Senior Development Underwriter - Mid-Market Retail Insurance

Senior Development Underwriter - Mid-Market Retail Insurance

132634

Senior Development Underwriter - Mid-Market Retail Insurance

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?

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. These include a 12% defined non-contributory pension scheme, an annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.

Our Culture

At Zurich, our sense of community is strong and we're particularly passionate about diversity and inclusion, which we've won numerous awards for. We want our people to bring the whole of themselves to work and ensure everybody is made to feel welcome, regardless of their background, beliefs or culture.

We also place real importance on our people's wellbeing-physical, mental, social and financial. We work with our wellbeing partners and industry experts to provide the best advice and access to a wealth of lifestyle support. We're committed to continuous improvement, and we offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.

We're passionate about supporting employees to help others by getting involved in volunteering, charitable and community activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest-established corporate trusts in the UK and has awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.

Financials

• 12% defined non contributory pension scheme.
• Annual company bonus.
• Income protection.
• Life cover - four times your salary.

Time away

• 28 days holiday a year plus bank holidays.
• You can also request to swap UK bank holidays for days off that have cultural or religious significance to you.
• The option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.
• Three days paid volunteering.
• Up to 16 weeks' full pay for maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

Your health is important to us

• Access to private medical insurance.
• Virtual GP appointments.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Free flu jab.
• Access to a wealth of support from our wellbeing partners.

We're making a difference

• Creating a brighter, more sustainable future underpins all that we do here in Zurich. We were the first insurer to sign the 'UN Business Ambition for 1.5 C' pledge.
• Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, has awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.

We'd love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please send an email to

So make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported, Love what you do. Work for us.