Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer (AVP or VP)

Zurich North America; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 222,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer to join their dynamic team. This role offers the opportunity to manage complex accounts, develop broker relationships, and leverage analytical skills to write profitable business. Ideal candidates will possess strong financial and credit analysis skills, along with excellent communication and negotiation abilities. With competitive compensation and a commitment to diversity, this position is perfect for experienced underwriters looking to make a significant impact in the industry.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Career Development Opportunities

Diversity and Equal Opportunity Employment

Qualifications

• 5+ years in underwriting or finance required for AVP level.
• 7+ years in relevant fields required for VP level.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex Commercial Surety accounts and develop business.
• Negotiate terms and close deals while ensuring compliance.

Skills

Financial Analysis

Credit Analysis

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer (AVP or VP)

Join Zurich North America as a Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer (AVP or VP) to work within our Commercial Surety team. Locations include Chicago, Schaumburg, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, or Indiana.

The role involves managing complex Commercial Surety accounts, business development, and analysis. Ideal candidates have a positive attitude, strong financial and credit analysis skills, excellent communication, and negotiation abilities. Underwriters will apply Zurich’s Underwriting Framework to deliver high-quality service.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced underwriters to leverage analytical and entrepreneurial skills, develop broker relationships, and write profitable business. The position can be filled at either AVP or VP level, depending on experience.

Responsibilities include:

1. Seeking renewal and new account opportunities proactively.
2. Qualifying accounts, negotiating terms, and closing deals.
3. Cross-selling other products.
4. Updating systems with account details.
5. Calculating target prices using underwriting tools.
6. Diagnosing and recommending solutions for business and customer issues.
7. Demonstrating product and industry knowledge.
8. Monitoring adherence to underwriting rules, regulations, and manuals.
9. Handling high-authority, technically complex assignments.

Qualifications:

AVP Level:

• High School diploma + 5+ years in underwriting, finance, or related fields, or
• High School diploma + 10+ years in claims or underwriting support, or
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice + Associate Degree + 3+ years in relevant fields, or
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice + Associate Degree + 8+ years in claims/support, plus knowledge of MS Office and team experience.

VP Level:

• High School diploma + 7+ years in relevant fields, or
• High School diploma + 14+ years in claims/support, or
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice + Associate Degree + 5+ years in relevant fields, or
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice + Associate Degree + 12+ years in claims/support, with MS Office experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Surety knowledge, legal/regulatory understanding
• Broker relationship expertise
• Credit analysis and trend understanding
• Investigative and analytical skills
• Experience managing profitable portfolios
• Negotiation skills with brokers and organizations
• Strong communication skills

Zurich offers competitive compensation, benefits, and career development. Salary ranges are $120,000-$222,000, with specific levels for AVP and VP. Zurich is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment.