Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director- Surety

Zurich Insurance is currently looking for an Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director – Contract Surety. This highly technical, market‑facing position requires experience with Surety lines of business and is located in Owings Mills, Maryland (Hybrid – East PA; Bethesda, Maryland; DC or North VA). The role will require approximately 20% travel.

• Underwrite and analyze new and renewal business with minimal direction within delegated authority levels for highly complex assignments.
• Demonstrate specialized knowledge and expertise in products and industry.
• Administer and monitor underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws and regulations, and rating manuals.
• Work at the highest authority limits on assignments utilizing the highest degree of technical complexity and coordination; develop and maintain relationships with distributors (agents & brokers) in support of business retention and acquisition; provide solutions to customers and distributors.
• Act as a Help Point for agents, brokers and customers to support the organization's sales culture.
• Contribute to the development of propositions and provide technical guidance, assistance, and training to lower level underwriters.
• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities and complete detailed opportunity assessments with key distributors.
• Qualify accounts to meet the organization's appetite while balancing sound business opportunity.
• Make agent/broker/customer and on‑site calls with a planned and well‑prepared purpose.
• Negotiate terms & conditions and close deals; cross‑sell other lines of business to increase product density.
• Participate in sales team meetings related to assigned brokers and/or territory.
• Engage in 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 within industries underwritten by the Business Unit.
• Calculate target price accurately using underwriting tools.
• Sponsor/lead product development and develop training programs.
• Drive/manage how the Business Unit addresses emerging issues; resolve technical issues for the company.
• Provide expertise on coverage issues with claims; develop underwriting manuals, programs and guidelines.
• Handle & review large/complex underwriting submissions and annual underwriting reviews; benchmark and establish best practices.
• Act as mentor.

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5+ years of experience in Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market‑Facing area; OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area; OR
• Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 3+ years of experience in Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market‑Facing area; OR
• Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 8+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Experience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business.
• Experience working in a team environment.

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7+ years of experience in Underwriting, Market‑Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking; OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area; OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5+ years of experience in Underwriting, Market‑Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking; OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support area; AND
• Experience with Microsoft Office.

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Advanced knowledge and practice of lines of business.
• Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to effectively assess risk.
• Ability to work in a team‑based environment.
• Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business.
• Strong presentation skills.

The combined salary range for this position is $–$. The Executive Underwriter level range is $–$ with 15% short‑term incentive bonus eligibility; the AVP, Underwriting Director level is $–$ with 20% short‑term incentive bonus eligibility.

Zurich 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.