Strategic Protection Specialist

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

Location: Home based with frequent travel throughout the UK

Closing date for applications: 1st September 2026

The opportunity: 

Zurich is focused on its ambition to become one of the leading protection providers in the intermediary protection market and we are looking for a new Strategic Protection Specialist, to complement an existing team and help Zurich achieve its ambitious plans for retail protection.  

You will add valuable outside-in experience of intermediary distribution and operate at a senior strategic level. Working closely with our senior leaders, you will help develop and deliver exciting targeted strategic plans and drive new business initiatives that create profitable growth and great customer outcomes.   

You will need to be tenacious, passionate and driven in what you do, comfortable working at CEO and director level and focused on success. This role will be homebased, with frequent travel throughout the UK as you look to create strong relationships with some of the largest distributors in the intermediary market. 

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 a Strategic Protection Specialist, you will utilise your experience, specialist knowledge, negotiation skills and business acumen to leverage and create new business generative strategies, action plans and initiatives that will forge deeper and trusted relationships and drive the increase of profitable and good quality new protection business.

Some of the the other areas of your role will include: 

• Initiation, creation and delivering strategic plans and initiatives with a panel consisting of top tier strategic partners and key accounts that will drive growth of profitable new business 
• Create and deliver engaging sales campaigns tailored to strategic partners and key accounts and lead and drive through successful growth plans and projects by being project sponsor  
• Support the continued evolution and delivery of business quality objectives with distribution partners in delivering actionable outcomes and quality improvement goals  

What are we looking for?

• Experience working at a senior / strategic level in financial services   
• Ability to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of sales performance metrics and analytical skills to optimise account management  
• Experience and/or ability of presenting at senior / CEO level to influence and shape strategic growth of the account 
• Experience of presenting at conference or platform events to large audiences  
• Ability to represent the distribution team internally and successfully engage and drive outcomes from different business units to achieve business goals  
• Have experience of or demonstrate an aptitude for commercial acumen and distribution risk management 
• Proven negotiation skills to ensure maximum return on investment from Marketing Service Agreements. And to be able to assess and complete compliant, customer focused and commercial assessments and recommendations.   

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, alongside a range of other flexible benefits

You can find out more about our wide range of employee benefits on our website.

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.

Your application:

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

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