Underwriting Specialist OR Executive Underwriter, Middle Market Private Equity
Build What's Next with Zurich Middle Markets
At Zurich Middle Markets, we're experiencing remarkable momentum, delivering double-digit growth for four consecutive years and positioning ourselves for even greater success ahead. Our continued growth is driven by exceptional talent, strong broker partnerships, and a commitment to helping our customers navigate complex risks with confidence.
As we continue expanding our Private Equity practice, we are seeking an experienced Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter to join our team in New York City. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in a growing business, partner with top-tier brokers and clients, and contribute to a high-performing team known for underwriting excellence and innovation.
In this role, you'll serve as a trusted advisor and customer advocate, helping private equity-backed organizations identify, assess, and manage risk through tailored Property & Casualty insurance solutions. You'll have the opportunity to make meaningful business decisions, build valuable market relationships, and directly influence the success of your portfolio.
This is a hybrid opportunity based in our New York City office.
What You'll Do:
As a member of Zurich's Middle Markets Private Equity team, you will:
- Build and strengthen relationships with brokers, distribution partners, and customers across a diverse range of industries to support business growth and profitability.
- Evaluate, analyze, and price new and renewal business while leveraging your underwriting expertise to maintain a profitable portfolio.
- Serve as a strategic partner to customers by understanding their unique operational and financial risks and delivering tailored insurance solutions.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Claims, Risk Engineering, Finance, Actuarial, and Technical Underwriting to provide best-in-class service and underwriting outcomes.
- Utilize your technical underwriting, negotiation, and relationship management skills to identify opportunities, drive business development, and deepen broker partnerships.
- Contribute to an innovative and rapidly growing Private Equity segment while building expertise in a highly specialized area of the insurance industry.
- Take ownership of your territory and book of business, balancing growth objectives with disciplined underwriting practices.
Why Join Zurich Middle Markets?
- Be part of a rapidly growing and highly visible Private Equity practice with mentorship offered in this space.
- Partner with industry-leading brokers and sophisticated middle market clients.
- Collaborate with experienced underwriting professionals and cross-functional experts.
- Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work environment.
- Grow your career within a global insurance leader known for innovation, employee development, and underwriting excellence.
- Make a meaningful impact by helping businesses protect what matters most while achieving their growth objectives.
Basic Qualifications:
This position may be filled at either the Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter level. The final level will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience, technical expertise, and overall qualifications.
Underwriting Specialist:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area.
OR - High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support 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
Executive Underwriter:
- 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 area.
AND - Knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Experience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree
- Established relationships with Private Equity or P&C broker partners
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong business relationship
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and decision-making skills
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 pay range shown is a national average and may vary by location. The combined salary range for this position is $94,800.00 - $205,100.00. The proposed salary range for the Underwriting Specialist is $94,800.00 - $155,100.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%. The proposed salary range for the Executive Underwriter is $125,300.00 - $205,100.00, 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 - New York
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-AK1 #LI-ASSOCIATE #LI-HYBRID
Nearest Major Market: Manhattan
Nearest Secondary Market: New York City