Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer (AVP or VP)

Zurich Australian Insurance Ltd.; Oregon (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 222,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer at the AVP or VP level to join their dynamic team. This role offers a unique opportunity to leverage your analytical skills and build strong relationships with brokers and clients across the North Central region. You will engage in account management, business development, and the analysis of complex Commercial Surety Accounts. The ideal candidate will excel in negotiation and possess strong financial acumen. Join a company committed to diversity and inclusion, where your contributions will drive profitable business outcomes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in underwriting or finance, or 10+ years in claims/support.
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice with relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage renewal and new account opportunities proactively.
• Negotiate terms and close deals effectively.
• Cross-sell to increase product density.

Skills

Financial Analysis

Credit Analysis

Communication Skills

Negotiation Skills

Time Management

Analytical Skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s Degree

Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer (AVP or VP)

Zurich North America is seeking a Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer (AVP or VP Level) to join our Commercial Surety team in one of the following locations: Chicago, Schaumburg, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, or Indiana.

The Commercial Surety Underwriter role is highly technical, focusing on account management, business development, and analysis of complex Commercial Surety Accounts. The ideal candidate will possess a positive attitude, strong financial and credit analysis skills, excellent communication, and negotiation abilities, along with effective time management. Underwriters will apply the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority to ensure high-quality service.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced underwriter to leverage analytical and entrepreneurial skills, and to build relationships with brokers and clients in the North Central region to write profitable business.

The role is open at either the AVP or VP level. The hiring manager will decide the appropriate level based on the candidate's experience and skills.

Additional responsibilities include:

1. Seeking renewal and new account opportunities proactively.
2. Qualifying accounts, negotiating terms, and closing deals.
3. Cross-selling to increase product density.
4. Updating systems with visit and account details promptly.
5. Calculating target prices using underwriting tools.
6. Diagnosing and recommending solutions for business and customer issues.
7. Demonstrating expertise in products and industry.
8. Administering underwriting rules, insurance laws, and rating manuals.
9. Working within authority limits on complex assignments.

AVP Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent + 5+ years in underwriting, finance, or related fields
  OR
• High School Diploma or equivalent + 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 or support
  AND
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and time constraints for quotes
  AND
• Teamwork experience

VP Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent + 7+ years in relevant fields
  OR
• High School Diploma or equivalent + 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
  AND
• Experience with Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Surety knowledge and legal/regulatory familiarity
• Understanding broker relationships
• Credit assessment and trend analysis skills
• Curiosity and analytical skills for business strategies and contracts
• Ability to articulate strategies and financial concepts clearly
• Experience managing profitable portfolios
• Negotiation skills with brokers and large organizations
• Strong communication skills

At Zurich, compensation varies based on location, role, skills, and experience. The total salary range is $120,000 - $222,000, with specific ranges for AVP ($120,000 - $170,000) and VP ($172,000 - $222,000). Short-term incentives are 15% for AVP and 20% for VP.

Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code § 1033. and is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.