Head of Energy, Underwriting

Zurich North America is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Head of Energy. The Head of Energy is responsible for delivering underwriting results across the following portfolios: Energy Casualty, Energy Property, and Marine.

In this pivotal role, you will shape both the technical and strategic direction of the Energy and Marine portfolios.  Your leadership will be key to ensuring strong profitability and long-term growth. We’re looking for someone with deep expertise in the Energy sector, a proven ability to build influential business relationships, and a strong track record in strategic underwriting oversight and portfolio management. Exceptional communication skills and a talent for fostering client partnerships are essential.

This position reports to the Head of Specialties and our preference is for this leader to be located in Houston or New York, but we will consider alternative cities. Business travel will be required.

Responsibilities Include:

• Establishing key performance targets and financial budgets for underwriting unit in order to optimize business performance in line with set objectives. 
• Interpret and review the commercial drivers in the market and the organization´s strategic goals, translate into objectives to develop cross-functional business cases for complex projects and programs and act as program sponsor to ensure effective delivery of projects.
• Develop and maintain relationships in support of business retention, new business and determine their insurance-related needs and provide solutions. 
• Manage relationships with key internal stakeholders in order to identify opportunities for service improvement to ensure commercial viability and customer satisfaction. 
• Participate in leadership team meetings to provide specialist guidance and enable the implementation of policies, projects and change initiatives to produce profitable results. 
• Recommend and implement action plans after reviewing agency books of business and profit/growth results and trends. 
• Develop a people management plan to drive performance management in the organization and to optimize performance within the team, and manage performance of team members, including ensuring team members comply with company policies and expectations and take appropriate action.
• Contribute to the business strategy to align underwriting strategy with wider business goals. 

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree and 15 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area within the Commercial Insurance Industry
  AND

• 5 or more years of experience in leadership roles
• Business unit management experience

• Energy Underwriting experience

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience leading a complex business unit with P&L responsibility and a strong record of growing and retaining a substantial book of business
• Deep knowledge of Energy lines of business, industry, and marketplace
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning and execution
• Strong broker relationships, with excellent skills in relationship-building, listening, and negotiating
• Executive presence and confidence in engaging with the C-suite
• Visionary leadership, driving innovation and creative problem-solving across the organization

At Zurich, compensation for roles is influenced by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. In compliance with local laws, Zurich commits to providing a fair and reasonable compensation range for each role. For more information about our Total Rewards, please click here. Additional rewards may encompass short-term incentive bonuses and merit increases. We encourage candidates with salary expectations beyond the provided range to apply as they will be considered based on their experience, skills, and education. 

The compensation indicated represents a nationwide market range and has not been adjusted for geographic differentials pertaining to the location where the position may be filled. The proposed salary range for this position is 248,500.00-435,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 50%. 

As an insurance company, Zurich is subject to 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

A future with Zurich. What can go right when you apply at Zurich?

Now is the time to move forward and make a difference. At Zurich, we want you to share your unique perspectives, experiences and ideas so we can grow and drive sustainable change together. As part of a leading global organization, Zurich North America has over 150 years of experience managing risk and supporting resilience. Today, Zurich North America is a leading provider of commercial property-casualty insurance solutions and a wide range of risk management products and services for businesses and individuals. We serve more than 25 industries, from agriculture to technology, and we insure 90% of the Fortune 500®. Our growth strategy is not limited to our business. As an employer, we strive to provide ongoing career development opportunities, and we foster an environment where voices are diverse, behaviors are inclusive, actions drive equity, and our people feel a sense of belonging. Be a part of the next evolution of the insurance industry. Join us in building a brighter future for our colleagues, our customers and the communities we serve. Zurich maintains a comprehensive employee benefits package for employees as well as eligible dependents and competitive compensation. Please click here to learn more.

Zurich in North America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. 

Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich American Insurance. If you are a preferred vendor, please use our Recruiting Agency Portal for resume submission. 

Location(s): AM - Houston, AM - New York
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No  
 
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