Underwriting Specialist OR Executive Underwriter - Large Contract Surety
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $75,000.00 - $165,000.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
bonus eligibility
Hybrid remote work
Professional Development
Job Description
Zurich Insurance Group, a globally recognized leader in risk management and insurance, is seeking a motivated Contract Surety Underwriter to join the Large Contract West Region Surety Team. Zurich has over 150 years of expertise and is well known for its strong presence across more than 25 industries, including coverage for 90 percent of the Fortune 500 companies. The organization operates with a collaborative and purpose-driven culture supported by a global brand, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to grow their careers and make a lasting impact.
This role focuses on managing and expanding a portfolio of domestic and international large contract surety accounts across thirteen Western States including Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona. The position is market-facing and involves working closely with top-tier brokers, agents, and clients. This role values your expertise and offers you broad authority and clear accountability to make decisions that matter. You will be expected to lead complex assignments confidently, travel approximately 20 percent within the region, and foster strong relationships that enhance Zurich’s market position.
The Contract Surety Underwriter’s responsibilities include underwriting and analyzing new and renewal business, ensuring compliance with underwriting guidelines and regulatory requirements, and navigating complex assignments autonomously. You will play a pivotal role in not only portfolio retention but also business development. The role can be filled at either the Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter level, depending on experience and qualifications. Salary ranges from $75,000 to $165,000 annually, with additional bonus incentives tied to role and performance. Zurich commits to fair compensation based on role, location, skills, and experience.
The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of surety lines of business, a strong finance and accounting background, and the ability to investigate and analyze complicated credit assessments and business strategies. Candidates should be skilled at articulating strategies clearly, managing growing profitable portfolios, and negotiating effectively with large international and national organizations. The role also demands strong team-building and organizational skills along with the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Working at Zurich not only provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families but also offers a supportive environment that values inclusion and professional growth. Zurich North America is an equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable laws and provides an inclusive workplace free from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics. The position offers hybrid remote working options with virtual offices located in multiple Western states, delivering flexibility and work-life balance.
Joining Zurich means becoming part of a company where your ideas, experience, and career goals are valued. As a leader in insurance and risk management, Zurich’s culture promotes innovative thinking and continuous learning opportunities. This position is ideal for underwriting professionals seeking to leverage their skill sets, enhance their networks, and contribute meaningfully to the company’s sustained success and customer satisfaction.
This role focuses on managing and expanding a portfolio of domestic and international large contract surety accounts across thirteen Western States including Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona. The position is market-facing and involves working closely with top-tier brokers, agents, and clients. This role values your expertise and offers you broad authority and clear accountability to make decisions that matter. You will be expected to lead complex assignments confidently, travel approximately 20 percent within the region, and foster strong relationships that enhance Zurich’s market position.
The Contract Surety Underwriter’s responsibilities include underwriting and analyzing new and renewal business, ensuring compliance with underwriting guidelines and regulatory requirements, and navigating complex assignments autonomously. You will play a pivotal role in not only portfolio retention but also business development. The role can be filled at either the Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter level, depending on experience and qualifications. Salary ranges from $75,000 to $165,000 annually, with additional bonus incentives tied to role and performance. Zurich commits to fair compensation based on role, location, skills, and experience.
The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of surety lines of business, a strong finance and accounting background, and the ability to investigate and analyze complicated credit assessments and business strategies. Candidates should be skilled at articulating strategies clearly, managing growing profitable portfolios, and negotiating effectively with large international and national organizations. The role also demands strong team-building and organizational skills along with the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Working at Zurich not only provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families but also offers a supportive environment that values inclusion and professional growth. Zurich North America is an equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable laws and provides an inclusive workplace free from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics. The position offers hybrid remote working options with virtual offices located in multiple Western states, delivering flexibility and work-life balance.
Joining Zurich means becoming part of a company where your ideas, experience, and career goals are valued. As a leader in insurance and risk management, Zurich’s culture promotes innovative thinking and continuous learning opportunities. This position is ideal for underwriting professionals seeking to leverage their skill sets, enhance their networks, and contribute meaningfully to the company’s sustained success and customer satisfaction.
Job Requirements
- high school diploma or equivalent
- 3 or more years of experience in underwriting, banking, mortgage, finance, or market facing area
- or 6 or more years of experience in claims or underwriting support area
- or zurich certified insurance apprentice including an associate degree and 1 or more years of experience in underwriting, banking, mortgage, finance, or market facing area
- or zurich certified insurance apprentice including an associate degree and 4 or more years of experience in claims or underwriting support area
- knowledge of line/s of business and legal and regulatory guidelines
- knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
- experience with microsoft office
- experience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
- experience working in a team environment
Job Qualifications
- high school diploma or equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in underwriting, banking, mortgage, finance, or market facing area
- or high school diploma or equivalent and 6 or more years of experience in claims or underwriting support area
- or zurich certified insurance apprentice including an associate degree and 1 or more years of experience in underwriting, banking, mortgage, finance, or market facing area
- or zurich certified insurance apprentice including an associate degree and 4 or more years of experience in claims or underwriting support area
- or high school diploma or equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in underwriting or market facing area, finance, accounting or banking experience
- or high school diploma or equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in claims or underwriting support area
- or zurich certified insurance apprentice including an associate degree and 3 or more years of experience in underwriting or market facing area, finance, accounting or banking experience
- or zurich certified insurance apprentice including an associate degree and 8 or more years of experience in 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
Job Duties
- underwriting and analyzing new and renewal business for large contract surety
- navigating complex assignments with confidence and autonomy
- building and maintaining strategic broker and agency relationships
- ensuring compliance with underwriting guidelines and regulatory requirements
- managing complex large accounts
- travel approximately 20 percent across the region
- making decisions that matter with clear accountability and broad authority
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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