AVP or VP, Contract Surety Underwriting Officer

Zurich Insurance is currently looking for a AVP or VP, Contract Surety Underwriting Officer - Core Contract Surety Division. This is a highly technical and market facing position and requires experience with Surety lines of business. We are open to hiring talent located within the South region at different locations. Our ideal candidate would live in Mississippi or Alabama. We are open to hiring talent for our offices in Ridgeland, MS or Birmingham, AL. We may, at the discretion of the hiring manager, be open to hiring remotely in Mississippi or Alabama. This position will require about 25% travel.
 

This role will be filled at either the AVP or VP 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.

Compensation includes base salary with short-term incentive eligibility, as well as a generous 401K match.

 As a member of Zurich's Surety Underwriting Team you will enjoy the opportunity to fully apply and hone your underwriting and marketing skills. Specifically, you will underwrite and analyze new and renewal Surety business utilizing The Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on assignments of higher technical complexity ensuring a high-level service to customers. Our Underwriters are Client Externally Focused and the job’s core deliverables rely on delivering service to external clients and/or customers. Typically involves building relationships and promoting the company. 

Our AVP/VP, Contract Surety Underwriting Officer is responsible for:

• Production and underwriting of new and renewal Surety business
• Internal marketing and production within Zurich North America in support of our cross-sell efforts 
• Execution of the external marketing strategy
• Adherence to underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws, regulations and the Zurich Way of underwriting
• Establish new as well as develop existing agency and broker relationships
• Working within limits and authorities on assignments of varying degrees of complexity 

AVP, Contract Surety Underwriting Officer Basic 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 approved Apprenticeship program including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
  OR
• Zurich approved Apprenticeship program 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
• Experience working in a team environment 
• Knowledge of Surety line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines 

OR

VP, Contract Surety Underwriting Officer Basic 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
  AND
• Experience with Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• In-depth knowledge of Contract Surety lines of business
• Ability to effectively assess risk
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong broker relationships in South region, specifically Mississippi and/or Alabama
• Superior skills in relationship building, active listening, needs analysis, and win-win negotiation
• Possess a high level of customer service by meeting or exceeding broker and or customer expectations with respect to required deadlines
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing regulations and guidelines

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 combined salary range for this position is $98,500.00 - $215,000.00. The proposed salary range for the AVP is $98,500.00 - $165,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%. The proposed salary range for the VP is $130,000.00 - $215,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 20%. 

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 - Alabama Virtual Office, AM - Birmingham, AM - Mississippi Virtual Office
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No  
 
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