Job Description
Zurich is currently looking to hire an experienced Commercial Surety Underwriter for our Surety Team in Chicago.
The Commercial Surety Underwriter will work to analyze and underwrite a book of new and renewal business. Underwriters will use the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on highly complex assignments ensuring a high-level service to customers. In this role, you will partner with brokers and will utilize strong sales execution mindset to write profitable business.
To bring leading talent into the organization and foster a culture of innovation and excellence, we encourage professionals from wide range of backgrounds and industries to apply and:
• Join a global company that gives you an opportunity to collaborate with some of the best talent in the business
• Use your risk management, accounting, and/or finance experience to support the needs of our customers
• Have the autonomy and freedom to be successful in your career
• Experience a customized training program dedicated to those new joiners outside of the insurance industry
Additional responsibilities will include:
• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Complete detailed opportunity assessment with key distributors to identify growth opportunities.
• Qualify accounts to meet with the organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity.
• Make agent/broker/customer and on-sight calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
• Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals.
• Cross-Sell other lines of business to increase product density with the account.
• Participate in Sales Team meeting as related to assigned brokers and / or territory.
• Proactively engage in the target account process, managing a qualified list of opportunities 90 to 120 days prior to effective date.
• Update required systems with details of broker / client visits and account status within specified time frame.
• Serve as key contact for assigned target accounts.
• Develop strong broker and client networks as related to industries underwritten by Business Unit.
• Contribute to development of u/w manuals, programs and guidelines.
• Lead complex technical or long-term (over 6 months) business projects to implement new or changed systems, programs or products
• Investigate, recommend and implement leading edge technical solutions when they meet customer needs
Required Qualifications:
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Finance, Accounting, Banking. or Market Facing area
OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprenticeship program including an Associate Degree and 1 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Finance, Accounting, Banking. 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
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience handling Large Commercial Accounts
• Highly preferred In-depth knowledge of Surety line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines
• Highly preferred Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Microsoft Office experience
• Ability to effectively assess risk
• Strong negotiation 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 proposed Salary range for this position is $83,400.00 - $136,600.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%.
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, ****** 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 - Illinois Virtual Office, AM - Chicago
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-WL1 #LI-ASSOCIATE
The Commercial Surety Underwriter will work to analyze and underwrite a book of new and renewal business. Underwriters will use the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on highly complex assignments ensuring a high-level service to customers. In this role, you will partner with brokers and will utilize strong sales execution mindset to write profitable business.
To bring leading talent into the organization and foster a culture of innovation and excellence, we encourage professionals from wide range of backgrounds and industries to apply and:
• Join a global company that gives you an opportunity to collaborate with some of the best talent in the business
• Use your risk management, accounting, and/or finance experience to support the needs of our customers
• Have the autonomy and freedom to be successful in your career
• Experience a customized training program dedicated to those new joiners outside of the insurance industry
Additional responsibilities will include:
• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Complete detailed opportunity assessment with key distributors to identify growth opportunities.
• Qualify accounts to meet with the organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity.
• Make agent/broker/customer and on-sight calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
• Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals.
• Cross-Sell other lines of business to increase product density with the account.
• Participate in Sales Team meeting as related to assigned brokers and / or territory.
• Proactively engage in the target account process, managing a qualified list of opportunities 90 to 120 days prior to effective date.
• Update required systems with details of broker / client visits and account status within specified time frame.
• Serve as key contact for assigned target accounts.
• Develop strong broker and client networks as related to industries underwritten by Business Unit.
• Contribute to development of u/w manuals, programs and guidelines.
• Lead complex technical or long-term (over 6 months) business projects to implement new or changed systems, programs or products
• Investigate, recommend and implement leading edge technical solutions when they meet customer needs
Required Qualifications:
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Finance, Accounting, Banking. or Market Facing area
OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprenticeship program including an Associate Degree and 1 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Finance, Accounting, Banking. 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
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience handling Large Commercial Accounts
• Highly preferred In-depth knowledge of Surety line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines
• Highly preferred Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Microsoft Office experience
• Ability to effectively assess risk
• Strong negotiation 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 proposed Salary range for this position is $83,400.00 - $136,600.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%.
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, ****** 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 - Illinois Virtual Office, AM - Chicago
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-WL1 #LI-ASSOCIATE
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Underwriting Specialist - Commercial Surety at Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. position is now open for candidates interested in the Accountant Jobs sector. This role in Chicago offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Accountant Jobs is a plus.
