Head of Underwriting, Middle Market

Zurich North America is seeking a Head of Underwriting for our growing Middle Market team. This role will be responsible for Portfolio Strategy & Execution, Risk Selection and Pricing, Portfolio Stewardship and Product Management. This is a critical role which requires oversight of strategic underwriting practices nationally. This leader will utilize their expertise to manage, design and drive diverse multidimensional strategies for our Middle Market book of business. We require strong leadership skills that will cultivate portfolio insights, develop strategy and deliver a collaborative value chain with our Brokers and Customers.

The Head of Underwriting provides underwriting leadership across multiple lines of business to improve underwriting performance. The leader directs the implementation and sustainment of The Zurich Way of Underwriting throughout the LOBs and leads underwriting operational transformation and maintains a sound governance framework.

This position reports to the Head of Middle Market and will be based in one of our Zurich Offices. This role will be part of the CUO leadership team as well as a valued member of the Middle Market leadership team.

Responsibilities Include:

• Works with Business Unit Head on Portfolio Strategy & Execution plan and develop technical operational plan to support execution.
• Drives technical aspects of portfolio management including risk selection and pricing needs to improve underwriting performance.
• Provides input and recommendations into pricing updates and long-term pricing tool refreshes and modernization plans.
• Creates a rigorous underwriting process and procedure monitoring system.
• Develops long-term strategic LOB underwriting goals, cycle management strategy and LOB underwriting policy.
• Collaborates with Industry Practice heads on appetite definition by LOB.
• Leads guideline selection, evaluation and exemption based on MM needs.
• Leads tiering analysis, guidance and execution to support portfolio mix goals.
• Manages referral decision criteria and provides technical advice for nuanced risks.
• Portfolio stewardship, manages a review and share of large loss lessons by LOB.
• Leads the UW quality reviews (MPR, TUR) and compliance policy framework.
• Manages certain aspects of accumulation and CAT management to track, monitor and approve accumulation as well as CAT data quality, governance and infrastructure.
• Manages overall Country Underwriting Plan (CUP) profitability review, including impacts of loss trends, change in portfolio mix and other book analysis by LOB and segment and delivers output to inform planning. 
• Oversees product development strategy and prioritization in close collaboration with head of Industry Practice which includes product evaluation, conceptualization & launch, and manuscript drafting.
• Ensures that all delivery of work to the business unit is coordinated, prioritized and considered impactful.
• Identifies skill/competency needs and partners with Underwriting University to confirm training is delivered to support underwriting development.
• Provides employees with consistent and clear communication on business strategies, profitability objectives, priorities and accountabilities.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 15 or more years of experience in the Property & Casualty Commercial Insurance Industry
  AND
• Prior management experience leading a high performing team

• Middle Market experience

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Advanced and in-depth knowledge of Middle Market/Multi-Line Products
• Portfolio management, risk selection and pricing experience
• Product development and underwriting strategy experience
• Strong collaboration, conflict resolution and influencing skills
• Experience building and managing cross functional teams
• Strong executive presence and the ability to interact across all levels of the organization
• Ability to manage vision and purpose, lead the organization through innovative and creative thinking

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 salary 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 proposed salary range for this position is $248,500 – $435,000 with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 50%.

As an insurance company, Zurich is subject to 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

As a condition of employment at Zurich, employees must adhere to any COVID-related health and safety protocols in place at that time (https://www.zurichna.com/careers/faq).

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.

As a global company, Zurich recognizes the diversity of our workforce as an asset. We recruit talented people from a variety of backgrounds with unique perspectives that are truly welcome here. Taken together, diversity and inclusion bring us closer to our common goal: exceeding our customers’ expectations. Zurich does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status. EOE disability/vet 

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 - Atlanta, AM - Schaumburg, AM - New York, AM - Dallas, AM - Chicago, AM - Boston
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No  
 
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-BKI #LI-DIRECTOR