Executive Underwriter or AVP Underwriting Director- Middle Market

Over the past five years, Zurich North America has built a world-class Middle Market operation that serves key industries across the U.S. We strive to assemble a team of dedicated Middle Market leaders and underwriters who understand this space very deeply and who grasp the unique challenges of the various industry segments and the individual customers we serve. We are looking to add to our team in Chicago, IL.

While this position is based out of the Chicago 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.

In this role, you will serve as a customer advocate with a focus on improving customer experience by understanding their unique risks and offering the best end-to-end solution for their Property & Casualty insurance needs.

What you can expect in a Market Facing, Middle Market Underwriting position at Zurich:

• You will develop and maintain relationships with broker partners and customers across all industries in support of business objectives.
• You will leverage your Property and Casualty underwriting acumen across risk assessment, exposure evaluation and pricing to generate and maintain a profitable book of new and renewal business.
• You will work collaboratively across business units including but not limited to; claims, finance, risk engineering, actuary, and technical underwriting while gaining extensive knowledge in a growing and innovative industry.
• You will be empowered to use your technical underwriting, negotiation and interpersonal skills to grow and develop relationships with preferred distribution partners in an assigned territory.

This role will be filled at either the Executive Underwriter or AVP Underwriting Director 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.

Executive Underwriter Required Qualifications:

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

OR

AVP, Underwriting Director Required Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree
• Experience handling all lines of business in the Middle Market space (Auto, GL, Workers Compensation, Umbrella, Inland Marine and Property)
• Broker relationships in the Chicago Market
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Microsoft Office proficiency

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 $110,200.00 - $238,700.00. The proposed salary range for the Executive Underwriter is $110,200.00 - $180,500.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15 %. The proposed salary range for the AVP Underwriting Director is $145,800.00 - $238,700.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 20%. 

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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