Market Facing Underwriter, Middle Markets

Zurich Insurance - Houston, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Houston, TX

Insurance Carriers and Related Activities

About the position

Zurich is seeking an experienced Middle Markets Underwriter (Mid-Senior or Senior Level) for our office in Houston, TX. This position will be based out of our Houston office, with the flexibility to work on a hybrid basis. You will partner with your manager to set a flexible work schedule that supports you, our customers, and our brokers and agents. This role will require you to be visible in the marketplace to meet with our agents and brokers and be in the office 2-3 days a week. Middle Markets is a key business segment within Zurich, focused on attracting top customer advocates who possess a sales mindset, strong technical underwriting skills, and solution-focused problem-solving abilities. Our industry focus includes, but is not limited to, Financial Institutions, General Industries, Manufacturing, Technology, Professional Services, and Real Estate. Zurich Middle Markets offers end-to-end solutions for our customers, inclusive of international programs. As a Mid-Senior or Senior Middle Markets Underwriter, you will handle complex new and renewal Middle Markets business and serve as a Subject Matter Expert on the team. You will enjoy the opportunity to fully hone your underwriting and marketing skills while building relationships with Select Brokers in the Houston region. This is an exciting time to join Middle Markets at Zurich!

Responsibilities

• Serve as a customer industry advocate with a focus on improving the customer experience by understanding their risk and offering the best end-to-end solution for their insurance needs.
• Use a disciplined approach to exposure evaluation, risk assessment, and pricing.
• Utilize risk insights, data, and models to drive informed decisions at the point of sale.
• Identify gaps and align Zurich's products and value proposition to offer a solution that provides the contract certainty the customer needs.
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills and execute as an innovative advisor.
• Underwrite, analyze, and generate new and renewal business.
• Engage in market-facing activities and production within the growing Middle Markets division.
• Administer and monitor underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws and regulations, and rating manual rules.
• Develop and maintain agency and broker relationships.
• Work within broad limits and authorities on highly complex assignments.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area.
• OR High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area.
• OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 1 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area.
• OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 4 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area.
• Knowledge of line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines.
• Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business.
• Experience with Microsoft Office.
• For Senior Underwriter: High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area.
• OR High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's Degree
• Ability to effectively assess risk
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong retail broker relationships within the Houston region
• Superior skills in relationship building, active listening, needs analysis, and win-win negotiating
• Possess knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing regulations and guidelines
• PC and related software skills
• CPCU and ARM a plus

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits package for employees and eligible dependents
• Ongoing career development opportunities
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Flexible work schedule options
• Hybrid working environment