Market Facing Underwriter, Middle Market
Zurich is seeking a Market Facing Underwriter, Middle Market (Mid-Senior - Senior) in Chicago, IIllinois.
Middle Markets is a key business segment within Zurich and we are focused on attracting top customer advocates who possess a sales mindset, strong technical underwriting skills and solution focused problem solving abilities. Our industry focus includes (not limited to) General Industries, Manufacturing, and Real Estate. Zurich Middle Markets offers end to end solutions for our customers inclusive of international programs.
This role will be filled at either the Middle Markets Underwriter Level II or Level III. 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.
As a Middle Markets Underwriter (Level II or Level III) you will handle complex new and renewal Middle Markets business. As a member of Zurich's Underwriting Team, you will enjoy the opportunity to fully apply and hone your underwriting and marketing skills while building relationships with Select Brokers in the Midwestern Region. This is an exciting time to join Middle Markets at Zurich!
The Middle Markets Underwriter is responsible for:
- Serving as a customer industry advocate with a focus on improving the customer experience by understanding their risk and offering the best end to end solution for their insurance needs.
- Using a disciplined approach to exposure evaluation, risk assessment and pricing
- Using risk insights, data, and models to drive informed decisions at point of sale
- Identifying gaps involves and aligning Zurich’s products and value proposition to offer a solution that provides the contract certainty the customer needs
- Demonstrating strong analytical skills and executing as an innovative advisor
- Underwriting, analyzing, and generating new and renewal business
- Market facing presence and production within the growing Middle Markets division
- Administering and monitoring underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws and regulations and rating manual rules
- Developing and maintaining agency and broker relationships
- Working within broad limits and authorities on highly complex assignments
Basic Qualifications Level II:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area.
OR - High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
OR - Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 1 or more years of experience in the Underwriting 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
OR
Basic Qualifications Level III:
- 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 Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
OR - Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice 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
Preferred Qualifications Level II & Level III:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Market facing, Property & Casualty underwriting experience
- 3 or more years of Underwriting experience in Middle Market or larger.
- Ability to effectively assess risk
- Strong negotiation skills
- Strong retail broker relationships
- Superior skills in relationship building, active listening, needs analysis, and win-win negotiating
- Possess knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing regulations and guidelines
- Demonstrated technical knowledge and skills reflective of progression of positions of increasing responsibility
- CPCU and ARM a plus
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 combined salary range for this position is $90,000.00 - $165,000.00. The proposed salary range for Market Facing Underwriter, Middle Market (Mid-Senior) is $90,000.00- $135,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%. For the Market Facing Underwriter, Middle Market (Senior) is $115,000.00- $165,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%.
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 - Chicago
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-NK1 #LI-ASSOCIATE
Nearest Major Market: Chicago