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Zurich North America

Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director- Contract Surety

Zurich North America, WorkFromHome

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Executive Underwriter or AVP, Underwriting Director – Contract Surety

Zurich North America is looking for an Executive Underwriter or AVP/Underwriting Director for the Contract Surety Line of Business. This highly technical, market-facing position requires experience in surety lines, strong underwriting knowledge, and leadership in managing a team of production underwriters. The role is based in Owings Mills, Maryland with hybrid arrangements in East PA, Bethesda Maryland, DC, or North VA and requires approximately 20% travel.

Responsibilities

  • Work with minimal direction to underwrite and analyze new and renewal business within delegated authority levels for highly complex assignments.
  • Demonstrate specialized knowledge of products and industry.
  • Administer and monitor underwriting rules, guidelines, insurance laws, regulations, and rating manuals.
  • Use maximum authority limits and coordinate on the most technically complex assignments.
  • Build and maintain relationships with distributors (agents & brokers) to support business retention and acquisition.
  • Act as a help point for agents, brokers and customers, providing technical guidance and training to lower-level underwriters.
  • Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities and identify growth opportunities through detailed assessments with key distributors.
  • Qualify accounts to align with the organization's appetite while ensuring sound business opportunities.
  • Negotiate terms & conditions and close deals with agents, brokers, and customers.
  • Cross‑sell other lines of business to increase product density within accounts.
  • Participate in sales team meetings related to assigned brokers and territory.
  • Engage in target account process, managing a qualified list of opportunities 90‑120 days before effective date.
  • Update required systems with broker/client visit details and account status within specified timeframe.
  • Serve as key contact for assigned target accounts.
  • Develop strong broker and client networks related to the business units and industries underwritten.
  • Calculate target price accurately using underwriting tools.
  • Lead product development and sponsor underwriting initiatives.
  • Develop training and manage emerging issues within the business unit.
  • Resolve technical issues and provide coverage expertise with claims.
  • Develop underwriting manuals, programs, and guidelines.
  • Handle and review large/complex underwriting submissions and annual reviews.
  • Benchmark and establish best practices, and act as a mentor.

Basic Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5+ years in underwriting, banking, mortgage, finance, or market-facing area.
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10+ years in claims or underwriting support area.
  • Zurich approved Apprenticeship program with associate degree and 3+ years in underwriting, banking, mortgage, finance, or market-facing area.
  • Zurich approved Apprenticeship program with associate degree and 8+ years in claims or underwriting support area.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Experience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business.
  • Experience working in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree.
  • Advanced knowledge and practice of lines of business.
  • Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing regulations, and guidelines.
  • Ability to assess risk effectively.
  • Ability to work in a team-based environment.
  • Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business.
  • Strong presentation skills.

Compensation

Salary range: $103,300–$223,700 nationwide (Executive Underwriter: $103,300–$169,100; AVP/Underwriting Director: $136,500–$223,700). Short‑term incentive bonus eligibility: 15% for Executive level, 20% for AVP/Director level.

EEO Statement

Zurich North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Location & Work Details

Office: Owings Mills, Maryland (Hybrid - East PA; Bethesda, Maryland; DC or North VA). Remote Working: Hybrid. Schedule: Full Time. Hiring Level: Executive Underwriter or AVP/Underwriting Director. Employment Sponsorship Offered: No.

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