Zurich North America · 1 day ago
Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director- Contract Surety
Zurich North America is a leading provider of commercial property-casualty insurance solutions and risk management products. The Executive Underwriter or AVP, Underwriting Director for Contract Surety will underwrite and analyze complex new and renewal Surety business while managing a team of production underwriters and cultivating broker relationships.
CommercialFinancial ServicesInsurance
Responsibilities
Working under minimal direction, underwrite and analyze new and renewal business within delegated authority levels of highly complex assignments
Demonstrate specialized knowledge and expertise in products and industry
Administer and monitor underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws and regulations, and rating manuals
Work at the highest authority limits on assignments utilizing the highest degree of technical complexity and coordination. 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
Contribute to the development of propositions. Provide technical guidance, assistance, and training to lower level underwriters
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
Calculate Target Price accurately by utilizing underwriting tools appropriately
Sponsor / lead product development
Develop training
Drive/manage how Business Unit will deal with emerging issues
Resolve technical issues for company
Provide expertise on coverage issues with claims
Develop u/w manuals, programs and guidelines
Handle & review large/complex underwriting submissions and annual underwriting reviews
Benchmark and establish best practices
Act as mentor
Qualification
Required
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market Facing area
High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the claims or underwriting support area
Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market Facing area
Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
Knowledge of Microsoft Office
Experience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
Experience working in a team environment
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking
Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
Experience with Microsoft Office
Preferred
Bachelor's Degree
Advanced knowledge and practice of line/s of business
Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing regulations and guidelines
Ability to effectively assess risk
Ability to work in a team-based environment
Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
Strong presentation skills
Benefits
Short-term incentive bonuses
Merit increases
Comprehensive employee benefits package
Company
Zurich North America
Zurich American Insurance is an international commercial property-casualty insurance provider. It is a sub-organization of Zurich Insurance Group.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageRecent News
2025-12-25
2025-12-24
2025-12-10
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