Executive Underwriter​/AVP, Underwriting Director - Commercial Surety

Zurich North America is looking for an Executive Underwriter/AVP, Underwriting Director – Commercial Surety to join our Commercial Surety team within one of the following locations:
Chicago, Schaumburg, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, or Indiana.

The Commercial Surety Underwriter is a uniquely technical role in the underwriting world. In this position you will be responsible for overall account management, business development, and analysis of a highly complex book of Commercial Surety Accounts. The 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.

• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Qualify accounts to align with 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 a 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.

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in underwriting, market‑facing, finance, accounting, or banking OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in claims or underwriting support OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an associate degree and 3 or more years of experience in underwriting, market‑facing, finance, accounting, or banking OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an associate degree and 8 or more years of experience in claims or underwriting support
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of 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 underwriting, market‑facing, finance, accounting, or banking OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in claims or underwriting support OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an associate degree and 5 or more years of experience in underwriting, market‑facing, finance, accounting, or banking
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an associate degree and 12 or more years of experience in claims or underwriting support
• Experience with Microsoft Office.

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Surety knowledge/experience and knowledge of the legal and regulatory guidelines.
• Understanding of the 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 and formulate fact‑based conclusions and recommendations.
• Prior experience managing or growing a 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. For more information about our Total Rewards, please click here
. The combined salary range for this position is $98,500.00–$.

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. Learn more about Total Rewards here.

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