Underwriter or Underwriting Specialist, Middle Market

Zurich NA; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich North America seeks a Middle Market Underwriter or Underwriting Specialist to manage a portfolio of complex new and renewal business in the New York City region. You will act as a trusted advisor to brokers and clients, applying underwriting expertise and market knowledge to deliver profitable growth and standout customer experiences.

The role emphasizes relationship-building with agency partners, disciplined risk evaluation, and use of data-driven insights to tailor coverage and pricing

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 1+ years in Insurance or 2+ years in Claims/Underwriting Support.
• Knowledge of insurance industry, regulations, and underwriting guidelines.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred; Zurich Apprentice path with Associate Degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of complex new and renewal business in NYC region.
• Underwrite, analyze, and generate profitable opportunities.
• Evaluate exposures, set pricing using disciplined underwriting.
• Leverage risk insights, data and modeling tools for informed decisions.
• Develop coverage plans aligning Zurich products to client needs.
• Strengthen relationships with agencies and brokers for growth.
• Operate within authority levels while handling highly complex tasks.

Skills

Relationship building

Negotiation skills

Analytical thinking

Customer-focused

Communication

Attention to detail

Market knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Build Relationships. Deliver Solutions. Drive Growth.

At Zurich, Middle Markets is a key business segment focused on serving the evolving needs of businesses across a wide range of industries. We are committed to attracting customer-focused professionals who bring a sales mindset, strong technical underwriting expertise, and a solution-oriented approach to risk management.

Our team works across diverse industries including, but not limited to, General Industries, Manufacturing, and Real Estate, providing comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to each customer's unique needs. With access to Zurich's broad suite of products and capabilities, including international program solutions, you'll be empowered to help customers navigate risk with confidence while growing your career with a global industry leader.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and highly visible team within Zurich Middle Market.

Position Overview

This role will be filled at either the Middle Market Underwriter or Middle Market Underwriting Specialist 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.

As a member of this team you will manage a portfolio of complex new and renewal business while serving as a trusted advisor to brokers and customers throughout the New York City region. You'll have the opportunity to leverage your underwriting expertise, market knowledge, and relationship-building skills to deliver profitable growth and exceptional customer experiences.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a customer and industry advocate by understanding client risks and delivering tailored insurance solutions that address their evolving business needs.
• Evaluate exposures, assess risk, and develop pricing strategies using a disciplined underwriting approach.
• Utilize risk insights, data, analytics, and modeling tools to support informed underwriting decisions at the point of sale.
• Identify coverage gaps and align Zurich's products, capabilities, and value proposition to deliver contract certainty and comprehensive protection for customers.
• Demonstrate strong analytical thinking and provide innovative risk management guidance to brokers and clients.
• Underwrite, analyze, and generate profitable new and renewal business opportunities.
• Maintain a strong market-facing presence and contribute to production goals within Zurich's growing Middle Markets business.
• Apply underwriting guidelines, insurance regulations, rating methodologies, and company policies to ensure sound underwriting decisions.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with agency and broker partners to drive sustainable growth.
• Operate within established authority levels while managing highly complex assignments and customer needs.

Why Join Zurich Middle Market?

• Partner with leading brokers and middle market customers across key industries.
• Gain exposure to a broad portfolio of risks and sophisticated underwriting challenges.
• Collaborate with experienced underwriting, claims, risk engineering, and financial professionals.
• Access professional development resources and opportunities for long-term career growth.
• Be part of an organization committed to innovation, customer advocacy, and underwriting excellence.
• Make a meaningful impact by helping businesses protect their people, assets, and future growth.

Basic Qualifications

Middle Market Underwriter

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 1 or more years of experience in the Insurance area. OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 2 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area AND
• Knowledge of the insurance industry and the legal and regulatory environment
• Knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing regulations and guidelines

Middle Market Underwriting Specialist

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area. OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 1 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 4 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area AND
• Knowledge of line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines
• Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Experience with Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications :

• Bachelor's Degree
• Market-facing Property & Casualty underwriting experience
• 2 or more years of underwriting experience within the Middle Market segment or larger accounts
• Ability to effectively assess and evaluate risk
• Strong negotiation and decision-making skills
• Established retail broker relationships
• Superior relationship-building, active listening, needs analysis, and consultative selling skills
• Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

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 1®.

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 - New York

Remote Working: Hybrid

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No