AVP, Industry Practice Director

AVP, Industry Practice Director - Manufacturing, Wholesale, Retail Zurich North America is seeking an AVP Industry Practice Director – Manufacturing, Wholesale & Retail for our growing U.S. Middle Market Business Unit. This role is responsible for helping to advance the foundational Property and Casualty underwriting framework for our Manufacturing, Wholesale & Retail Industries Industry Practices. This is a critical role as the AVP Industry Practice Director will utilize their expertise at a national level to deliver the Property and Casualty underwriting strategy, driving performance and growth of the assigned industry practices. Broader responsibilities include training and supporting the Market Facing Underwriters in the strategy and collaborating with other Industry Practice Leaders, Underwriters, Brokers, Line of Business and Actuarial partners. This position should be proximate to an existing Zurich North American Middle Market Office location. We may be open to considering remote, but some travel will be expected. Key Accountabilities Operationalize the underwriting strategy of the Manufacturing, Wholesale & Retail industry practices to deliver growth and profitability results. Develop and advance the technical standards, controls and practices for Manufacturing, Wholesale & Retail industry practices. Provide technical underwriting guidance to field underwriting staff in handling complex queries and referrals. Participate in the strategic and operational planning process, lending the viewpoint of the industry segment. Develop feedback mechanisms to ensure information is shared across the business. Develop solutions for issues and trends facing the industry segments and identify opportunities for new products and services. Agency engagement with key relationships in conjunction with Head of Industry, Territory Leaders, and Underwriters. Travel may take place in accordance with branch and industry strategies. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Underwriting Area OR High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the Underwriting area. Preferred Qualifications Advanced knowledge in underwriting property, general liability, auto, workers compensation and umbrella within the Manufacturing, Wholesale & Retail space. Ability to manage complex Property and Casualty underwriting portfolios and deliver to target. Proven ability to influence others in achieving goals. Experience developing and implementing underwriting strategies for complex offerings. Strong skills in sales such as relationship building, active listening and win‑win negotiating. Strong Leadership presence with experience navigating through a large organization to execute through influence. Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills. Ability to effectively use Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint, Word and embrace new technologies. CPCU, CIC designation. The pay range shown is a national average and may vary by location. The proposed salary range for this position is $113,000.00 – $185,000.00, with short‑term incentive bonus eligibility set at 20%. We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. Why Zurich? At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®. Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets. #J-18808-Ljbffr