Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter, Construction PL

Zurich North America; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich North America is seeking an experienced Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter for the Construction PL segment. The role is hybrid and can be based in any South or Western Zurich office, with level determined by experience.

You will work with distributors and customers to assess needs and provide underwriting solutions. Key duties include governing underwriting rules, supporting referrals, and mentoring associates while pursuing renewal and new business opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred; multiple routes listed for experience.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with brokers and customers.
• Experience with underwriting guidelines, timelines, and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Administer underwriting rules, guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with line of business on referrals and growth opportunities.
• Provide guidance to junior staff and maintain distributor relationships.
• Assist agents, brokers and customers to identify insurance needs and solutions.
• Seek renewal and new account opportunities and conduct opportunity assessments.

Skills

Sales mindset

Verbal and written communication

Teamwork

Broker/distributor relationships

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Zurich is seeking an experienced Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter, Construction PL to join our Specialties Construction team. This opportunity offers a hybrid work schedule and can be based out of any Zurich office location within our South or Western regions.

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

In this role, you will:

• Administer and monitor underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws and regulations, and rating annual rules.
• Develop, maintain & collaborate with Line of Business representatives on referrals and other business related needs, as appropriate.
• May provide guidance to lower level associates.
• Develop and maintain relationships with distributors (agents & brokers) in support of business retention and acquisition and works with customers and distributors (agents & brokers) to determine their insurance related needs and provide solutions.
• Supports the sales culture by being a Help Point for agents, brokers and customers.
• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Complete detailed opportunity assessment with key distributors to identify growth opportunities
• Qualify accounts to meet with the organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity.
• Make broker/customer and on-sight calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose

Basic Qualifications, 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 ORZurich 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

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

Preferred Qualifications (Both Levels):

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Technical knowledge of Construction Professional Liability Underwriting
• Established broker relationships (retail brokers) in the South or Western region.
• Sales execution mindset
• Creative problem solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

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 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 $100,000.00 - $165,000.00, with Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility set at 30%.

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 - Denver, AM - Addison, AM - Arizona Virtual Office, AM - Atlanta, AM - Dallas, AM - Gold River, AM - Greenwood Village, AM - Houston, AM - Las Vegas, AM - Los Angeles, AM - Nashville, AM - Orange County, AM - Phoenix, AM - Portland, AM - Sacramento, AM - Salt Lake City, AM - San Antonio, AM - San Diego, AM - San Francisco, AM - San Jose, AM - Scottsdale, AM - Seattle, AM - Walnut Creek

Remote Working: Hybrid

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No