Senior Construction Underwriter
Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis.
Location: London – Hybrid working with a minimum 3 days in the office
Closing date for applications: 15th April 2026
The opportunity
We are looking for a Senior Construction Underwriter to join an established and successful growing team. You will be responsible for Underwriting and managing some of the most complex global schemes including Project Specific covers (CAR / EAR, DSU) and Sustainable Energy exposures.
You will take a solution-oriented approach as you develop and maintain a strong network of relationships with our Broker partners and our Customers. Interaction and cooperation with other Lines of Business as needed to ensure we are able to respond to our customers’ needs. You will also assist in the training and development of more junior underwriters and underwriting assistants in the team.
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?
- Independently underwrite and analyse new and renewal business within delegated authority limits, managing highly complex and high‑value risks.
- Partner closely with the Risk Engineering team on major projects to assess exposures and support informed underwriting decisions.
- Act as a subject matter expert, providing guidance, coaching, and technical support to others in the team..
- Build and maintain strong internal and external relationships with customers and brokers to support retention, growth, and delivery of tailored insurance solutions.
- Proactively identify and pursue renewal and new business opportunities, effectively promoting Zurich’s capabilities to the market.
- Assess and qualify risks in line with underwriting appetite, balancing profitability, exposure management, and lead underwriting opportunities.
- Negotiate terms and conditions, demonstrating strong commercial acumen to successfully structure and close deals.
- Provide expert input on coverage matters and support Claims on complex coverage issues.
- Benchmark market practices and contribute to the development of underwriting best practice and standards.
- Represent Zurich at internal and external industry events, forums, and client engagements.
What are we looking for
- A technical engineering degree or equivalent practical experience within construction or engineering disciplines.
- Strong industry background in civil engineering, infrastructure, oil & gas, or petrochemicals.
- Proven experience working within an insurer or reinsurer, underwriting Engineering Lines, ideally with an established presence in the London market.
- Experience operating in a multicultural and international business environment.
- In‑depth knowledge of construction insurance policy wordings, including LEG, DE, and equivalent broker and market clauses.
- A disciplined and analytical approach to exposure evaluation, risk assessment, and technical pricing.
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. 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
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.
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
So make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported, Love what you do. Work for us. #LI-Hybrid
The 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.