Chief Risk Officer (UK P&C)

Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis.

Location: Flexible UK  

We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking leader to join UK Risk as Chief Risk Officer, UK P&C and Head of UK Risk Change.

This is a unique opportunity to combine senior risk leadership with responsibility for working alongside the UK CRO to shape the future capability of the UK Risk function. As Chief Risk Officer for UK P&C, you will provide independent second line oversight, challenge and insight across the UK P&C business, ensuring risk-taking remains aligned with Zurich's risk appetite, policy framework and regulatory expectations.

You will act as a trusted adviser to senior business leaders, providing risk perspectives on strategic decisions, business performance, growth opportunities, major projects and emerging risks. Through strong business partnering, insightful challenge and influential communication, you will help drive better even decision-making and strengthen risk outcomes across the business.

In addition, you will lead the UK Risk Change agenda, driving the evolution of the Risk function to become increasingly insight-led, data-driven, efficient and technology-enabled. This includes leading transformation initiatives across reporting, data, AI,  and assurance.

Reporting directly to the UK Chief Risk Officer, you will be a member of the UK Risk Leadership Team and play a key role in shaping the future direction of risk management across Zurich UK.

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.

What will you be doing? 

1. UK P&C Chief Risk Officer

• Provide independent oversight, challenge and insight across the UK P&C business, ensuring alignment with risk appetite, regulatory requirements and the Risk Management Framework.
• Lead strategic risk engagement with P&C leadership teams, supporting decision-making on business performance, growth opportunities, material projects, outsourcing arrangements and emerging risks.
• Deliver forward-looking risk insights and thematic analysis to support Executive, Board and Risk Committee discussions.
• Lead the development of CRO reporting and management information, enhancing risk reporting through data, analytics and actionable insights.
• Oversee deep dives into key risk themes and priority business areas, providing independent challenge, assurance and recommendations to improve risk management outcomes.
• Oversee risk assessments and risk opinions for strategic initiatives, major business changes and material transactions.
• Support the identification, assessment, monitoring and management of risks across the UK P&C business.
• Promote a strong risk culture through effective stakeholder engagement, clear communication and pragmatic risk advice.
• Ensure effective operation of governance forums and support delivery of high-quality reporting to Executive committees.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, Group Risk Management and relevant regulatory bodies.

2. Head of Risk Change

• Lead delivery of the UK Risk Change programme and associated operating model improvements.
• Establish and oversee a Reporting, Data and AI Hub to enhance risk reporting, management information and data-driven assurance.
• Accelerate the practical use of AI, automation and digital tools across reporting, assurance and knowledge management activities.
• Enhance business partnering, assurance methodologies and risk insight capabilities across both Life and P&C businesses.
• Drive simplification, proportionality and transparency in how the Risk function delivers its mandate.
• Shape the future capability of UK Risk through improvements in technology, data, governance, operating model and ways of working.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and learning across the Risk function.

Qualifications and experience

We're looking for an individual who combines deep risk expertise with strong strategic leadership and transformation experience.

Essential experience

• Significant senior leadership experience within financial services, insurance or a regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of insurance risk management frameworks, governance and regulatory expectations.
• Proven experience of providing independent oversight, challenge and advice to senior management and Boards.
• Demonstrable success in leading transformation, change or operating model improvement initiatives.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and driving outcomes across complex organisations.
• Strong understanding of risk management disciplines, including operational, conduct, strategic and financial risks.
• Experience developing risk reporting, management information and insight-led decision support.
• Track record of building high-performing teams and leading through organisational change.

Desirable

• Experience working directly with UK regulators and supervisory bodies.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies, AI, data analytics and their application within risk management.
• Professional qualification in risk management, actuarial science, finance, accounting or a related discipline.

What you'll bring

• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into practical delivery.
• Strong commercial awareness and business judgement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Credibility and confidence operating with Executive and Board-level audiences.
• Curiosity, innovation and a passion for continuous improvement.
• Ability to balance constructive challenge with collaborative business partnering.
• Resilience, adaptability and a growth mindset.
• A commitment to developing people and building inclusive, high-performing teams.

We’re committed to treating all applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected characteristic.

As an inclusive employer we also 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.

We’d love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please send an email to recruitment@uk.zurich.com

Who we are

At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world. Together, we’re creating a brighter future for our customers, our people and our planet.

With over 65,000 employees, you’ll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company that is 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 where your creativity, ideas and contributions are recognised and rewarded, Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.

Our Culture

At Zurich, our strength comes from the diverse experiences, perspectives and talents of our people. Our goal is to create a workplace where every employee can flourish and where everyone feels valued, heard and respected.

Over a quarter of our employees are members of at least one of our inclusion communities (Employee Resource Groups), with groups focused on areas such as social mobility and cultural awareness. We’re proud to have received numerous industry awards recognising our diversity and inclusion policies and initiatives.

We’ve created an environment that places 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 practical advice and access to a wide range of lifestyle support, alongside opportunities to learn, grow and develop the skills needed for the future.

We actively support our employees to give back to their communities through volunteering and charitable activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest‑established corporate trusts in the UK. Together, we’ve supported causes across the UK through grants and volunteering, contributing over £100 million in funding and volunteered time.

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