Associate Underwriting Manager OR AVP Underwriting Manager - E&S Primary Casualty

Zurich NA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich E&S in North America seeks an experienced Associate Underwriting Manager – E&S Primary Casualty to lead a team of underwriters in our Chicago area operations and other listed offices. The role requires regular in-office presence and 25% travel.

You will develop talent, drive profitability and growth, and build strong relationships with agents and national wholesalers, while upholding technical underwriting standards and a sales-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent with relevant underwriting or market-facing experience.
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice with an Associate Degree plus underwriting exposure.
• Additional degrees or apprenticeships are advantageous.
• Experience with Microsoft Office is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Primary Casualty Underwriters and be visible in market.
• Travel up to 25% to support team needs and cultivate wholesalers.
• Drive growth with a focus on profitability and strong staff development.
• Collaborate with agents, brokers, and internal partners to execute strategy.

Skills

Team leadership

Underwriting

Market facing

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Zurich E&S is currently looking to hire an experienced Primary Casualty Underwriting Manager to support our Primary E&S Casualty production underwriting team in one of the following office locations: Schaumburg, IL, Chicago, IL, Rocky Hill, CT, NYC, or Parsippany, NJ. This leadership role will require you to be visible in the marketplace to meet with our agents and brokers and be in the office on a regular basis to meet with your team.

In this role you will manage a team of skilled Primary Casualty Underwriters. You will be expected to travel as necessary to support the needs of the team and to cultivate relationships with national wholesalers to drive growth with a focus on profitability. This is a critical role in driving an engaging team culture. This role requires a strong technical, staff development and sales execution mindset. This role requires 25% of Travel.

Zurich E&S is dedicated 100% to a wholesale distribution model and a product and technology strategy designed to make Zurich a market leader in E&S as measured by gross written premium, profitability, and employee satisfaction! This is an exciting time to join E&S Casualty at Zurich!

This role will be filled at either the Associate Underwriting Manager or AVP, Underwriting Manager level. The hiring manager will determine the appropriate level based upon the selected applicant’s experience and skill set relative to the qualifications listed for this position.

Associate Underwriting Manager – E&S Primary Casualty Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing 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 of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing 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
• Experience with Microsoft Office

OR

AVP, Underwriting Manager – E&S Primary Casualty Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area. OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in the claims or Under Support area. OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate’s Degree and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area. AND
• 2 or more years of management experience
• AND
• Experience with Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree
• Advanced knowledge of primary casualty and/or excess casualty lines of business
• Ability to lead, manage and build rapport with team
• Excellent organizational, written, oral communication and presentation skills
• Advanced knowledge of the insurance industry and the legal and regulatory guidelines
• Some leadership, supervisory or management experience
• Established Producer relationships
• Advanced skills in relationship building, active listening, needs analysis, and win-win negotiating
• Strong presentation skills and a solutions and service orientation
• CPCU
• Advanced knowledge of product lines and insurance industry
• Excellent skills in relationship building
• Strong presentation skills
• Results oriented

Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply—your unique background matters to us. The pay range shown is a national average and may vary by location. The combined salary range for this position is $115,000.00 - $235,000.00. The proposed salary range for Associate Underwriting Manager is $115,000.00 - $185,000.00, with Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility set at 30%. The proposed salary range for AVP Underwriting Manager is $150,000.00 - $235,000.00, 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.

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.

Location(s): AM - Chicago, AM - New York, AM - Parsippany, AM - Rocky Hill, AM - Schaumburg

Remote Working: Hybrid

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No