Underwriting Specialist, Programs

Zurich NA; Old Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Underwriting Specialist to join their dynamic team. This role offers a unique opportunity to thrive in a collaborative environment, focusing on commercial underwriting and managing complex assignments. You will engage with various departments and clients, ensuring excellent service while expanding your expertise in risk management. With a hybrid work arrangement, this position emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being, making it an exciting opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the insurance sector.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits

Generous vacation (minimum four weeks)

Personal days

Continuous development training opportunities

Community involvement support

Qualifications

• 5+ years in underwriting or market-facing roles required.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and time-sensitive quoting.
• Experience in a team environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and underwrite managing delegation of authority agreements.
• Collaborate with various departments for onboarding or renewing Programs.
• Negotiate terms and conditions, ensuring excellent service.

Skills

Commercial Underwriting

Risk Analysis

Negotiation

Team Collaboration

Microsoft Office

Bilingual Communication

Education

High School Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Underwriting Specialist, Programs

123122

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 commercial underwriting and are seeking a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Zurich Canada is currently seeking an Underwriting Specialist, Programs.

Reporting to the AVP of Programs, you will analyze and underwrite, managing delegation of authority agreements at both program and MGA levels, primarily focused on Property and Casualty, within The Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework. You will handle highly complex assignments, ensuring excellent service to customers.

This is a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and experience in a supportive environment where your voice matters.

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement.

What you will do

1. Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
2. Qualify Programs/MGA to align with the organization's appetite and sound business opportunities.
3. Collaborate with other functional areas to onboard or renew Programs/MGA, including Actuarial, Finance, Technical UW, Operations, Claims, Legal, and Compliance.
4. Address referrals outside the broker’s/MGA’s delegation of authority.
5. Build business cases as needed.
6. Understand Facultative reinsurance and/or Managing General Agent placements.
7. Make agent/broker/customer and on-site calls with clear purpose.
8. Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals.
9. Manage a qualified list of opportunities 120 to 180 days prior to the effective date.
10. Update systems with details of broker/client visits and account status promptly.
11. Serve as a key contact for assigned Programs/MGA.
12. Develop strong broker and client networks within underwritten industries.
13. Calculate Target Price accurately using underwriting tools.
14. Analyze risk and measure exposure.
15. Assist in training and developing staff.
16. Provide expertise on coverage issues related to claims programs and guidelines.
17. Contribute to the development of underwriting manuals, programs, and guidelines.
18. Lead marketing presentations for new and existing programs/MGA.
19. Promote Zurich’s products and services to increase market penetration.
20. Ensure successful project completion through ongoing communication with business sponsors.
21. Diagnose and recommend solutions for business and customer problems.

Job Qualifications - What you bring to the table

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent plus 5+ years in underwriting or market-facing roles.
• Or High School Diploma or equivalent plus 10+ years in claims or underwriting support.
• Or Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice with an Associate Degree plus 3+ years in underwriting or market-facing roles.
• Or Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice with an Associate Degree plus 8+ years in claims or underwriting support.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Experience with time-sensitive quoting for new and renewal business.
• Experience working in a team environment.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 5+ years of commercial underwriting experience, preferably in Programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; bilingual skills are an asset.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Multi-line underwriting experience (Property, Crime, CGL, Umbrella, Construction & Auto experience is an asset).
• French language skills are an asset for Ontario; required in Quebec.
• Fluency in English is required for communication outside Quebec.

Our Culture

We value Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging (DIEB). We foster an environment where everyone feels welcome and can bring their whole selves to work. Our collaborative culture appreciates diverse perspectives and strives to empower employees with tools to make an impact.

We prioritize employee well-being with comprehensive health benefits, generous vacation (minimum four weeks), and personal days. We support continuous development through training opportunities and encourage community involvement.

Our workplace has received numerous awards, including 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 around 55,000 employees. We have been serving Canadian businesses for over 100 years, offering expertise in risk management and insurance solutions. Our goal is to be the first choice for risk management professionals, providing tailored solutions and fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace.

Join us in shaping the future of insurance and making a positive impact in our communities.