Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter - Surety Commercial

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.; Addison (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich North America is seeking an experienced Underwriter for Commercial Surety in the Southeast region. The role offers a path from Underwriting Specialist to Executive Underwriter, with a focus on analyzing, underwriting, and brokering profitable surety opportunities.

You will work with brokers, manage renewal and new business, and lead complex projects to implement improved processes. The position emphasizes strong sales execution, risk assessment, and collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent with 3+ years in underwriting/finance or related area.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent with 6+ years in underwriting support or claims.
• Zurich Apprentice credentials with associate degree and relevant underwriting experience.
• Knowledge of lines of business and regulatory guidelines, and quotes timing.
• Experience using Microsoft Office suite for analysis and reporting.
• Bachelor’s or related degree preferred for advanced roles.

Responsibilities

• Seek renewal and new account opportunities proactively.
• Conduct detailed opportunity assessments with distributors to identify growth.
• Qualify accounts to align with appetite and opportunities.
• Make in-person and broker calls with planned purpose.
• Negotiate terms and conditions and close deals.
• Cross-sell other lines to increase product density.
• Participate in sales meetings and manage broker territory.
• Lead long-term projects to implement new systems or programs.
• Develop broker and client networks within underwritten industries.

Skills

Sales mindset

Broker relationships

Risk assessment

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice

Associate Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter - Surety Commercial

137896

Zurich is currently looking to hire an experienced Commercial Surety Underwriter for our Surety Team. We are looking for talented professionals in the Southeast Region.
This Commercial Surety Underwriter will work to analyze and underwrite a book of new and renewal business. Underwriters will use the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on highly complex assignments ensuring a high-level service to customers. In this role, you will partner with brokers and will utilize strong sales execution mindset to write profitable business.

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.

To bring leading talent into the organization and foster a culture of innovation and excellence, we encourage professionals from wide range of backgrounds and industries to apply and:

• Join a global company that gives you an opportunity to collaborate with some of the best talent in the business
• Use your risk management, accounting, and/or finance experience to support the needs of our customers
• Have the autonomy and freedom to be successful in your career
• Experience a customized training program dedicated to those new joiners outside of the insurance industry

Additional responsibilities will include:

• 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 agent/broker/customer and on-sight calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
• Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals.
• Cross-Sell other lines of business to increase product density with the account.
• Participate in Sales Team meeting as related to assigned brokers and / or territory.
• Proactively engage in the target account process, managing a qualified list of opportunities 90 to 120 days prior to effective date.
• Update required systems with details of broker / client visits and account status within specified time frame.
• Serve as key contact for assigned target accounts.
• Develop strong broker and client networks as related to industries underwritten by Business Unit.
• Contribute to development of u/w manuals, programs and guidelines.
• Lead complex technical or long-term (over 6 months) business projects to implement new or changed systems, programs or products
• Investigate, recommend and implement leading edge technical solutions when they meet customer needs

Basic Qualifications

Underwriting Specialist – Surety Commercial

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, Banking area
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 1 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, Banking area
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 4 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
• 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 – Surety Commercial

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, or Market Facing area.
• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the claims or underwriting support area
• Zurich Certified Apprentice including an associate degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, or Market Facing area.
• Zurich Certified Apprentice including an associate degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, or Market Facing area.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Experience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business.
• Experience working in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience handling Large Commercial Accounts
• Highly preferred In-depth knowledge of Surety line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines
• Highly preferred Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively assess risk
• Strong broker relationships
• 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 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 or Executive Underwriter is $75,000.00 - $125,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%.The proposed salary range for the Underwriting Specialist or 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 .]

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.