Head of UK Surety

The opportunity

Do you have a background in Underwriting UK Contract and Commercial Surety? Are you looking for a new opportunity to challenge yourself? If so, we would love to hear from you!

We're looking for an experienced Surety Underwriter to lead our UK Surety team and drive growth and profitability in our UK book of business.

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.

Location: London

Closing date for applications: 18th September 2025

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

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.

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

The responsibilities

• Lead and develop our UK Surety underwriting team, fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and customer focus.
• Define and execute the UK Surety strategy, ensuring alignment with Zurich's wider Specialty Lines and Commercial Insurance objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, clients, and partners to drive business growth and deliver on our promise of a brighter future together.
• Oversee the underwriting of Surety risks, ensuring profitable growth and robust risk management in line with Zurich's appetite and governance standards.
• Monitor market trends, identify opportunities, and develop solutions that meet evolving customer and market needs.
• Represent Zurich as a thought leader within the Surety and wider market.

What are we looking for?

• Experience in Underwriting UK Contract and Commercial Surety.
• Knowledge and understanding of Surety Bond wordings.
• Ideally with an established network of contacts in the UK Surety market.
• Demonstrates proven leadership capabilities, with a passion for developing talent and fostering teamwork.
• Brings a commercial mindset and a track record of delivering results in a competitive environment.
• Communicates clearly and builds trust with colleagues, customers, and partners.
• Is forward-thinking, adaptable, and excited to shape the future of our business.

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.

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.

Our benefits by category

• Time away: 25 days holiday a year plus bank holidays; option to swap UK bank holidays for culturally or religiously significant days; 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.
• Health: Private medical insurance; Virtual GP appointments; Discounted gym membership; Free flu jab; Wellbeing support.
• Financial: 12% pension; Annual company bonus; Income protection; Life cover (four times salary).

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.
• Zurich Community Trust has awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.

Closing

The closing date for applications is 18th September 2025.