AVP/VP Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer

Zurich North America is looking for an experienced Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer (AVP or VP Level) to join our Commercial Surety team within the Southern Region.

Although our preference is for the individual to be based out of our Houston or Dallas offices, we would also consider other significant locations within the Southern Region such as Austin, San Antonio, or Virtual within the states of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas.

The Commercial Surety Underwriter is a uniquely technical role in the underwriting world. In this position you will be responsible for the overall account management, business development and analysis of a highly complex book of Commercial Surety Accounts.

Our ideal candidate will have a can-do positive attitude, strong financial background including credit analysis, excellent communication and presentation skills, time management skills, and the ability to further develop and sharpen established negotiation skills.

Underwriters will use the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on highly complex assignments ensuring a high-level service to customers.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Commercial Surety Underwriter to use their analytical skills, their entrepreneurial spirit, along with their ability to develop and maintain relationships with our Southern Region Brokers and Customers to write profitable business.

This role will be filled at either the AVP (6T level) or VP (7T level). The hiring manager will determine the appropriate level based upon the selected applicant’s experience and skillset relative to the qualifications listed for this position.

Additional responsibilities will include :

• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Qualify accounts to meet with the organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity. 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 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 (6T Level) Basic Qualifications :

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years in the Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Experience working in a team environment

VP (7T Level) Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area

Preferred Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Surety knowledge / experience and knowledge of the legal and regulatory guidelines
• Understanding of structure of broker relationships
• Ability to analyze and understand complicated credit assessments, trends, and strategies
• Investigative skills (curiosity) 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 coherently articulate these strategies and financial concepts formulating fact-based conclusions and recommendations
• Prior experience managing / growing profitable portfolio of customers
• Negotiation experience with brokers and large, international, and national organizations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

As a condition of employment at Zurich, employees must adhere to any COVID-related health and safety protocols in place at that time ().