Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter - Surety Commercial

Zurich Insurance Group • Houston, NC

7d • $75,000 - $165,000 • Remote

About The Position

Zurich is hiring an experienced Commercial Surety Underwriter for its Surety Team in the Southeast Region. The underwriter analyzes and underwrites new and renewal business using the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority, including highly complex assignments, while providing a high level of customer service. The role partners with brokers and applies a strong sales execution mindset to write profitable business. The position may be filled at either the Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter level, with the hiring manager determining the appropriate level based on the selected applicant’s experience and skills.

The role involves developing broker and client relationships, pursuing new and renewal opportunities, assessing accounts against the organization’s appetite, negotiating terms and conditions, and supporting growth across assigned accounts and territories. It may also involve contributing to underwriting manuals, programs, and guidelines and leading complex technical or long-term projects to implement systems, programs, or products.

Zurich describes a global, collaborative organization that offers autonomy, career development, and a customized training program for new joiners from outside the insurance industry. The position is full-time, with remote working available. Locations include offices and virtual offices across the Southeast and Texas. Compensation depends on role, location, skills, and experience. The stated combined salary range is $75,000–$165,000; the posting lists proposed ranges of $75,000–$125,000 with 10% short-term incentive bonus eligibility and $100,000–$165,000 with 30% Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility. Employees are offered competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for themselves and their families.

Requirements

• For the Underwriting Specialist level: High school diploma or equivalent and at least 3 years of experience in underwriting, market-facing work, finance, accounting, or banking; or a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 6 years of claims or underwriting support experience; or Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice status including an associate degree and at least 1 year of experience in underwriting, market-facing work, finance, accounting, or banking; or Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice status including an associate degree and at least 4 years of claims or underwriting support experience.
• For the Executive Underwriter level: High school diploma or equivalent and at least 5 years of experience in underwriting or market-facing work; or a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 10 years of claims or underwriting support experience; or Zurich Certified Apprentice status including an associate degree and at least 3 years of experience in underwriting or market-facing work. The posting also lists an alternative of Zurich Certified Apprentice status including an associate degree and at least 8 years of experience in underwriting or market-facing work.
• Knowledge of relevant lines of business and applicable legal and regulatory guidelines (listed as a basic qualification for the Underwriting Specialist level).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (listed as a basic qualification for the Executive Underwriter level).
• Experience working under time constraints for quotes on new and renewal business (listed as a basic qualification for the Executive Underwriter level).
• Experience working in a team environment (listed as a basic qualification for the Executive Underwriter level).

Nice To Haves

• Experience handling large commercial accounts (highly preferred).
• In-depth knowledge of Surety lines of business and applicable legal and regulatory guidelines (highly preferred).
• Knowledge of time constraints for quotes on new and renewal business.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Microsoft Office experience.
• Ability to effectively assess risk.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Strong broker relationships.
• Superior relationship-building, active-listening, needs-analysis, and win-win negotiation skills.
• Ability to meet or exceed broker and customer expectations for required deadlines and provide a high level of customer service.
• Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, and national and local filing regulations and guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and underwrite a book of new and renewal business using the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels.
• Provide high-level service to customers while underwriting highly complex assignments.
• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Complete detailed opportunity assessments with key distributors to identify growth opportunities.
• Qualify accounts to align with the organization’s appetite and sound business opportunities.
• Make planned and well-prepared calls to agents, brokers, customers, and prospective customers, including on-site calls.
• Negotiate terms and conditions and close deals.
• Cross-sell other lines of business to increase product density within accounts.
• Participate in sales team meetings related to assigned brokers or territory.
• Engage in the target account process and manage a qualified list of opportunities 90 to 120 days before the effective date.
• Update required systems with broker and client visit details and account status within specified time frames.
• Serve as the key contact for assigned target accounts.
• Develop strong broker and client networks in industries underwritten by the Business Unit.
• Contribute to the development of underwriting manuals, programs, and guidelines.
• Lead complex technical or long-term projects lasting more than six months to implement new or changed systems, programs, or products.
• Investigate, recommend, and implement leading-edge technical solutions when they meet customer needs.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families.
• Potential eligibility for bonuses and merit increases.
• Short-term incentive bonus eligibility of 10% for the listed $75,000–$125,000 proposed salary range.
• Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility of 30% for the listed $100,000–$165,000 proposed salary range.
• Customized training program for new joiners from outside the insurance industry.
• Career growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED