Senior Underwriter, Surety

Zurich; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich Canada is seeking a Senior Surety Underwriter to bolster their Toronto team. In this hybrid role, you will be responsible for the production and underwriting of contract surety business while fostering and managing broker relationships. The ideal candidate will have a university degree in finance or a related field, along with strong risk assessment and negotiation skills. This position promises a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and comprehensive benefits, emphasizing a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Four weeks of vacation

Comprehensive health benefits

Continuous learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or post-secondary education in finance, accounting, or relevant field.
• Experience in handling requests under deadlines.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Underwriting new business and managing existing accounts.
• Conducting financial assessments of customers.
• Engaging in continuous marketing and relationship building.

Skills

Risk assessment

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Broker relationship skills

Education

University degree in finance, accounting, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Opportunity

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.

If you have experience in Surety Underwriting and are seeking a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Zurich Canada is currently looking for a Senior Surety Underwriter to join our dynamic Toronto Contract Surety team and contribute to our ongoing success.

Reporting directly to the National Director, Core Contract Surety, and collaborating with an experienced team of underwriters, you will enhance and fully apply your underwriting, financial and credit analysis, and marketing skills. Your responsibilities will include new business production, underwriting, and retention of existing accounts under limited direction, while actively engaging in the marketplace to elevate the Zurich Canada brand. The goal is to maximize underwriting profitability through The Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on accounts of moderate technical complexity, while ensuring high-quality service to customers.

This role offers a flexible, dynamic, and challenging environment for motivated professionals seeking to advance their careers in surety underwriting within a supportive environment where your voice matters.

This is a hybrid work opportunity.

What you will do

1. Production and underwriting of new and existing contract surety business.
2. Serve as key contact and underwrite an assigned portfolio of accounts with a modest level of autonomy.
3. Conduct thorough assessments of customer’s financial, technical, and organizational capacity within Zurich’s appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity, in accordance with department policies and procedures.
4. Provide detailed recommendations of bonds and account support utilizing your skills in financial and credit analysis.
5. Proactively seek new account opportunities by managing existing and developing new relationships with key brokers.
6. Make broker/customer and on-site calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
7. Negotiate account and/or bond-specific terms & conditions.
8. Participate in team meetings, providing updates related to your portfolio, brokers, territory, and market intelligence.
9. Proactively engage in the target account process, developing and managing a qualified list of opportunities.
10. Support internal marketing and production efforts, including cross-sell initiatives.
11. Engage in external marketing to new and existing broker partners.
12. Contribute to the development of underwriting manuals, programs, and guidelines.
13. Attend industry, broker, and customer events and functions regularly.
14. Model behaviors that demonstrate commitment to corporate values.
15. Provide guidance and support to team members.
16. Take action to manage your personal development.
17. Engage in business travel as required.
18. Work extended hours during peak periods as necessary.
19. Maintain a valid driver’s license if required.
20. Ensure regular, predictable attendance and visibility in the office as needed.

Job Qualifications

What you bring to the table

Required:

• University degree or post-secondary education in finance, accounting, banking (credit), or construction-related experience.
• Industry and surety product knowledge, including legal and regulatory environment.
• Understanding of broker relationship structures.
• Experience handling requests and new account submissions under tight deadlines.
• Effective risk assessment skills.
• Independent and strategic thinker with strong negotiation skills.
• Confident decision-maker with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong broker relationship skills.
• Proficiency in relationship building, active listening, needs analysis, multi-tasking, and negotiation.
• High level of customer service orientation.
• Excellent listening, verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred:

• Experience in banking and/or construction industries.
• Developer Surety experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Our Culture

We are proud of our culture, emphasizing Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging (DIEB). We encourage you to bring your whole self to work and aim to reflect the communities where we live and work. Our initiatives foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

We promote a collaborative culture that values diversity of thought, your input, and provides tools for you to make an impact.

We care about employee well-being, offering comprehensive health and benefits plans, a minimum of four weeks of vacation, and four personal days per year for personal reasons or mental health.

We support continuous learning through training and development opportunities.

We contribute to our communities through our talent, time, and resources. Our workplace culture has earned awards like Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and Insurance Business Canada’s 5-Star Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award.

Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of Zurich Insurance Group, a global insurer with about 55,000 employees worldwide. We have been serving the Canadian market for 100 years, providing insurance solutions for mid-sized and large companies, including multinationals. With over 500 employees across Canada, we combine global strength with local industry knowledge. Our goal is to be the first choice for risk management professionals. Learn more at www.zurichcanada.com.

A future with Zurich

Now is the time to advance your career and make a difference. Zurich values diverse perspectives and experiences, fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard. Join us in shaping the future of the insurance industry and building a brighter future for our people, customers, and communities.

We are committed to diversity and accessibility; please let us know if you require accommodations during the application process. Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. For more details, visit our website or contact our recruitment team.