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Senior SME Underwriter

131726

Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis (Monday to Friday) 
Location: Cardiff or Leeds (Hybrid working, minimum 50% office based) 

Closing date for applications: 19th March 2026 

 

The opportunity:  

We are seeking a Senior Underwriter to lead technical underwriting activities for our SME sector. The role ensures oversight and accountability for underwriting performance, from decision-making to the technical competence of SME Underwriters.  

  

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.     

  

Key responsibilities:  

  • Lead SME underwriting involvement and collaborate with key teams (Digital, Pricing & Portfolio) to deliver product, pricing, referral, and system improvements.  

  • Play a key role in the SME Centre leadership team, working alongside the Centre Manager and Team Managers to provide optimal outcomes for underwriters, brokers, and the business.  

  • Provide underwriting support to SME Underwriters.  

  • Support the Sales & Distribution team with broker engagement to promote growth in SME trading.  

  • Provide underwriting guidance, input to policy wordings, and own underwriting governance in SME.  

  • Offer technical referral support where authority is required outside the SME Centre.  

  • Diagnose and develop recommendations to solve unique business and customer/broker problems.  

  • Lead authority development and oversee technical training.  

  • Monitor underwriting initiatives and controls.  

  • Contribute to the continued development of MI & Data capability.  

  

Your skills and experience:  

  • In-depth knowledge and awareness of products across lines of business.  

  • Excellent organisational skills.  

  • Strong presentation, communication, and influencing skills.  

  • Ability to lead and inspire others.  

  • Solutions and service-oriented mindset.  

  • Educate and influence colleagues on data recording, accuracy, and governance processes to mitigate business risks.  

  • Review analysis themes to make informed, authoritative technical recommendations.  

  • Act as a conduit between the centre and senior management to support feedback and deliver key strategy messages and insights.  

  • Determine underwriting approaches to improve business performance in the medium and long term.  

  • Contribute to the development and review of underwriting processes and policies to align with strategic business objectives.  

  • Participate in leadership team meetings to provide specialist guidance and enable policy, project, and change initiative implementation.  

  • Research best practices and provide consultancy to support senior management in process and system improvements relevant to underwriting.  

 

  
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.  Follow the link for more information about our benefits -  Employee benefits | Working at Zurich Insurance UK   
 

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.   
  
Who we are:     
At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world and the best global insurer. Together we’re creating a brighter future for our customers, our people, and our planet.     
  
With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, you’ll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company who are a long-standing player in the insurance industry.    We’ve made a promise to each other and every employee; to focus on sustainable impact, to care about each other’s wellbeing, to use our diverse expertise to be curious and optimistic and to develop the skills needed for our future.       
 

If you're interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment for a company that recognises and rewards your creativity, initiatives, and contributions - then Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.    
   
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 want our employees to reflect the diversity of our customers and so are committed to treating all of our applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability or any other protected characteristic.    

  

We’ve an environment that places a real importance on our people’s wellbeing from a physical, mental, social, and financial perspective. We work with our wellbeing partners and industry experts to provide the best advice and access to a wealth of lifestyle support. We’re also 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. In that time, we’ve awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.    
  
So make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.     

 
Image icon Caring for your finances. The financials
  • 12% defined non-contributory pension scheme.
  • Annual company bonus.
  • Income Protection.
  • Life cover - four times your salary.
 
Image icon Caring for your wellbeing. 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.
 
Image icon Caring for your Health. 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.

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