Underwriting Specialist OR Executive Underwriter - Contract Surety

Zurich NA

Atlanta (GA)

Hybrid

USD 75,000 - 165,000

Full time

14 days+

A complete application in a minute

Tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Short-term incentive eligibility

Job summary

Zurich North America seeks an Underwriting Specialist OR Executive Underwriter for Contract Surety in Atlanta. This role focuses on underwriting, marketing, and servicing existing accounts while building broker relationships and promoting the Zurich Way of Underwriting. Travel ~25% is required.

The position offers base compensation with incentive plans and a strong 401(k) match. Candidates will be assigned at Specialist or Executive level based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent and experience in underwriting or market facing roles.
Zurich approved apprenticeship program or equivalent with relevant underwriting exposure.
Knowledge of Surety lines of business and related regulations.

Responsibilities

Production and underwriting of new Surety accounts and existing business.
Internal marketing and production in support of cross-sell efforts.
Execution of the external marketing strategy.
Adherence to underwriting rules, laws and Zurich guidelines.
Develop agency and broker relationships.
Work within approved authorities on varied complexity assignments.

Skills

Surety underwriting

Relationship building

Microsoft Office

Market-facing

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice

Associate Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Zurich Insurance is currently looking for an Underwriting Specialist OR Executive Underwriter – Contract Surety Division to join us in our Atlanta office. This is a highly technical and market facing position and requires experience with Surety lines of business. This position will require about 25% travel.

Compensation includes base salary with Short Term Incentive Plan or Global Specialties Incentive Plan eligibility, as well as a generous 401K match.

As a member of Zurich's Surety Underwriting Team, you will enjoy the opportunity to fully apply and hone your underwriting and marketing skills. Specifically, you will underwrite and analyze existing accounts and seek new Surety business utilizing The Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on assignments of higher technical complexity ensuring a high-level service to customers. Our Underwriters are Client Externally Focused, and the job’s core deliverables rely on delivering service to external clients and/or customers. Typically involves building relationships and promoting the company.

Our Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter - Contract Surety is responsible for:

Production and underwriting of new Surety accounts and existing business
Internal marketing and production within Zurich North America in support of our cross-sell efforts
Execution of the external marketing strategy
Adherence to underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws, regulations and the Zurich Way of underwriting
Establish new as well as develop existing agency and broker relationships
Working within limits and authorities on assignments of varying degrees of complexity

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

Underwriting Specialist – Contract Surety 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 Surety 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, Contract Surety Required Qualifications:

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 approved Apprenticeship program including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area OR
Zurich approved Apprenticeship program 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
Knowledge of Surety line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree
In-depth knowledge of Contract Surety lines of business
Ability to effectively assess risk
Strong negotiation skills
Strong broker relationships in the State of GA
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 Global Specialties incentive 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