Principal Underwriter - Life Insurance

A new transformational adventure awaits you… 

How does 5 weeks of annual leave, a fulfilling career you'll genuinely enjoy, and working for a reputable organization that promotes wellbeing and drives digital transformation sound to you?

As one of Forbes 2024 ‘World’s Best Employers’ and Fortune’s ‘World’s Most Admired Companies’ for 2025, Zurich - a leader in the insurance industry, is on a journey towards a brighter future… A brighter future for you - focused on your career, your wellbeing, and your community - as well as our customers and the planet.

Join us on this thrilling journey as we work towards our vision of becoming Australia's leading digital insurer. If you're eager to be part of a values-driven global organisation that's experiencing real growth and transformation, and if you share our commitment to making a tangible difference and taking continuous steps towards a sustainable future for our people, customers, communities, and our planet, then keep reading!
 

Let’s create a brighter future together, let’s make a difference

It’s important to know, what you do matters. At Zurich, we don’t just cover, we care.

The Principal Underwriter within Zurich’s Life Underwriting Retail Team plays a key role in the success of the business. This position is highly interactive, engaging with advisers, customers, and both internal and external stakeholders. Core responsibilities include assessing new business, policy additions, and changes for Life, TPD, Trauma, and Income Protection, ensuring decisions are made to a high standard and in line with Zurich’s underwriting philosophy. The Principal Underwriter also provides technical support, guidance, and coaching, participates in development activities, and acts as an ambassador for the team.

Additional duties involve case checking, countersigning, contributing to process improvements, managing adviser panels, delivering presentations, and maintaining strong relationships across the business. A solid understanding of reinsurance and authority limits is essential for success in this role. Progression to other underwriting roles is possible upon meeting competency and skills benchmarks.

Important to your success – let’s grow together

• Extensive experience in individual life underwriting, with high-level underwriting authority.
• Advanced ability to assess medical, financial, and occupational risks.
• Strong knowledge of life insurance products, services, and current industry trends.
• Expertise in relevant regulations, legislation, and compliance standards.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Skilled in mentoring, coaching, and providing technical support to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Strong customer focus and commitment to delivering outstanding service.
• Proven time management and organisational skills
• Adaptability to Agile working environments and changing business needs.
• Integrity, professionalism, and a positive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Recognised industry qualifications (e.g. ANZIIF Cert IV, ALUCA CPLI or equivalent)
• A growth mindset, self-motivated, and proactive in managing personal development and learning.

Belong. Zurich is here to support you

 
There are so many reasons why Zurich is a great place to be and the right choice for you, but here are just a few.

• Enjoy 5 weeks of annual leave for permanent staff through our Z leave initiative, along with 15 days of personal/carer’s leave as we empower our people to manage their own wellbeing. Plus, access to Family Care (parental leave).
• Benefit from a hybrid working arrangement – 2 days in the office and 3 days working from home per week for full-time employees.
• Access programs to stay healthy and feel healthier, receive an AUD$500 wellbeing payment per year, and a AUD$295 new starter e-voucher for your work-from-home setup (flex work - hybrid working), along with other great benefits through our Shine portal.
• Grow and thrive in your career with our award-winning training programs. We support and encourage your development because our strength lies in our people, and we value your individuality.
• Work with global, diverse, and inclusive teams; explore your passions, fuel innovation, drive equity, collaborate, and make a positive difference beyond your role.
• Take advantage of global mobility opportunities across more than 200 countries worldwide.
• Volunteer and work in our state-of-the-art Green Star rated offices (when you are in the office) and dress for your day.
• We plant a tree for every new employee.
• Not to mention our various employer of choice awards/memberships – WGEA; Family Inclusive Workplace; Gold AWEI Employer, Pride in Diversity… to name a few.

We could go on, but the main point is that Zurich is a great place to be, where you can truly belong, be yourself, maintain work/life balance, and thrive in a supportive environment. 
 

Zurich is an equal opportunity employer.  We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is fair and accessible for all candidates. If you require any special accommodations to participate in our recruitment process, we encourage you to please let us know at the time of your application.  
 

So, if you want to come on an adventure that will build a brighter future together, and feel a sense of togetherness, then please apply today to start your adventure!