Zurich Insurance
Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director- Contract Surety
Zurich Insurance, Owings Mills, Maryland, United States, 21117
Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director - Contract Surety
Zurich Insurance is looking for an Executive Underwriter or AVP, Underwriting Director for the Contract Surety team (Job ID: 125021). This highly technical, market‑facing position requires experience with Surety lines of business. Ideal candidates will be located in Owings Mills, Maryland, Bethesda, Maryland, Washington DC, or North Virginia and will be expected to travel approximately 20% of the time.
Responsibilities
Underwrite and analyze new and renewal Surety business within delegated authority levels for highly complex assignments.
Demonstrate specialized knowledge and expertise in Surety products and industry.
Administer and monitor underwriting rules, guidelines, laws, regulations, and rating manuals.
Build and maintain relationships with distributors (agents & brokers) to support business acquisition and retention.
Act as a help point for agents, brokers, and customers, supporting the sales culture.
Provide technical guidance, assistance, and training to lower‑level underwriters.
Seek renewal and new account opportunities and evaluate growth potential with key distributors.
Qualify accounts, balance appetite with sound business opportunity, and negotiate terms and conditions.
Cross‑sell other lines of business to increase product density.
Lead product development and sponsor training initiatives.
Resolve technical underwriting issues, including coverage issues with claims.
Develop underwriting manuals, programs, and guidelines; review large/complex submissions and annual underwriting reviews.
Benchmark and establish best practices, mentor team members, and drive strategies for emerging issues.
Basic Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent with 5+ years of experience in underwriting, banking, mortgage, finance, or a market‑facing area; OR 10+ years in claims or underwriting support; OR Zurich‑approved apprenticeship with associate degree and 3+ years underwriter experience; OR apprenticeship with associate degree and 8+ years claims/underwriting support.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Experience delivering quotes under time restraints for new and renewal business.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree.
Advanced knowledge of lines of business relevant to surety.
Strong grasp of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national and local regulations.
Ability to assess risk, present findings, and work in a team‑based environment.
Experience with 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 proposed range for the Executive Underwriter level is $103,300.00 – $169,100.00 (15% short‑term incentive eligibility), and for the AVP, Underwriting Director level is $136,500.00 – $223,700.00 (20% short‑term incentive eligibility).
Benefits Zurich maintains a comprehensive employee benefits package for employees and eligible dependents, including short‑term incentive bonuses and merit increases as part of Total Rewards.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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.
Recruiting Policy Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich American Insurance. Preferred vendors should use the recruiting agency portal for submissions.
Locations
Owings Mills, Maryland; Bethesda, Maryland; Washington DC; North Virginia.
Hybrid – remote office options in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.
Employment Type Contract – full‑time, with hybrid remote availability.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level.
Job Function Finance and Sales; Insurance industry.
Apply now to join Zurich Insurance and contribute to a leading global organization committed to resilience and inclusive growth.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Responsibilities
Underwrite and analyze new and renewal Surety business within delegated authority levels for highly complex assignments.
Demonstrate specialized knowledge and expertise in Surety products and industry.
Administer and monitor underwriting rules, guidelines, laws, regulations, and rating manuals.
Build and maintain relationships with distributors (agents & brokers) to support business acquisition and retention.
Act as a help point for agents, brokers, and customers, supporting the sales culture.
Provide technical guidance, assistance, and training to lower‑level underwriters.
Seek renewal and new account opportunities and evaluate growth potential with key distributors.
Qualify accounts, balance appetite with sound business opportunity, and negotiate terms and conditions.
Cross‑sell other lines of business to increase product density.
Lead product development and sponsor training initiatives.
Resolve technical underwriting issues, including coverage issues with claims.
Develop underwriting manuals, programs, and guidelines; review large/complex submissions and annual underwriting reviews.
Benchmark and establish best practices, mentor team members, and drive strategies for emerging issues.
Basic Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent with 5+ years of experience in underwriting, banking, mortgage, finance, or a market‑facing area; OR 10+ years in claims or underwriting support; OR Zurich‑approved apprenticeship with associate degree and 3+ years underwriter experience; OR apprenticeship with associate degree and 8+ years claims/underwriting support.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Experience delivering quotes under time restraints for new and renewal business.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree.
Advanced knowledge of lines of business relevant to surety.
Strong grasp of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national and local regulations.
Ability to assess risk, present findings, and work in a team‑based environment.
Experience with 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 proposed range for the Executive Underwriter level is $103,300.00 – $169,100.00 (15% short‑term incentive eligibility), and for the AVP, Underwriting Director level is $136,500.00 – $223,700.00 (20% short‑term incentive eligibility).
Benefits Zurich maintains a comprehensive employee benefits package for employees and eligible dependents, including short‑term incentive bonuses and merit increases as part of Total Rewards.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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.
Recruiting Policy Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich American Insurance. Preferred vendors should use the recruiting agency portal for submissions.
Locations
Owings Mills, Maryland; Bethesda, Maryland; Washington DC; North Virginia.
Hybrid – remote office options in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.
Employment Type Contract – full‑time, with hybrid remote availability.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level.
Job Function Finance and Sales; Insurance industry.
Apply now to join Zurich Insurance and contribute to a leading global organization committed to resilience and inclusive growth.
#J-18808-Ljbffr