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About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated individual to join Zurich’s Global Specialty Underwriting team as Head of Marine – Europe. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the underwriting strategy and performance of Zurich's Marine portfolio across Europe, driving profitable growth, portfolio optimisation and underwriting excellence whilst ensuring consistent execution across the region.

Responsibilities

Set and oversee execution of the Marine underwriting strategy across Europe, ensuring alignment with business objectives and delivery of target portfolio performance.
Take accountability for portfolio performance through the use of data, analytics, performance metrics and market insights, identifying opportunities and risks and implementing changes where required.
Monitor and analyse market trends, customer needs, distribution dynamics and regulatory developments relevant to the marine sector and adjust strategy accordingly.
Hold ultimate accountability for financial results across the European Marine portfolio.
Collaborate closely with Claims, Risk Engineering, Distribution and other internal stakeholders to achieve business objectives and deliver strong customer outcomes.
Develop and maintain relationships with key clients, brokers and market partners to support profitable portfolio growth, and engage with reinsurers, regulators and rating agencies as required.
Participate in regulatory, compliance and governance-related activities relevant to the line of business.
Ensure the development of appropriate underwriting capabilities across Marine and foster a proactive, inclusive approach to talent development, succession planning and recruitment.
Act as a subject matter expert, supporting the development and delivery of line of business underwriting training across the region.
Drive continuous improvement of underwriting tools, processes and operational efficiency across the Marine line of business.
Act as a referral point for underwriting decisions requiring higher levels of empowerment and support underwriters on the largest and most complex individual deals.
Lead and contribute to underwriting reviews, identifying performance trends and ensuring agreed actions are implemented.

Requirements

Demonstrated expertise in underwriting marine risks and managing marine underwriting portfolios, with a proven track record of delivering profitable growth and driving portfolio performance.
Deep understanding of the European marine market, underwriting landscape and regulatory environment.
Strong portfolio management capabilities with experience leveraging data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions.
Proven ability to develop and implement underwriting strategies across multiple markets.
Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to lead, motivate and foster a culture of trust, accountability and high performance across geographically dispersed teams.
Strong technical underwriting expertise and credibility within the market.
Exceptional influencing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging with senior executives, brokers and external partners.
Highly effective communicator with the ability to build strong internal and external relationships.
Strong commercial acumen and customer-centric mindset.
Excellent English language skills.

Skills

Marine underwriting
Portfolio management
Data analysis
Market analysis
Leadership
Stakeholder management
Negotiation
Communication
Commercial acumen
Customer focus

Location

London

Work Type

Part-time
Job-share
Full-time
Hybrid

Experience Level

Senior

Benefits

12% defined non-contributory pension scheme
Annual company bonus
Private medical insurance
Option to buy up to an additional 20 days holiday
Option to sell holiday
Range of other flexible benefits

About the Company

Global Specialty is a strategic growth business within Zurich, bringing together deep technical expertise, disciplined underwriting and global capabilities to help customers manage complex and evolving risks.
Zurich aspires to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world.
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.
At Zurich, our strength comes from the diverse experiences, perspectives and talents of our people.
We’ve created an environment that places real importance on our people’s wellbeing from a physical, mental, social and financial perspective.
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.

Equal Opportunity

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.