Head of Underwriting - Surety

This job is with Swiss Re, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Seeking candidate for Home Office Underwriting Head – Contract Surety position.

Interested individuals should be prepared to exercise strong leadership, mentoring and underwriting skills in the advancement of the Swiss Re Corso Contract Surety operation. The successful candidate will drive profitable growth in the Contract Surety Division by partnering with branches to evaluate referrals, find risk‑acceptable solutions, and seek new account opportunities. In addition, they will maintain oversight of the portfolio's performance and underwriting authority while supporting key strategic initiatives including large Co‑Surety and International bond opportunities.

Ideal locations:
Schaumburg IL – Alpharetta GA – Dallas TX – Seattle WA – but also flexible to location.

Evaluate contract surety bond referrals submitted by branch personnel to determine if they meet risk tolerances and strategy of Contract Surety Division. Responsible for monitoring lines of authority and surety portfolio of branches assigned.

• Lead underwriting oversight for assigned branch offices, approving bid / final bonds and new accounts. Conduct regular underwriting audits.
• Provide clear, well‑supported recommendations on submissions exceeding delegated authority.
• Assist the Head of Contract to shape, implement, and advance strategic underwriting initiatives.
• With the Head of Contract, position and present complex cases to CRM, CA, and TAC.
• Support Leadership Team efforts to drive forward the large account initiative.
• Mentor and coach branch personnel to strengthen technical expertise and elevate overall professional performance.
• Oversee and manage the Contract authority matrix for field and Home Office, recommending thoughtful adjustments as appropriate.
• Strengthen branch and agency partnerships through in‑person engagement with key accounts to enhance underwriting outcomes.
• Conduct branch audits to ensure underwriting quality, compliance, and consistency.
• Contribute to and lead impactful special projects that support division goals.
• Assist in developing the annual underwriter training seminar program. Lead individual training sessions.
• Flexible on work location.

• Bachelor's Degree with emphasis in business, preferably finance or accounting, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 10+ years of contract surety underwriting experience.
• Proven ability to underwrite contract surety accounts for authority – programs in excess of $50 Million.
• Strong competency in quantitative and financial analysis.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Competent computer skills including knowledge of Excel and Word.
• Ability to travel up to 30%.
• Swiss Re has a hybrid work model where the expectations is that you will be in the office three days per week.

The estimated base salary range for this position in Schaumburg IL, Alpharetta GA, and Dallas TX is $156,000 to $234,000. The estimated base salary range for this position in Seattle WA is $164,000 to $246,000. The specific salary offered for any given role will take into account a number of factors including but not limited to job location, scope of role, qualifications, complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent, experience, education, and employer budget.

At Swiss Re, we take a "total compensation approach" when making compensation decisions. This means that we consider all components of compensation in their totality (such as base pay, short-and long-term incentives, and benefits offered), in setting individual compensation.

Swiss Re is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance‑based risk transfer. We anticipate and manage risks, from natural catastrophes and climate change to cybercrime.

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions is the commercial insurance arm of the Swiss Re Group. We offer innovative insurance solutions to large and midsized multinational corporations from our approximately 50 locations…