Underwriting Specialist - Retail

Zurich North America; Nebraska; Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich North America is seeking an Underwriting Specialist for the Direct Markets area to manage a portfolio of franchised auto dealer accounts, evaluating exposures, pricing, and terms in line with underwriting guidelines. You will partner with Sales, Operations, and internal stakeholders to support growth, retention, and disciplined decision-making.

The role offers increasing autonomy with moderate account complexity, opportunity to mentor team members, and emphasis on accurate documentation,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3+ years of underwriting or market facing experience, OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6+ years in claims or underwriting support, OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice with associate degree and 1+ year in underwriting or market facing area, OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice with associate degree and 4+ years in claims or underwriting support, AND
• Knowledge of line(s) of business and regulatory guidelines
• Knowledge of turnaround times for quotes on new and renewal business
• Experience with Microsoft Office

Responsibilities

• Administer and monitor underwriting rules and guidelines, rating manual rules, and insurance laws and regulations
• Develop and maintain relationships with Line of Business representatives and other business-related needs
• Develop and maintain relationships with distributors (agents & brokers) to support retention and acquisition
• Support the organization's 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 appetite balance with sound business opportunities
• Make broker/customer and on-site calls with a planned, well-prepared purpose
• Mentor team members

Skills

Strong verbal and written comms

Strong relationship building

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Zurich is currently looking for an Underwriting Specialist within the Direct Markets area this person is responsible for managing a portfolio of franchised auto dealer accounts, with accountability for risk selection, pricing, and overall profitability. This role independently evaluates new business and renewal opportunities, assessing exposures, financials, and loss experience to determine appropriate terms and conditions in alignment with underwriting guidelines and business strategy. The Underwriter Specialist partners closely with Sales, Operations, and internal stakeholders to support growth and retention objectives while ensuring disciplined decision-making and accurate documentation. With moderate account complexity and increasing autonomy, this role demonstrates consistent underwriting judgment, identifies referral needs, contributes to team performance, and builds strong relationships with customers and internal partners to drive sustainable portfolio results.
Key Accountabilities of this role:

• Administer and monitor underwriting rules and guidelines, rating manual rules, and insurance laws and regulations.
• Develop, maintain & collaborate with Line of Business representatives and other business-related needs, as appropriate.
• 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.
• Support the organization's 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.
• Mentor team members.

Basic 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 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong relationship building 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 proposed Salary range for this position is $75,000.00 - $125,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%.
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.

Location(s): AM - Overland Park, AM - Nebraska Virtual Office, AM - Omaha
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No