AVP/VICE PRESIDENT, COMMERCIAL SURETY UNDERWRITING OFFICER

In the Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer role, we are looking for someone with a strong Finance background including credit analysis if not already experienced in the Surety marketplace. Our ideal candidate will have a can-do positive attitude, strong analytical, communication and presentation skills, excellent time management skills, and the ability to further develop and sharpen established negotiation skills. Underwriters will use the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on highly complex assignments ensuring a high-level service to customers. In this role, you will partner with the Southern Region brokers and will utilize strong sales execution mindset to write profitable business.

This role will be filled at either the 6T level or 7T level. The hiring manager will determine the appropriate level based upon the selected applicants experience and skillset relative to the qualifications listed for this position.

Additional responsibilities will include:

• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Qualify accounts to meet with the organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity. Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals.
• Cross-Sell other lines of business to increase product density with the account.
• Update required systems with details of broker / client visits and account status within specified time frame.
• Calculate Target Price accurately by utilizing underwriting tools appropriately.
• Diagnose and develop recommendations to solve unique business unit and customer problems
• Demonstrate specialized knowledge and expertise in products and industry.
• Administer and monitor underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws and regulations, and rating manuals.
• Work at the highest authority limits on assignments utilizing the highest degree of technical complexity and coordination.

6T Level Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking 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 in the Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking 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
• Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Experience working in a team environment

7T Level Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
  OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
  OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
  OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree
• Surety knowledge/experience and knowledge of the legal and regulatory guidelines
• Understanding of structure of broker relationships
• Ability to analyze and understand complicated credit assessments, trends, and strategies
• Investigative skills (curiosity) to develop an understanding of business strategies, trends, complex contracts, assessment of long term obligations and organizational character among other aspects of our customers
• Ability to coherently articulate these strategies and financial concepts formulating fact based conclusions and recommendations
• Prior experience managing/growing profitable portfolio of customers
• Negotiation experience with brokers and large, international and national organizations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Commercial Surety Underwriting
Agent/Broker Relationships in Texas Market

Security Clearance Required: No

Visa Candidate Considered: No

COMPENSATION
Base Salary - USD $120,000 to $220,000

Full-time

Benefits - Full

Relocation Assistance Available - Possible for ideal candidate

Commission Compensation - No

Bonus Eligible - No

Overtime Eligible - No

Interview Travel Reimbursed - Yes

CANDIDATE DETAILS

7+ to 10 years experience

Seniority Level - Director

Management Experience Required - No

Minimum Education - Bachelor's Degree

Willingness to Travel - Often

IDEAL CANDIDATE
Looking for someone with a minimum of 5 - 7 years of hands-on Commercial Surety Underwriting experience. They must have managed their own book of business with ideally large account experience. Managing broker relationships in the Texas/South East Region Market.