zurich’s business and reputation.
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?
- Driving strategic growth: Lead the identification, development, and conversion of high-value mid-market retail insurance opportunities, positioning Zurich as an underwriter of choice.
- Market leadership: Build and leverage senior relationships with brokers, clients, and industry stakeholders to secure new business and enhance Zurich’s presence in target markets.
- Expert underwriting: Take ownership of complex, high-value risks—providing expert analysis, bespoke solutions, and profitable decision-making.
- Insight-led strategy: Monitor, interpret, and respond to market trends, competitor activity, and regulatory change—informing the development of market-leading propositions.
- Mentoring and collaboration: Coach and support regional teams, share specialist knowledge, and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement to drive commercial success.
What are we looking for?
- Significant experience in mid-market retail insurance underwriting, with a strong track record of business development and portfolio growth.
- Advanced technical and analytical skills—confident in assessing and structuring complex risks.
- Proven ability to engage, influence, and negotiate with senior brokers, clients, and internal stakeholders.
- A strategic, commercially minded approach, with a focus on innovation and business results.
- Experience mentoring others or leading team development is highly desirable.
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.
What will you get in return?
We offer a wide range of employee benefits so our people can choose what fits them. 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.
Senior Development Underwriter - Mid-Market Retail Insurance in Birmingham employer: Zurich
Contact Detail:
Zurich Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Underwriter - Mid-Market Retail Insurance in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their market position, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and keeps you on their radar.
✨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 at Zurich.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Underwriter - Mid-Market Retail Insurance in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Senior Development Underwriter role. Highlight your achievements in mid-market retail insurance and any strategic leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and built relationships in your previous roles—this is your chance to shine!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires advanced technical and analytical skills, be sure to include relevant certifications or training. Mention any complex risks you've successfully assessed or structured in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Zurich!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zurich
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the mid-market retail insurance landscape. Understand current trends, key players, and Zurich's position within the market. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic mindset and show how you can contribute to their growth agenda.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with complex risks and underwriting processes. Bring specific examples of how you've successfully assessed and structured high-value risks in the past. This will highlight your advanced technical skills and analytical abilities.
✨Build Relationships
Since relationship-building is crucial for this role, think of ways you've engaged with brokers and clients in previous positions. Share stories that illustrate your ability to influence and negotiate effectively, showcasing your interpersonal skills.
✨Emphasise Mentorship Experience
If you've mentored others or led team development, make sure to highlight this during the interview. Discuss how you've fostered collaboration and continuous improvement within your teams, as this aligns with Zurich's focus on mentoring and supporting regional teams.