At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic growth and lead the underwriting of complex mid-market retail insurance risks.
- Company: Join Zurich, a global insurer committed to sustainability and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and comprehensive employee benefits.
- Other info: Flexible work arrangements available to suit your lifestyle.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the insurance sector while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in mid-market retail insurance underwriting and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis.
Salary: Competitive package + company car.
Location: Midlands / Birmingham.
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? Zurich is creating a Senior Development Underwriter role to champion the new business strategy and strengthen the position across the mid-market retail insurance sector.
As Senior Development Underwriter, you will drive Zurich’s growth agenda across mid-market retail portfolios. This is a new and visible role, designed to accelerate business development and deliver strategic impact. You will 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.
Flexibility: Many of our employees work flexibly, including part-time, flexible hours, job share, homeworking, or compressed hours. Please discuss your flexibility needs at interview.
Responsibilities:
- 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.
Qualifications:
- 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 indicate any reasonable adjustments or practical support needed when you apply.
What you get in return:
Zurich offers a wide range of employee benefits so our people can choose what fits them and their life. Benefits provide flexibility to tailor choices throughout the year, including a defined pension scheme, annual bonus, private medical insurance, and the option to buy up to 20 additional days or sell some holiday.
Who we are:
Zurich aspires to be a responsible and impactful global insurer. With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, we support customers, people, and the planet. We are committed to sustainable impact, wellbeing, diversity, and continuous development.
Senior Development Underwriter - Mid-Market Retail Insurance - Birmingham employer: Zurich
Zurich is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a competitive salary package alongside flexible working arrangements tailored to individual needs. With a strong commitment to sustainability and diversity, employees are encouraged to thrive in a collaborative environment while driving strategic growth in the mid-market retail insurance sector. The opportunity for mentorship and continuous development ensures that every team member can contribute meaningfully and advance their career within a globally respected organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Underwriter - Mid-Market Retail Insurance - Birmingham
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry professionals! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with folks in the industry. This isn’t just about asking for a job; it’s about learning from their experiences and getting insider tips. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the field!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create content that highlights your knowledge in mid-market retail insurance. Whether it’s writing articles or sharing insights on social media, this positions you as a thought leader and makes you more attractive to potential employers.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply directly through our website. It not only streamlines your application but also shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Zurich. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Underwriter - Mid-Market Retail Insurance - Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Development Underwriter role. Highlight your experience in mid-market retail insurance and any relevant achievements that showcase your strategic leadership and business development skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and built relationships in the past, and don’t forget to express your passion for the insurance industry!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires advanced technical and analytical skills, make sure to highlight your expertise in assessing complex risks. Use clear examples to demonstrate how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. 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 Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mid-market retail insurance knowledge. Understand the latest trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes in the industry. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves engaging with brokers and clients, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully influenced stakeholders or secured new business. This will highlight your ability to drive strategic growth.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss complex risks you've assessed in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your advanced technical and analytical skills. This will reassure the interviewers that you can take ownership of high-value risks and provide bespoke solutions.
✨Emphasise Mentoring Experience
If you've had experience mentoring others or leading teams, make sure to bring it up. Discuss how you've fostered collaboration and continuous improvement within your team. This aligns perfectly with Zurich's focus on coaching and supporting regional teams.
