Executive Underwriter - Workers Compensation

Zurich North America; Arizona; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich North America seeks a market-facing Underwriter to lead a Workers Compensation portfolio within the franchised auto dealer segment. The role blends production underwriting with leadership, partnering closely with sales to drive disciplined risk selection and profitable growth.

Two levels exist—Executive Underwriter or AVP Underwriting Director—selected based on experience and qualifications. Hybrid work in AZ with broad exposure to PA/NC markets over time.

Qualifications

• Must have strong Workers Compensation expertise and risk understanding.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and work in teams.
• Experience supporting underwriting decision making and process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and review work across projects to ensure resources and schedule adherence.
• Provide advisory services, measure exposure, and analyze risk for appropriate coverage.
• Research data sources, identify trends, and recommend coverage decisions.

Skills

Strong Workers Compensation expertise

Strong verbal and writtencommunication

Experience working in a team

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice (associate degree)

Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice (associate degree) + 12+ years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are seeking a market-facing Underwriter. This position can be filled at two different levels, Executive Underwriter or AVP Underwriting Director, to build and manage a specialized Workers Compensation portfolio within the franchised auto dealer segment. This role combines production underwriting with subject matter leadership, partnering closely with sales while driving disciplined risk selection, pricing, and profitable growth. The position is well-suited for a self-starter who operates with strong ownership and autonomy - able to identify opportunities, shape direction, and elevate team capability through training and support in Workers Compensation. Over time, the role will expand to a broader underwriting focus across Property & Casualty, supporting integrated account management and overall portfolio performance. This position will need to have Strong Workers Compensation expertise.

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Monitor and review work undertaken across a number of small to medium scale projects or a large complex project in order to ensure appropriate use of resources and adherence to schedules.
• Provide advisory services to colleagues on a daily basis, measuring exposure and analyzing risk in order to provide appropriate coverage that meets the organization´s risk and compliance processes.
• Research primary data sources, select relevant information, analyze key themes and trends and make recommendations to support operational decision-making such as which coverage to provide.
• Research best practice and provide consultancy to support senior management in developing and improving processes and systems relevant to underwriting.
• Assess complex customer cases, evaluate their unique needs and apply technical techniques and know-how to recommend a solution.
• Build relationships with customers by handling a range of queries and provide advice with the development of an account to create additional value for the organization and customers.
• Apply rating tools and methodologies to own work area to deliver to customers and offer suggestions for improvements.

This role will be filled at either the Executive Underwriter or AVP Underwriter 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.

Basic Qualifications:

Executive Underwriter:

• 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
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Experience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Experience working in a team environment

OR

AVP Underwriter:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing area, Accounting, Banking, or Risk Management. OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an associate degree and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing area, Accounting, Banking, or Risk Management. OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an associate degree and 12 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area AND
• Experience with Microsoft Office
• Experience working in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Microsoft Office experience
• Strong Workers Compensation expertise; experience underwriting franchised auto dealers.

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 combined salary range for this position is $100,000.00 - $215,000.00. The proposed salary range for the Executive Underwriter is $100,000.00 - $165,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%. The proposed salary range for the AVP Underwriting Director is $130,000.00 - $215,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 20%.

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 - Arizona Virtual Office, AM - Overland Park

Remote Working: Hybrid

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No