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; ORHigh School Diploma or Equivalent and 10+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area; ORZurich approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 3+ years of experience in Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market‑Facing area; ORZurich 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; ORHigh School Diploma or Equivalent and 14+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area; ORZurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5+ years of experience in Underwriting, Market‑Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking; ORZurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area; ANDExperience 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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