Underwriting Specialist OR Executive Underwriter - Large Contract Surety

Zurich NA; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich North America is seeking a motivated Contract Surety Underwriter to strengthen our portfolio across the 13 Western States. This highly technical role requires experience with surety lines and involves managing large accounts and broker relationships.

Travel approximately 20% regionally, with opportunities to grow within a supportive, global brand. The position supports West region coverage, with eligibility to work from multiple states and a blend of market-facing responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Experience in underwriting large contract surety and knowledge of applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Experience with quotes on new and renewal business within strict timelines.
• Ability to build and maintain broker/agency relationships.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite and analyze new and renewal business for large contract surety.
• Navigate complex assignments with autonomy.
• Build and maintain strategic broker and agency relationships.
• Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Underwriting

Regulatory knowledge

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma

Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Established Broker relationships

Zurich’s Large Contract West Region Surety Team is looking for a motivated Contract Surety Underwriter to help us strengthen our portfolio, elevate our client relationships, and make a lasting impact across the 13 Western States.

This is a highly technical position and requires experience with Surety lines of business.

At Zurich, we foster a collaborative, purpose-driven culture with the backing of a global brand. You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead with impact by managing complex large accounts
• Travel with purpose, approximately 20% across the region
• Grow your network working with top-tier agents and brokers
• Make decisions that matter with clear accountability and broad authority

This market-facing role will be within the West region and we’re open to talent located anywhere in the following states: Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona. You’ll play a critical role in managing and expanding a portfolio of domestic and international large accounts while driving business development and retention.

• Underwriting and analyzing new and renewal business for large contract surety
• Navigating complex assignments with confidence and autonomy
• Building and maintaining strategic broker and agency relationships
• Ensuring compliance with underwriting guidelines and regulatory requirements

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 Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, 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, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, 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 Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting or Banking experience 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, Finance, Accounting or Banking experience 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:

• College Degree Highly preferred
• Strong Finance and accounting background needed
• Advanced knowledge and practice of Surety Bonds
• Established Broker relationships
• Ability to interact with the C-Suite
• Ability to investigate and analyze complicated credit assessments, trends, business strategies and organizational character among other aspects of our customers
• Ability to coherently articulate these strategies and financial concepts formulating fact based conclusions and recommendations.
• Prior experience managing/growing profitable portfolio of customers
• Negotiation experience with large, international and national organizations
• Strong team building and organizational 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.

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.

Location(s): AM - California Virtual Office, AM - Albuquerque, AM - Arizona Virtual Office, AM - Colorado Virtual Office, AM - Denver, AM - Fresno, AM - Gold River, AM - Idaho Virtual Office, AM - Irvine, AM - Las Vegas, AM - Los Angeles, AM - Montana Virtual Office, AM - Nevada Virtual Office, AM - New Mexico Virtual Office, AM - Orange County, AM - Oregon Virtual Office, AM - Phoenix, AM - Portland, AM - Remote Work (US), AM - Sacramento, AM - Salt Lake City, AM - San Diego, AM - San Francisco, AM - Scottsdale, AM - Seattle, AM - Utah Virtual Office, AM - Walnut Creek, AM - Washington St Virt. Office

Remote Working: Hybrid

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No