Executive Underwriter/AVP, Underwriting Director - Commercial Surety

Overview

Executive Underwriter/AVP, Underwriting Director - Commercial Surety is a role within Zurich North America’s Commercial Surety team, located in one of the following locations: Chicago, Schaumburg, IL, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, or Indiana. This position is responsible for the overall account management, business development and analysis of a highly complex book of Commercial Surety Accounts. The ideal candidate will have a can-do attitude, a strong financial background including credit analysis, excellent communication and presentation skills, time management skills, and the ability to develop and sharpen negotiation skills. Underwriters will use the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on highly complex assignments to provide high-level service to customers.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Commercial Surety Underwriter to apply analytical skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and relationship-building abilities with North Central region Brokers and Customers to write profitable business.

Responsibilities

• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Qualify accounts to meet the organization’s appetite, balance with sound business opportunity. Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals.
• Cross-Sell other lines of business to increase product density with the account.
• Update required systems with details of broker/client visits and account status within the specified time frame.
• Calculate Target Price accurately by utilizing underwriting tools appropriately.
• Diagnose and develop recommendations to solve unique business unit and customer problems.
• Demonstrate specialized knowledge and expertise in products and industry.
• Administer and monitor underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws and regulations, and rating manuals.
• Work at the highest authority limits on assignments utilizing the highest degree of technical complexity and coordination.

Basic Qualifications (Executive Underwriter)

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years in the Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area AND
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Experience working in a team environment

AVP, Underwriting Director - Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area
• OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area AND
• Experience with Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Surety knowledge/experience and knowledge of the legal and regulatory guidelines
• Understanding of structure of broker relationships
• Ability to analyze and understand complicated credit assessments, trends, and strategies
• Investigative skills (curiosity) to develop an understanding of business strategies, trends, complex contracts, assessment of long-term obligations and organizational character among other aspects of our customers
• Ability to coherently articulate these strategies and financial concepts formulating fact-based conclusions and recommendations
• Prior experience managing/growing profitable portfolio of customers
• Negotiation experience with brokers and large, international, and national organizations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Compensation & Benefits

At Zurich, compensation for roles is influenced by a variety of factors, including location, role, skill set, and level of experience. Zurich commits to providing a fair and reasonable compensation range for each role. The compensation indicated represents a nationwide market range and has not been adjusted for geographic differentials pertaining to the location where the position may be filled. The combined salary range for this position is $98,500.00-$215,000.00. The proposed salary range for the Executive Underwriter level is $98,500.00-$165,000.00, with Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility set at 30%. For the AVP, Underwriting Director level is $130,000.00-$215,000.00, with Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility set at 40%.

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. (Learn more about Total Rewards here.)

Why Zurich?

At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®. Join us for a brighter future—for yourself and our customers.

EEO & Other Notices

Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets.

Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code 1033.

Additional Details

Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.

Location(s): AM - Chicago, AM - Illinois Virtual Office, AM - Michigan Virtual Office, AM - Missouri Virtual Office, AM - Ohio Virtual Office

Remote Working: Yes
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No

How to Apply

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