Job Description

  • Underwrite and manage a portfolio of SME Property insurance risks in accordance with company standards, underwriting authority, and service levels.
  • Assess and evaluate risk exposures to determine terms, premiums, and conditions
  • Collaborate with brokers, clients, and internal stakeholders to develop tailored insurance solutions
  • Contribute to portfolio profitability through sound underwriting judgment, pricing discipline, and risk selection
  • Participate in client and broker meetings to build and maintain strong business relationships
  • Provide technical expertise, mentoring, and support to junior underwriters as needed
  • Maintain compliance with local regulatory and global Zurich requirements
  • Contribute to product development and enhancement initiatives in the Property space. 

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in insurance, risk management, business, finance, or a related field.

  • A master’s degree (e.g., MBA) is beneficial but not always essential.

  • While not always mandatory, the following certifications are often preferred:

    • Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)

    • Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU)

    • ACII (Advanced Diploma in Insurance – UK)

    • Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) – for Canadian markets

  • 8–10+ years in property underwriting, preferably focused on SME or commercial segments.

  • Experience handling SME portfolios, with a deep understanding of the unique risk profiles, pricing strategies, and distribution models.

  • Demonstrated success in developing underwriting guidelines, pricing strategies, and risk appetite frameworks specific to SME business.

  • Previous team leadership or people management experience, ideally 3–5 years in a senior underwriting or management role.

  • Strong understanding of:

    • SME property products (e.g., package policies, business interruption, commercial buildings)

    • Risk assessment and selection tailored to small and medium businesses

    • Automated and manual underwriting processes

    • Pricing tools and data-driven underwriting platforms

  • Familiarity with digital platforms and underwriting tools, especially those supporting high-volume, low-touch underwriting environments.

  • Ability to lead and develop underwriters, set performance targets, and drive a strong underwriting culture.

  • Strategic mindset to balance growth and profitability in a competitive SME market.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with brokers, partners, and internal stakeholders.

  • Change management experience, particularly in digitization or process optimization within SME underwriting.

  • In-depth knowledge of:

    • Local and/or regional SME markets

    • Distribution channels (especially broker and agency networks)

    • Regulatory environment impacting SME insurance

  • Awareness of emerging risks (e.g., climate events, inflation, supply chain disruptions) affecting SME property exposures.