LON Head of Property Real Estate

Head of Real Estate Underwriting

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

Location: London – Hybrid working with 3 days in our Mark Lane office.  

Closing date for applications: 10th June 2025

At Zurich, we are committed to supporting every employee to progress in their careers and therefore encourage internal moves through a transparent posting and selection process. We also ask you to inform your current line manager about your application beyond the first interviews in the spirit of transparency. 

The opportunity: 

We’re looking for an experienced Property underwriting manager to lead our Zurich Real Estate team across Domestic and International business. If you are looking for a new challenge and have experience managing a successful team and book of business, we would love to hear from you!

You’ll be responsible for the Property Underwriting strategy and go-to-market strategy to support future growth and profitability of Real Estate business.

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? 

As the Head of Real Estate Property Underwriting, your responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing the Underwriting and pricing strategies and business solutions to support future profitability and growth of the Real Estate business.
• Includes people management responsibility for the London Underwriting team.  
• Developing the risk strategy for Real Estate and ensuring alignment with the wider business goals and objectives.
• Evaluate complex exposures and trends across multiple risks and product areas.
• Manage the implementation of technical standards across the portfolio.
• Manage profit/loss for the Property Real Estate line of business.
• Manages portfolio of products. Identifying and prioritise opportunities to create or enhance products.
• Maintain operational focus and improvement in conjunction with Business Operational Functions.
• Demonstrate specialised knowledge and expertise in products and industry.
• Develop and strengthen external relationships with brokers and customers to sell Zurich’s value proposition.
• Invest in the development and training of the underwriting team.
• Build and promote a positive team culture.

What are we looking for?

• Extensive Underwriting experience in Property Line of business with specific focus on Real Estate.
• Strong influencing and negotiating skills.
• Strong internal and external relationship management skills.
• Managerial experience at a senior level.
• Experience managing and leading a team of Underwriters.
• Ability to demonstrate a strong understanding of our Governance and Controls environment.

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.