Underwriting Specialist OR Executive Underwriter, Umbrella Excess Casualty

Zurich is seeking an Underwriting Specialist OR Executive Underwriter, Umbrella Excess Casualty for our National Accounts Large Property Underwriting team in our Chicago office. While this position will be based out of a Zurich office, you will have the flexibility to work on a hybrid basis. You will partner with your manager to set a flexible work schedule that supports you, our customers, and our brokers and agents. This role will require you to be visible in the marketplace to meet with our agents and brokers and be in the office/market three days per week. 

As an Umbrella Excess Casualty Underwriter at Zurich you will have the opportunity to grow and develop your career as a member of seasoned and dynamic team. You will be underwriting new and renewal business, under limited direction, utilizing The Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on highly complex accounts. We focus strongly on our customers and are seeking someone with the ability to develop exceptional relationships and a strong market facing presence. Experience with underwriting P&C lines is preferred. 

This role will be filled at either the Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter level. The hiring manager will determine the appropriate level based upon the selected applicant's experience and skill set relative to the qualifications listed for this position.

Our Umbrella Excess Casualty Underwriters are responsible for:

• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Complete detailed opportunity assessment with key distributors to identify growth opportunities.
• Qualify accounts to meet with the organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity.
• Make agent/broker/customer and on-sight calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
• Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals.
• Cross-Sell other lines of business to increase product density with the account.
• Participate in Sales Team meeting as related to assigned brokers and / or territory.
• Proactively engage in the target account process, managing a qualified list of opportunities 90 to 120 days prior to effective date.
• Update required systems with details of broker / client visits and account status within specified time frame.
• Serve as key contact for assigned target accounts.
• Develop strong broker and client networks as related to industries underwritten by Business Unit.
• Calculate Target Price accurately by utilizing underwriting tools appropriately.

Basic Qualifications: Underwriting Specialist

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area.
  OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 1 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
  OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 4 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
  AND
• Knowledge of line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines
• Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Experience with Microsoft Office

OR

Basic Qualifications - Executive Underwriter:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in commercial underwriting or brokerage or market facing area
  OR
• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the claims or underwriting support area
  OR
• Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
  OR
• Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an Associate Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Experience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Experience working in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelors Degree
• CPCU
• Advanced knowledge of Umbrella/Excess Casualty product lines
• Knowledge of Primary Casualty and loss sensitive accounts
• Strong broker/customer relationships
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent skills in relationship building
• Strong presentation skills
• Results oriented

Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply—your unique background matters to us. The combined salary range for this position is $83,400.00 - $180,500.00. The proposed salary range for the Underwriting Specialist is $83,400.00 - $136,500.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%. The proposed salary range for the Executive Underwriter is $110,200.00 - $180,500.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%. 

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. [Learn more about Total Rewards here

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.

Join us for a brighter future—for yourself and our customers.

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.

Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.

Location(s): AM - Chicago
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No

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