AVP, Underwriting Director- Commercial Surety

Overview Zurich North America is looking for a Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer (AVP or VP Level) to join our Commercial Surety team in one of the following locations: Chicago, Schaumburg, Illinois; Michigan; Wisconsin; Ohio; or Indiana. The Commercial Surety Underwriter is a technical role responsible for overall account management, business development and analysis of a highly complex book of Commercial Surety Accounts. The ideal candidate will have a can-do attitude, a strong financial background including credit analysis, excellent communication and presentation skills, time management skills, and the ability to develop and sharpen negotiation skills. Underwriters will use the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on highly complex assignments to provide high-level service to customers. This role offers an opportunity for an experienced Commercial Surety Underwriter to leverage analytical skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to develop and maintain relationships with our North Central region Brokers and Customers to write profitable business. The role will be filled at either the AVP or VP Level. The hiring manager will determine the appropriate level based on the selected applicant’s experience and skillset relative to the qualifications listed. Responsibilities Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities. Qualify accounts to meet the organization’s appetite, negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals. Cross-sell other lines of business to increase product density with the account. Update required systems with details of broker/client visits and account status within the specified time frame. Calculate Target Price accurately by utilizing underwriting tools appropriately. Diagnose and develop recommendations to solve unique business unit and customer problems. 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. AVP Basic Qualifications High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking, OR High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support, OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice with an Associate Degree and 3 or more years in Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking, OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice with an Associate Degree and 8 or more years in Claims or Underwriting Support, AND Knowledge of Microsoft Office; knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business; experience working in a team environment. VP Basic Qualifications High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking, OR High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support, OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice with an Associate Degree and 5 or more years in Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking, OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice with an Associate Degree and 12 or more years in Claims or Underwriting Support, AND Experience with Microsoft Office. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree Surety knowledge/experience and knowledge of the legal and regulatory guidelines Understanding of the structure of broker relationships Ability to analyze and understand complicated credit assessments, trends, and strategies Investigative skills to develop an understanding of business strategies, trends, complex contracts, assessment of long-term obligations and organizational character among other aspects of our customers Ability to articulate these strategies and financial concepts with fact-based conclusions and recommendations Prior experience managing/growing a profitable portfolio of customers Negotiation experience with brokers and large, international, and national organizations Strong verbal and written communication skills Compensation and Additional Details At Zurich, compensation is influenced by location, role, skill set, and experience. We provide a fair and reasonable compensation range for each role. The combined salary range for this position is $98,500.00 - $215,000.00. The proposed salary range for the AVP level is $98,500.00 - $165,000.00 with a 15% short-term incentive, and for the VP level is $130,000.00 - $215,000.00 with a 20% short-term incentive. Location(s): AM - Chicago, AM - Schaumburg, AM - Ohio Virtual Office, AM - Wisconsin Virtual Office, AM - Indiana Virtual Office, AM - Michigan Virtual Office Remote Working: Yes Schedule: Full Time Employment Sponsorship Offered: No EEO and Compliance Zurich North America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich American Insurance. About Zurich Zurich North America has over 150 years of experience in risk management and is a leading provider of commercial property-casualty insurance solutions and risk management products and services. We serve more than 25 industries and insure a large portion of the Fortune 500. We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package and competitive compensation. More information is available about Total Rewards. Locations Location(s): Chicago, Schaumburg, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan (Virtual Office options available) #J-18808-Ljbffr