Technical Underwriter - Auto

Zurich North America; Schaumburg (IL); On-site; USD 132,500 - 217,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich North America is seeking a Technical Underwriter to join the North America Technical Underwriting team. The role reports to the Auto Technical Director and involves designing and driving multidimensional strategies for our Auto book.

You will collaborate with Global Colleagues and Unit Heads to deliver portfolio quality, technical underwriting strategies, product management and pricing aligned with financial plans. Location: Schaumburg, remote work available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 8+ years in underwriting or equivalent experience.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent with 10+ years in underwriting.
• CPCU certification preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of Auto lines of business and underwriting practices.

Responsibilities

• Monitor underwriting strategy related to performance metrics, data and insights; adjust strategy as needed.
• Operate within Zurich Risk Policy and Global Underwriting Policy; implement guidelines and best practices.
• Lead initiatives to develop technical underwriting guidelines and best practices; establish controls and procedures.
• Lead projects by coordinating resources, setting direction and delivering successful outcomes.
• Handle complex queries within delegated authority and support profitable terms.
• Assist with approval of terms, conditions and Line of Business issues to enable profitable writing.
• Contribute to portfolio management; monitor profitability and growth of specialty areas.
• Develop and implement improvements to Technical Price accuracy and related processes.

Skills

Communication skills

Auto underwriting knowledge

Leadership and collaboration

Executive presence

Education

Bachelor’s degree

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

Zurich is currently hiring a Technical Underwriter to join the North America Technical Underwriting team at Zurich North America. The Technical Underwriter will report to the Auto Technical Director. This is an exciting time to join the North America Technical Underwriting team at Zurich!

This person will utilize their underwriting expertise to manage, design and drive diverse multidimensional strategies for our Auto book of business. S/he will work closely with our Global Colleagues and Business Unit Heads of Underwriting to deliver portfolio quality and performance measurements, technical underwriting strategies, product management and pricing that support the achievement of the financial plans for our market-facing units.

Key Accountabilities

• Monitor underwriting strategy relating to performance metrics, data and insights, syndicate findings and adjust underwriting strategy as necessary.
• Operate in established Zurich Risk Policy, Global Underwriting Policy and underwriting governance policies, and operationalize the policies into guidelines and best practices.
• Lead initiatives that have a high impact on the development of technical underwriting guidelines, and Best Practices, including controls and procedures.
• Lead various projects, aligning appropriate resources, setting project direction and engage work team with successful outcome.
• Handle the most complex queries and referrals within delegated authority.
• Assist with approval of terms and conditions and Line of Business-wide issues, enabling Underwriters to write profitable business.
• Be responsible for key aspects of portfolio management, including analysis to monitor profitability and growth of specialty areas of business.
• Implement recommendations on aspects requiring change or remedial action.
• Monitor Technical Price accuracy and develop and implement solutions to enhance Technical Price.
• Lead underwriting operational transformation and support a sound governance framework in assigned area.
• Contribute to the development of strategic Line of Business underwriting goals, and underwriting policy for the assigned Line of Business.
• Partner with peer Technical Underwriting members and Business Units to execute underwriting strategy.
• Lead relevant Line of Business projects, partnering with Technical Underwriting and Business Unit team members.
• Participate in Technical Underwriting Reviews, identify trends, and contribute to the development of action plans and agreed upon action items.
• Participate in compliance-related queries, including regulatory exams and insurance department inquiries.
• Act as a subject matter expert in developing underwriting technical training content and deliver technical training.
• Address emerging issues and identify opportunities for growth or change within the specific Line of Business.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Underwriting area OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the Underwriting area

Preferred Qualifications

• CPCU
• Advanced knowledge of line/s of business and the legal and regulatory environment
• Strong listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced knowledge of Auto lines of business
• Portfolio management, underwriting, product underwriting, product development, risk selection and pricing experience
• Strong influencing, collaboration, conflict resolution, and presentation skills
• Executive presence and the ability to interact across all levels of the organization
• Ability to lead the organization through innovative and creative thinking

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 proposed Salary range for this position is $132,500.00 - $217,000.00, 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.

Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.

Location(s): AM - Schaumburg, AM - Remote Work (US)

Remote Working: Yes

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No

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