AVP or VP, Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer

Zurich Insurance - Schaumburg, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Schaumburg, IL

Insurance Carriers and Related Activities

About the position

Zurich North America is seeking a Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer at either the AVP or VP level to join our Commercial Surety team in the North Central region. This role is uniquely technical within the underwriting field, focusing on the overall account management, business development, and analysis of a complex portfolio of Commercial Surety Accounts. The ideal candidate will possess a positive attitude, a strong financial background including credit analysis, and excellent communication and presentation skills. Time management and negotiation skills are also essential, as underwriters will utilize the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on complex assignments, ensuring high-level service to customers. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced Commercial Surety Underwriter to leverage their analytical skills and entrepreneurial spirit while developing and maintaining relationships with brokers and customers in the North Central region to write profitable business. The role will be filled at either the AVP (6T level) or VP (7T level), with the hiring manager determining the appropriate level based on the selected applicant's experience and skillset relative to the qualifications listed for this position.

Responsibilities

• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Qualify accounts to align with the organization's appetite while balancing sound business opportunities.
• Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals effectively.
• Cross-sell other lines of business to increase product density with accounts.
• Update required systems with details of broker/client visits and account status within specified time frames.
• Accurately calculate Target Price 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.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area (for AVP level).
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area (for AVP level).
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years in Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area (for AVP level).
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 8 or more years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area (for AVP level).
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in Underwriting or Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area (for VP level).
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area (for VP level).
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5 or more years of experience in Underwriting or Market Facing area (for VP level).
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12 or more years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area (for VP level).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business.
• Experience working in a team environment.

Nice-to-haves

• 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 to develop an understanding of business strategies, trends, complex contracts, and assessment of long-term obligations.
• Ability to coherently articulate strategies and financial concepts, formulating fact-based conclusions and recommendations.
• Prior experience managing/growing a profitable portfolio of customers.
• Negotiation experience with brokers and large, international, and national organizations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits package for employees and eligible dependents.
• Competitive compensation.
• Ongoing career development opportunities.
• Diverse and inclusive work environment.