Head of Large Contract Surety

Zurich North America is in search of a Head of Large Contract Surety for our Surety Division. This position reports directly to the Head of Surety and offers the flexibility to be based in one of our Zurich offices, with an expectation for business travel.

This is a National Role and will be responsible for driving the overall success of our Large Contract Surety portfolio. This leader will develop our strategy and deliver a collaborative value chain with our Brokers and Customers. This is a critical role and requires advanced knowledge of highly complex Contract Surety business and an influential oversight of strategic underwriting practices. This role manages our portfolio of the largest and most respected contractors nationwide and globally.

Success in this role requires a strong commitment to teamwork, communication, vision, and results-oriented execution We are looking for an individual  that is collaborative with a passion and capability for creating world-class teams and the ability to communicate to brokers, clients and drive and cultivate relationships. 

Responsibilities Include:

• Establishing key performance targets and financial budgets for underwriting unit to optimize business performance in line with set objectives.
• Developing a team of Underwriting Managers and Underwriters.
• Developing processes and review policies relevant to underwriting to ensure they are in line with strategic business objectives.
• Manage relationships with key internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for service improvement to ensure commercial viability and customer satisfaction.
• Participate in leadership team meetings of assigned area to provide specialist guidance and enable the implementation of policies, projects and change initiatives to produce profitable results.
• Contribute to the business strategy to align underwriting strategy with wider business goals.
• Participate in the community of global/regional proposition development practitioners in underwriting to share best practice and continue to meet customer´s needs.
• Oversee development plans for underwriters to ensure the capability exists to drive business results.
• Underwrite and analyze new and renewal business within delegated authority levels.
• Recommend and implement action plans after reviewing agency books of business and profit/growth results and trends.
• Develop and maintain relationships with distributors (agents and brokers) in support of business retention and new business and work with customers and distributors (agents & brokers) to determine their Surety needs and provide solutions.
• Support the organization's sales culture by being a trusted advisor for agents, brokers, and customers.
• Assure development and implementation of policy, procedures and standards.  

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 12 or more years of experience in Underwriting or Market Facing or Broker or Carrier or Risk Management area within the Commercial Insurance industry
  AND
• Experience managing/leading a high performing team
• Contract Surety experience

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Advanced knowledge and practice of Large Contract Surety business
• Underwriting expertise, ability to manage complex portfolios
• Ability to think strategically
• Established Broker relationships nationally, strong market presence
• Strong leadership, managerial, team building and organizational skills
• Strong presentation, negotiation, communication and thought leadership skills
• Ability to effectively engage with varied stakeholders across the organization
• Knowledge in risk selection and assessment
• Technical knowledge of Surety industry operations and processes
• Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing regulations and guidelines
   

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 $216,100 – $378,300 with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 35%.

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 - Owings Mills, AM - New York, AM - Chicago
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No  
 
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-BK1 #LI-EXECUTIVE