Underwriting Specialist OR Executive Underwriter - Complex Casualty

Zurich North America; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Competitive salary

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

A leading insurance provider in Chicago seeks an experienced Loss Sensitive/Complex Casualty Underwriter to join their expanding team. The role involves underwriting complex casualty products, generating business, and maintaining relationships with agents and brokers. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of relevant experience and strong negotiation skills. The position offers a hybrid work model and a competitive salary range of $75,000 to $165,000, with additional bonuses for eligible roles.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in Underwriting or Market Facing role.
• Knowledge of line/s of business and legal guidelines.
• Experience with quotes on new and renewal business.

Responsibilities

• Generate, underwrite, and analyze domestic Complex Casualty business.
• Maintain agency and broker relationships.
• Comply with underwriting rules and guidelines.

Skills

Risk assessment

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Zurich is currently looking for an experienced Loss Sensitive/Complex Casualty Underwriter to join our Complex Casualty Underwriting team in Chicago. This is a technical and market facing role working with our complex/loss sensitive casualty products and is a great opportunity to join an expanding team. While this position will be based out of our Chicago office, you will have the flexibility to work on a hybrid basis. You will partner with your manager to set a flexible work schedule that supports you, our customers, and our brokers and agents. This role will require you to be visible in the marketplace to meet with our agents and brokers on a regular schedule.

Responsibilities

• Generating, underwriting and analyzing domestic Complex and Loss Sensitive Casualty business
• Market facing and production activities
• Complying with underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws and regulations and rating manual rules
• Developing and maintaining agency and broker relationships
• Working within broad limits and authorities on complex assignments

Underwriting Specialist Required Qualifications

• 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

Executive Underwriter Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Brokerage 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 businessExperience working in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Knowledge of Domestic Complex Casualty/Loss Sensitive Products
• Ability to effectively assess risk
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong broker relationships within the region
• Superior skills in relationship building, active listening, needs analysis, and win-win negotiation.
• Possess a high level of customer service by meeting or exceeding broker and or customer expectations with respect to required deadlines
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing regulations and guidelines

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 $75,000.00 - $165,000.00. The proposed salary range for the Underwriting Specialist is $75,000.00 - $125,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%.The proposed salary range for the Executive Underwriter is $98,500.00 - $165,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%.

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

Please note:

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

Location(s): AM - Chicago

Remote Working: Hybrid

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No