Zurich North America
Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director- Contract Surety
Zurich North America, Virginia, Minnesota, United States, 55792
Zurich Insurance is currently looking for an Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director – Contract Surety. This highly technical, market‑facing position requires experience with Surety lines of business and is located in Owings Mills, Maryland (Hybrid – East PA; Bethesda, Maryland; DC or North VA). The role will require approximately 20% travel.
Responsibilities
Underwrite and analyze new and renewal business with minimal direction within delegated authority levels for 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; provide solutions to customers and distributors.
Act as a Help Point for agents, brokers and customers to support the organization's sales culture.
Contribute to the development of propositions and provide technical guidance, assistance, and training to lower level underwriters.
Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities and complete detailed opportunity assessments with key distributors.
Qualify accounts to meet the organization's appetite while balancing sound business opportunity.
Make agent/broker/customer and on‑site calls with a planned and well‑prepared purpose.
Negotiate terms & conditions and close deals; cross‑sell other lines of business to increase product density.
Participate in sales team meetings related to assigned brokers and/or territory.
Engage in 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 within industries underwritten by the Business Unit.
Calculate target price accurately using underwriting tools.
Sponsor/lead product development and develop training programs.
Drive/manage how the Business Unit addresses emerging issues; resolve technical issues for the company.
Provide expertise on coverage issues with claims; develop underwriting manuals, programs and guidelines.
Handle & review large/complex underwriting submissions and annual underwriting reviews; benchmark and establish best practices.
Act as mentor.
Basic Qualifications Executive Underwriter
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5+ years of experience in Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market‑Facing area; OR
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area; OR
Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 3+ years of experience in Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market‑Facing area; OR
Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 8+ years of experience in 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.
AVP, Underwriting Director
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7+ years of experience in Underwriting, Market‑Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking; OR
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area; OR
Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5+ years of experience in Underwriting, Market‑Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking; OR
Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area; AND
Experience with Microsoft Office.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree.
Advanced knowledge and practice of lines 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.
Compensation The combined salary range for this position is $103,300.00–$223,700.00. The Executive Underwriter level range is $103,300.00–$169,100.00 with 15% short‑term incentive bonus eligibility; the AVP, Underwriting Director level is $136,500.00–$223,700.00 with 20% short‑term incentive bonus eligibility.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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.
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Responsibilities
Underwrite and analyze new and renewal business with minimal direction within delegated authority levels for 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; provide solutions to customers and distributors.
Act as a Help Point for agents, brokers and customers to support the organization's sales culture.
Contribute to the development of propositions and provide technical guidance, assistance, and training to lower level underwriters.
Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities and complete detailed opportunity assessments with key distributors.
Qualify accounts to meet the organization's appetite while balancing sound business opportunity.
Make agent/broker/customer and on‑site calls with a planned and well‑prepared purpose.
Negotiate terms & conditions and close deals; cross‑sell other lines of business to increase product density.
Participate in sales team meetings related to assigned brokers and/or territory.
Engage in 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 within industries underwritten by the Business Unit.
Calculate target price accurately using underwriting tools.
Sponsor/lead product development and develop training programs.
Drive/manage how the Business Unit addresses emerging issues; resolve technical issues for the company.
Provide expertise on coverage issues with claims; develop underwriting manuals, programs and guidelines.
Handle & review large/complex underwriting submissions and annual underwriting reviews; benchmark and establish best practices.
Act as mentor.
Basic Qualifications Executive Underwriter
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5+ years of experience in Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market‑Facing area; OR
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area; OR
Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 3+ years of experience in Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market‑Facing area; OR
Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 8+ years of experience in 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.
AVP, Underwriting Director
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7+ years of experience in Underwriting, Market‑Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking; OR
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area; OR
Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5+ years of experience in Underwriting, Market‑Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking; OR
Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area; AND
Experience with Microsoft Office.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree.
Advanced knowledge and practice of lines 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.
Compensation The combined salary range for this position is $103,300.00–$223,700.00. The Executive Underwriter level range is $103,300.00–$169,100.00 with 15% short‑term incentive bonus eligibility; the AVP, Underwriting Director level is $136,500.00–$223,700.00 with 20% short‑term incentive bonus eligibility.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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.
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