Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director- Contract Surety

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.•Owings Mills, MD

44d•Hybrid

About The Position

Zurich Insurance is currently looking for an Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director- Contract Surety. This is a highly technical and market facing position and requires experience with Surety lines of business. Ideal candidate for this position will be located in Owings Mills, Maryland; Hybrid - East PA; Bethesda, Maryland; DC or North VA. This position will require approximately 20% travel. This role will be filled at either the Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director- Contract Surety Officer level. The hiring manager will determine the appropriate level based upon the selected applicant's experience and skill set relative to the qualifications listed for this position. As a member of Zurich's Surety Underwriting Team you will enjoy the opportunity to fully apply and hone your underwriting and marketing skills. Specifically, you will underwrite and analyze new and renewal Surety business utilizing The Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on assignments of higher technical complexity ensuring a high-level service to customers. Our Underwriters are Client Externally Focused and the job's core deliverables rely on delivering service to external clients and/or customers. Typically involves building relationships and promoting the company. This is a great opportunity to utilize your management skills to help us profitably manage our Core Contract Surety book. This is a critical leadership position that will focus on developing our underwriting talent and driving and cultivating broker relationships. We are looking for a Leader that will exercise strong technical underwriting knowledge while managing a team of production underwriters. A Leader that will empower, develop, and drive a cohesive team in delivering on our strategy in an appetite appropriate manner that strengthens our market positioning. This role requires an influential approach to business relationships and oversight on strategic underwriting practices. To analyze and underwrite highly complex new and renewal business, under minimal direction, utilizing The Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework as a subject matter expert, ensuring a high-level service to customers.

Requirements

Executive Underwriter:
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market Facing area.
OR
High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the claims or underwriting support area
OR
Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market Facing area.
OR
Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 8 or more years of experience in the 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.
OR
AVP, Underwriting Director:
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking.
OR
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
OR
Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking.
OR
Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
AND
Experience with Microsoft Office

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree
Advanced knowledge and practice of line/s 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

Responsibilities

Working under minimal direction, underwrite and analyze new and renewal business within delegated authority levels of 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 and works with customers and distributors (agents & brokers) to determine their insurance related needs and provide solutions.
Support the organization's sales culture by being a Help Point for agents, brokers and customers.
Contribute to the development of propositions. Provide technical guidance, assistance, and training to lower level underwriters.
Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
Complete detailed opportunity assessment with key distributors to identify growth opportunities.
Qualify accounts to meet with the organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity.
Make agent/broker/customer and on-sight calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals.
Cross-Sell other lines of business to increase product density with the account.
Participate in Sales Team meeting as related to assigned brokers and / or territory.
Proactively engage in the 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 as related to industries underwritten by Business Unit.
Calculate Target Price accurately by utilizing underwriting tools appropriately.
Sponsor / lead product development.
Develop training.
Drive/manage how Business Unit will deal with emerging issues.
Resolve technical issues for company.
Provide expertise on coverage issues with claims.
Develop u/w manuals, programs and guidelines.
Handle & review large/complex underwriting submissions and annual underwriting reviews.
Benchmark and establish best practices.
Act as mentor.