Commercial Surety Underwriter, AVP

Zurich North America is looking for a Commercial Surety Underwriter (Account Executive or AVP Level) to join our Commercial Surety team in the West region.

This position can be based out of our San Francisco office, one of our offices in SoCal (Los Angeles or Irvine) or Virtual within Northern CA (Walnut Creek, Concord, Sacramento etc.).

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 West region Brokers and Customers to write profitable business.

This role will be filled at either the Account Executive (5T level) or AVP (6T 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.

Account Executive Basic Qualifications :

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Insurance or Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking experience
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
• Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an Associate Degree and 1 or more years of experience in the Insurance or Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking experience
• Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an Associate Degree and 4 or more years of experience in claims or underwriting support area
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory guidelines
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Experience working under deadlines
• Experience working in a fast-paced team environment

AVP 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

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 ().