E&O Senior Underwriter / Underwriting Specialist

The Opportunity

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada. 

If you have experience in underwriting and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you. 

Zurich Canada is currently looking for an E&O Senior Underwriter / Underwriting Specialist to analyze and underwrite new and renewal business, utilizing The Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on assignments of higher technical complexity, ensuring a high level of service to customers. We are hiring in our Toronto and Vancouver office.

Reporting to the Underwriting Manager, you will underwrite and analyze new and renewal business within delegated authority levels, develop and maintain relationships with distributors, and support business retention and acquisition. You will also proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities, negotiate terms and conditions, and serve as the key Zurich contact for assigned target accounts.

This is a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters. 

This is a hybrid work opportunity.
 

What you will do

• Underwrite and analyze new and renewal business utilizing The Zurich Way of Underwriting framework within delegated authority levels on assignments of higher technical complexity.
• Administer and monitor underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws and regulations, and rating annual rules.
• Develop, maintain, and collaborate with Line of Business representatives on referrals and other business-related needs.
• Provide guidance to lower-level associates.
• Develop and maintain relationships with distributors (agents & brokers) in support of business retention and acquisition.
• Support the sales culture by being a Help Point for agents, brokers, and customers.
• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Complete detailed opportunity assessments with key distributors to identify growth opportunities.
• Qualify accounts to meet the organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity.
• Make broker/customer and on-sight calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
• Negotiate terms and conditions and close deals.
• Cross-sell other lines of business to increase product density with the account.
• Participate in sales team meetings related to assigned brokers and/or territory.
• Proactively engage in the target account process, managing a qualified list of opportunities 90 to 120 days prior to the effective date.
• Update required systems with details of broker/client visits and account status within a specified time frame.
• Serve as the key Zurich contact for assigned target accounts.
• Calculate target prices accurately by utilizing underwriting tools appropriately.
• Measure exposures and analyze risk.
• Quote and set coverage, negotiate terms and conditions.
• Service accounts, handle declinations/cancellations.
• Participate in marketing presentations to assigned agents/brokers.
• Provide technical advice that enables a customer to solve a problem or improve business.
• Develop and maintain positive customer relationships by meeting regularly with customers when no specific initiative is underway.
• Anticipate customer needs, monitor trends to recommend changes.
• Analyze needs, develop, and recommend alternatives for improvements to processes, customer service, or products.
• Lead short-term (3 to 9 months) defined scope projects.
• Conduct due diligence on transactions and processes to determine the risk profile and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Independently collate and analyze data using The Zurich Way of Underwriting, making recommendations within assigned authority levels.
• Assess and evaluate underwriting processes to implement agreed technical standards, controls, practices, and procedures.
• Handle and resolve a range of queries from customers, providing advice and supporting the development of an account to create additional value.
• Model behaviors that demonstrate commitment to corporate values.
• Provide input into performance management discussions of project team members.
• Educate and provide guidance and support for team members.

Job Qualifications - What you bring to the table

Required:

• 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

Preferred:

• Bachelors’ Degree with 6 or more years’ experience in the commercial P&C underwriting area
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Microsoft Office skills
• Demonstrated technical knowledge and skills reflective of progression of positions of increasing responsibility.
• Excellent communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of line(s) of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to effectively assess risk.
• Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing, regulations, and guidelines.
• Superior skills in relationship building, active listening, needs analysis, and win-win negotiating.

AND

• Solid knowledge of processing methods and workflow procedures is an asset.
• Basic knowledge of insurance underwriting and regulations for assigned territories.

AND

• Regular, predictable attendance and visibility in the office as required.
• Ability to travel for business and work extended hours during peak periods as required.
• Valid driver's license.
• French language skills are required (for candidates applying to the Montreal office location)
• Verbal and written proficiency in the English language is required in order to facilitate communication with internal and external key stakeholders located outside of Quebec (for candidates applying to the Montreal office location)

Compensation for roles at Zurich varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. The salary range provided is a nationwide market range and has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location where the position may be filled. As required by local law, Zurich provides in good faith a reasonable range of compensation for roles. Compensation may exceed the range listed based on the evaluation of skillset and experience.  The starting salary range for this position is $77,000-$145,000.
 

Our Culture

• At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.
• We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact. 
• We care about our employees’ well-being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package.
• We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that.
• We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion. 
• We are committed to continuous improvement, and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities. 
• We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources.
• We have won numerous awards for our workplace culture. We are proud to be one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and to have received Insurance Business Canada’s 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.   

Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us. 
 

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi-line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid-sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 500 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in-depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at www.zurichcanada.com.