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Zurich Insurance

AVP, Underwriting Director- Commercial Surety

Zurich Insurance, Schaumburg, Illinois, us, 60159

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AVP, Underwriting Director- Commercial Surety

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Zurich Insurance

The Commercial Surety Underwriter is a uniquely technical role in the underwriting world. In this position you will be responsible for the overall account management, business development and analysis of a highly complex book of Commercial Surety Accounts. Our ideal candidate will have a can‑do positive attitude, strong financial background including credit analysis, excellent communication and presentation skills, time management skills, and the ability to further develop and sharpen established negotiation skills. Underwriters will use the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on highly complex assignments ensuring a high‑level service to customers.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Commercial Surety Underwriter to use their analytical skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to develop and maintain relationships with our North Central region Brokers and Customers to write profitable business.

Responsibilities

Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.

Qualify accounts to meet the organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity. Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals.

Cross‑Sell other lines of business to increase product density with the account.

Update required systems with details of broker/client visits and account status within specified time frame.

Calculate Target Price accurately by utilizing underwriting tools appropriately.

Diagnose and develop recommendations to solve unique business‑unit and customer problems.

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.

Basic Qualifications (AVP)

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

High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area OR

Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years in Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area OR

Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 8 or more years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area AND

Knowledge of Microsoft Office

Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business

Experience working in a team environment

Basic Qualifications (VP)

High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area OR

High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area OR

Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5 or more years of experience in Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area

OR

Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12 or more years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area AND

Experience with Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree

Surety knowledge/experience and knowledge of legal and regulatory guidelines

Understanding of structure of broker relationships

Ability to analyze and understand complicated credit assessments, trends, and strategies

Investigative skills (curiosity) to develop an understanding of business strategies, trends, complex contracts, assessment of long‑term obligations and organizational character among other aspects of our customers

Ability to coherently articulate these strategies and financial concepts forming fact‑based conclusions and recommendations

Prior experience managing/growing profitable portfolio of customers

Negotiation experience with brokers and large, international, and national organizations

Strong verbal and written communication skills

At Zurich, compensation for roles is influenced by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. In compliance with local laws, Zurich commits to providing a fair and reasonable compensation range for each role. For more information about our Total Rewards, please click here. Additional rewards may encompass short‑term incentive bonuses and merit increases. We encourage candidates with salary expectations beyond the provided range to apply as they will be considered based on their experience, skills, and education. The combined salary range for this position is $98,500.00–$215,000.00. The proposed salary range for the AVP level is $98,500.00–$165,000.00, with short‑term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%. For the VP level is $130,000.00–$215,000.00, with short‑term incentive bonus eligibility set at 20%.

Location(s): AM – Chicago, AM – Schaumburg, AM – Ohio Virtual Office, AM – Wisconsin Virtual Office, AM – Indiana Virtual Office, AM – Michigan Virtual Office

Remote Working: Yes

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No

Zurich North America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich American Insurance. If you are a preferred vendor, please use our Recruiting Agency Portal for resume submission.

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