Head of Wordings

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

Location: We’re flexible! You can be based from any of our Zurich offices.

Closing date for applications: 1st October 2025

The opportunity: 

Are you a seasoned insurance professional with a passion for precision in policy wordings? Do you thrive on shaping underwriting excellence and driving consistency across complex portfolios? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to lead our Wordings function within the Technical Underwriting team. You’ll lead a team which has technical ownership, management and accountability of core policy wordings across the 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?

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage a team of wordings technicians to deliver high-quality policy wording solutions.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and technical support to team members.
• Model behaviours that demonstrate commitment to corporate values.
• Support performance management discussions and encourage personal development across the team.

Policy Wording Ownership & Governance

• Own and oversee policy wordings across all Market Facing Units, ensuring consistency, clarity, and legal rigour.
• Review and provide central sign-off for policy wordings, offering expert guidance and support.
• Ensure wordings reflect regulatory requirements and align with business strategy.
• Provide clarity to stakeholders on roles and responsibilities related to policy wordings.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Work proactively with business units to ensure timely support and delivery of wording requests.
• Collaborate with underwriting, legal, compliance, and claims teams to ensure wordings are fair, structured, and customer-focused.
• Support wording improvements and transformation initiatives aligned with customer strategy and the UK business plan.

Research, Development & Continuous Improvement

• Research primary data sources and underwriting best practices to inform wording, product, and process development.
• Develop and lead defined projects to assess potential benefits and drive innovation.
• Prepare manuals and governance tools to reflect policy changes and ensure effective implementation.
• Act as a technical expert, conducting process reviews and initiating improvements to enhance customer service.

What are we looking for?

• Extensive experience in technical underwriting or legal/policy wording roles within the insurance industry.
• Deep understanding of insurance wordings, regulatory frameworks, and market practices.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical thinking.
• Ability to influence and drive change across complex environments.

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.  #LI-Hybrid