Head of Marine - Europe

Head of Marine – Europe

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

Location: London

Closing date for applications: 31st July 2026

The opportunity

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. With specialist teams across Marine, Energy, Financial Lines, Construction, Cyber, Credit & Surety, Accident & Health and other specialty lines, Global Specialty combines market‑leading underwriting, claims and risk engineering expertise to deliver tailored solutions for clients around the world.

Our Marine Europe business plays a vital role in supporting international trade and commerce by providing specialist insurance solutions across a broad range of marine risks. Working closely with customers, brokers and colleagues across the region, the team offers deep technical expertise in marine underwriting and portfolio management, helping clients navigate an increasingly complex risk landscape while driving profitable and sustainable growth.

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.

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?

• 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.

What are we looking for?

• 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.

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.

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.

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