VP, Senior Underwriting Manager - Programs

Zurich North America is seeking a Vice President, Programs. We’re looking for an inspiring leader to drive underwriting and operational initiatives, build trusted relationships, and help shape the strategic direction of our dynamic Programs Business unit.

In this influential role, we are seeking a leader who brings deep expertise in program business, a strategic outlook, and a collaborative mindset. This leader will play a critical role in strengthening client partnerships and inspiring our team to deliver sustainable, long-term growth. We are looking for a strong leader that will help drive Zurich’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer success.

Reporting directly to the Head of Programs, this position offers flexibility in location and can be based at any of our Zurich offices. Some business travel will be required.

Responsibilities Include:

• Partner with the Programs leadership team to define and execute a multi-year strategy and business goals while identifying new growth opportunities with key distributors.
• Develop tactical plans to achieve profitable growth across a diverse portfolio, and drive results.
• Lead Initiatives, and champion key operational actions and cultivate a customer-focused, results-driven underwriting culture.
• Translate market insights into actionable objectives, and mentor staff to develop strong program administrator and client networks
• Build trusted partnerships with Program Administrators, agents, brokers, and customers, serving as a solutions provider.
• Administer underwriting rules, insurance laws, and rating guidelines, review and act on agency performance and trends.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and standards to deliver profitable outcomes.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree and 10 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing, Broker, Carrier or Risk Management area within the Commercial Insurance industry

OR
• Bachelors Degree with 20 or more years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area within the Commercial Insurance industry

AND
• Experience in Experience in the Programs line of business or segment
• 2 or more years of people management experience

Preferred:

• Advanced knowledge and practice of line/s of business
• Strategic planning and execution experience
• Strong team building and organization skills
• Strong verbal and written and communication skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Experience managing complex portfolios
• Technical knowledge of insurance industry operations and processes
• Knowledge in risk selection and strategical components of anticipating the market environment
• CPCU

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.

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 - Schaumburg, AM - Illinois Virtual Office, AM - New Jersey Virtual Office, AM - Texas Virtual Office, AM - Washington St Virt. Office
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No  
 
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-LB1 #LI-EXECUTIVE