Zurich North America is currently looking for a Contract Surety Underwriter to work out of our Metairie, LA office or Virtual within the State of Louisiana. This is a highly technical and market facing position and requires experience with Contract Surety lines of business. This position will require approximately 25-30% travel.

As a member of Zurich's Surety Underwriting Team, you will enjoy the opportunity to fully apply and hone your underwriting and marketing skills. Specifically, you will underwrite and analyze existing accounts and seek new Surety business utilizing The Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on assignments of higher technical complexity ensuring a high-level service to customers. Our Underwriters are Client Externally Focused, and the job’s core deliverables rely on delivering service to external clients and/or customers. Typically involves building relationships and promoting the company. 

This role is responsible for the following:

• Production and underwriting of new Surety accounts and existing business
• Internal marketing and production within Zurich North America in support of our cross-sell efforts 
• Execution of the external marketing strategy
• Adherence to underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws, regulations, and the Zurich Way of underwriting
• Establish new as well as develop existing agency and broker relationships
• Working within limits and authorities on assignments of varying degrees of complexity 

This role will be filled at either the Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter level. 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. 

Underwriting Specialist Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, 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, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, 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

Executive Underwriter Required Qualifications:
 

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting or Banking experience
  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, Finance, Accounting or Banking experience
  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:

• Bachelor’s Degree 
• Established broker relationships.
• Sales execution mindset
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply—your unique background matters to us. The combined salary range for this position is  $75,000.00 - $165,000.00. The proposed salary range for the Underwriting Specialist is $75,000.00 - $125,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%. The proposed salary range for the Executive Underwriter is $100,000.00 - $165,000.00, with Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility set at 30%.