Head of Short-Tail Lines

The Opportunity

 
As a key member of the Zurich Insurance Singapore Business Unit Executive Committee (EXCO), you will lead and manage the Short-Tail Underwriting Lines of Business (Engineering, Property, Technical Risk, Marine, and Energy – both onshore and offshore) for the Singapore Commercial Insurance Hub. You will also champion Short-Tail Lines across Asia for Group Underwriting, supporting Zurich’s commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future.

Key Accountabilities

• Oversee the selection and renewal of business, underwriting and analyzing new and existing accounts within delegated authority.
• Demonstrate deep expertise in our products and the broader industry, serving as a trusted subject matter expert.
• Administer and monitor underwriting guidelines, insurance laws and regulations, and rating manual rules to ensure compliance and profitability.
• Develop and implement action plans based on reviews of agency portfolios and performance trends, driving profitable growth.
• Build and maintain strong distribution relationships to support business retention and acquisition, working closely with customers to identify and address their insurance needs.
• Act as a key point of contact and support for agents, brokers, and customers, reinforcing Zurich’s sales culture.
• Lead the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards to deliver sustainable, profitable results.
• Actively contribute to the ZIC Singapore EXCO, helping to deliver business plans and strategic objectives.

Additional Job Functions

• Apply advanced knowledge of products and lines of business to drive results.
• Demonstrate exceptional managerial, team-building, and organizational capabilities.
• Leverage significant leadership experience to guide and inspire teams.
• Utilize strong relationship-building, listening, and negotiation skills to create win-win outcomes.
• Deliver compelling presentations and foster a solutions-driven, customer-oriented approach.

Business Accountabilities

• Set and agree on key performance targets and financial budgets to optimize business performance.
• Lead complex, cross-functional projects as part of major change or business improvement initiatives, often spanning over a year and involving multiple teams.
• Educate and influence senior colleagues by highlighting the impact of policies and governance, ensuring robust risk management.
• Review and interpret complex analysis to provide authoritative recommendations on underwriting strategies.
• Develop and review underwriting processes and policies to align with strategic business objectives.
• Manage relationships with key internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for service improvement and ensure commercial viability.
• Participate in leadership team meetings and global/regional communities to share best practices and align on customer needs.
• Oversee the development and implementation of rating tools and methodologies, delivering value to customers and ensuring commercial success.
• Support underwriter development across the business, ensuring the right capabilities are in place to achieve business goals.

Performance Management Accountabilities

• Lead and develop a diverse, high-performing team, setting clear objectives and reviewing performance.
• Model Zurich’s core values and foster a culture of integrity, collaboration, and excellence.
• Create and execute people management plans to ensure the right talent and capabilities are in place.
• Resolve significant business challenges by mobilizing the right internal and external resources.
• Take ownership of your own development and inspire others to do the same.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with 8+ years of relevant experience in the industry.

Contacts / Relationships

• High-level influencer with a strong external focus. The role requires effective negotiation and influence with senior external stakeholders, including vendors and senior management at customer organizations.

Functional/Technical Skills

• Building relationships to drive business – Expert
• Book Management – Expert
• Underwriting Knowledge – Expert

You are the heart & soul of Zurich! 

At Zurich, we like to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. We take an optimistic approach by focusing on the positives and constantly asking What can go right?

We highly value the experience and know-how of our employees and offer a wide range of opportunities across business areas to encourage you to apply for new opportunities within Zurich when you are ready for your next career step.

People are Zurich’s most important asset. Their varied skills, perspectives and experiences drive innovation. And they reflect the breadth and diversity of our customers, suppliers, communities and investors around the world. We are committed to attracting and retaining talented individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Let’s continue to grow together!

Location(s):  [[Singapore]] 

Recruiter name: [[Sharon Nichelle Wang]]