Commercial Underwriter – Engineering & Surety (Assistant Manager)

About the role

The Commercial Underwriter – Engineering & Surety (Assistant Manager) manages Zurich’s Engineering and Surety portfolios in Kuala Lumpur. The role provides market‑facing underwriting capabilities, formulates and executes underwriting, portfolio and go‑to‑market strategies, and drives profitable growth.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct in‑depth portfolio analysis to assess performance, identify trends, and make strategic recommendations.
• Underwrite new and renewal business within delegated authority, collaborating with actuaries, claims, and other departments.
• Negotiate terms with intermediaries, gather market feedback and identify cross‑selling and up‑selling opportunities.
• Manage pipeline, referrals and technical queries from branches, ensuring data quality and compliance with policies.
• Develop and review underwriting processes and policies to align with strategic business objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders, regional underwriting teams and external partners to improve service and commercial viability.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate qualification with at least 10 years of engineering underwriting experience.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans, lead underwriting teams and grow business in a complex environment.
• Strong market‑facing presence and extensive industry network in the local market.
• Demonstrated knowledge of insurance portfolio management, KPIs, regulatory requirements and reinsurance markets.