Underwriting Specialist OR Executive Underwriter

About the Role

Zurich's Large Contract West Region Surety Team is seeking a motivated Contract Surety Underwriter to strengthen its portfolio, elevate client relationships, and make an impact across the 13 Western States. This is a highly technical, market-facing role within the West region, open to talent located in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona. The role involves managing and expanding a portfolio of domestic and international large accounts, driving business development and retention.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwriting and analyzing new and renewal business for large contract surety
• Navigating complex assignments with confidence and autonomy
• Building and maintaining strategic broker and agency relationships
• Ensuring compliance with underwriting guidelines and regulatory requirements
• Managing complex large accounts
• Traveling approximately 20% across the region
• Growing network by working with top-tier agents and brokers
• Making decisions with clear accountability and broad authority

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Microsoft Office
• Surety lines of business experience
• Knowledge of line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines
• Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business

Qualifications

This role can be filled at either the Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter level. The hiring manager will determine the appropriate level based on the applicant’s experience and skill set.

Underwriting Specialist Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3+ years of experience in Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market Facing areas.

OR

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support areas.

OR

• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice (including an Associate Degree) and 1+ year of experience in Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market Facing areas.

OR

• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice (including an Associate Degree) and 4+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support areas.

Executive Underwriter Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5+ years of experience in Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting or Banking areas.

OR

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support areas.

OR

• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice (including an Associate Degree) and 3+ years of experience in Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting or Banking areas.

OR

• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice (including an Associate Degree) and 8+ years of experience in Claims or Underwriting Support areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• College Degree
• Strong Finance and accounting background
• Advanced knowledge and practice of Surety Bonds
• Established Broker relationships
• Ability to interact with the C-Suite
• Ability to investigate and analyze complicated credit assessments, trends, business strategies and organizational character
• Ability to articulate strategies and financial concepts, formulating fact-based conclusions and recommendations
• Prior experience managing/growing profitable portfolio of customers
• Negotiation experience with large, international and national organizations
• Strong team building and organizational skills

Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $165,000.00

Underwriting Specialist Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $125,000.00 (10% short-term incentive bonus eligibility)

Executive Underwriter Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $165,000.00 (30% Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility)