Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter - Surety Commercial

Zurich North America; Texas; Remote; USD 75,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote Working

Job summary

Zurich North America is seeking an experienced Commercial Surety Underwriter for its Surety Team in the Southeast region. The role supports underwriting new and renewal business, partnering with brokers, and applying the Zurich Way of Underwriting to deliver profitable results.

Roles available at Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter level, with hiring determined by experience. This position offers a clear growth path and a collaborative team environment within a global insurer.

Qualifications

• Underwriting experience in surety or finance preferred.
• Experience with broker communication and sales.
• Strong knowledge of underwriting guidelines.
• Ability to work under time constraints.

Responsibilities

• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Complete detailed opportunity assessment with key distributors.
• Qualify accounts to meet appetite and opportunity balance.
• Make agent/broker/customer visits with prepared purpose.
• Negotiate terms and close deals.
• Cross-sell other lines to increase product density.
• Lead complex long-term projects implementing new systems.

Skills

Sales mindset

Negotiation

Relationship building

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Zurich Certification (or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

The 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 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, Finance, Accounting, Banking 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

OR

Executive Underwriter - Surety Commercial:

• 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 Apprentice including an associate degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, or Market Facing area. OR
• Zurich Certified Apprentice including an associate degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, or Market Facing 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:

• 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
• Microsoft Office experience
• Ability to effectively assess risk
• Strong negotiation skills
• 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.]

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 - Addison, AM - Alabama Virtual Office, AM - Atlanta, AM - Dallas, AM - Florida Virtual Office, AM - Georgia Virtual Office, AM - Houston, AM - Miami, AM - Mississippi Virtual Office, AM - Nashville, AM - North Carolina Virt. Office, AM - South Carolina Virt. Office, AM - Tennessee Virtual Office, AM - Texas Virtual Office

Remote Working: Yes

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No

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