Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director, Energy Casualty
About The Position
Zurich is hiring an experienced Executive Underwriter or AVP, Underwriting Director for its growing Energy Casualty team. The role markets, analyzes, and underwrites primary casualty risks, including soliciting and underwriting new and renewal business to drive profitable growth. The underwriter applies Zurich’s underwriting framework, provides high-level customer service, and serves as a technical leader and mentor to the team on coverage issues, program structures, and pricing methodologies. The position works with energy clients and distribution partners to provide insurance solutions and support clients’ business goals and risk-management needs. The team is primarily based in Houston, with qualified candidates also considered in New York. The role requires 15–20% travel for targeted marketing, business development, and client engagement events.
Requirements
- For the Executive Underwriter level: High school diploma or equivalent and at least 5 years of experience in underwriting or a market-facing area; or high school diploma or equivalent and at least 10 years in claims or underwriting support; or Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice with an associate degree and at least 3 years in underwriting or a market-facing area; or the same apprenticeship and degree with at least 8 years in claims or underwriting support.
- For the AVP, Underwriting Director level: High school diploma or equivalent and at least 7 years of experience in underwriting or a market-facing area; or high school diploma or equivalent and at least 14 years in claims or underwriting support; or Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice with an associate degree and at least 5 years in underwriting or a market-facing area; or the same apprenticeship and degree with at least 12 years in claims or underwriting support.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office for the Executive Underwriter level; proficiency in Microsoft Office for the AVP level.
- Experience working within time constraints for quotes on new and renewal business.
- Experience working in a team environment for the Executive Underwriter level or a collaborative, fast-paced environment for the AVP level.
- Ability to meet the position’s 15–20% travel commitment.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Energy Casualty or casualty-driven underwriting experience, including guaranteed-cost and loss-sensitive underwriting.
- Existing network and familiarity within the Energy Casualty brokerage and client community.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Sales execution mindset.
- Creative problem-solving skills.
- Microsoft Office experience.
Responsibilities
- Market and produce business, including onsite client stewardship and broker visits.
- Manage and develop a robust new-business and cross-sell pipeline.
- Advocate for customers by understanding their risks and offering appropriate end-to-end insurance solutions.
- Evaluate exposures and risks, determine pricing, and document underwriting decisions using a disciplined and thorough approach.
- Use risk insights, data, and models to inform underwriting decisions at point of sale.
- Develop and define program-structure recommendations, including guaranteed-cost and loss-sensitive solutions, based on risk characteristics.
- Prepare and present comprehensive referrals as necessary.
- Independently negotiate with agents and brokers and deliver successful outcomes.
- Administer and monitor underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws, and regulations.
- Work within broad limits and authorities on highly complex assignments.
- Manage key portfolio indicators in the assigned territory, including gross written premium, retention, rate, and profitability.
- Mentor and coach early-career team members.
- Attend industry events and contribute to long-term strategy development and vision.
Benefits
- Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families.
- Potential eligibility for bonuses and merit increases.
- Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility: 30% for the Executive Underwriter and 40% for the AVP, Underwriting Director.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
High school or GED
