Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director- Contract Surety

Company: Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.
Location: Owings Mills
Posted on: January 1, 2026

Job Description:

Zurich Insurance is currently looking for an Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director- Contract Surety . This is a highly technical and market facing position and requires experience with Surety lines of business. Ideal candidate for this position will be located in Owings Mills, Maryland; Hybrid - East PA; Bethesda, Maryland; DC or North VA. This position will require approximately 20% travel. This role will be filled at either the Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director- Contract Surety Officer 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. 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 new and renewal 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 is a great opportunity to utilize your management skills to help us profitably manage our Core Contract Surety book. This is a critical leadership position that will focus on developing our underwriting talent and driving and cultivating broker relationships. We are looking for a Leader that will exercise strong technical underwriting knowledge while managing a team of production underwriters. A Leader that will empower, develop, and drive a cohesive team in delivering on our strategy in an appetite appropriate manner that strengthens our market positioning. This role requires an influential approach to business relationships and oversight on strategic underwriting practices. To analyze and underwrite highly complex new and renewal business, under minimal direction, utilizing The Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework as a subject matter expert, ensuring a high-level service to customers. This role is responsible for the following: Working under minimal direction, underwrite and analyze new and renewal business within delegated authority levels of highly complex assignments 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. Develop and maintain relationships with distributors (agents & brokers) in support of business retention and acquisition and works with customers and distributors (agents & brokers) to determine their insurance related needs and provide solutions. Support the organization's sales culture by being a Help Point for agents, brokers and customers. Contribute to the development of propositions. Provide technical guidance, assistance, and training to lower level underwriters. Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities. Complete detailed opportunity assessment with key distributors to identify growth opportunities. Qualify accounts to meet with the organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity. Make agent/broker/customer and on-sight calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose. Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals. Cross-Sell other lines of business to increase product density with the account. Participate in Sales Team meeting as 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 effective date. Update required systems with details of broker / client visits and account status within specified time frame. Serve as key contact for assigned target accounts. Develop strong broker and client networks as related to industries underwritten by Business Unit. Calculate Target Price accurately by utilizing underwriting tools appropriately. Sponsor / lead product development. Develop training. Drive/manage how Business Unit will deal with emerging issues. Resolve technical issues for company. Provide expertise on coverage issues with claims. Develop u/w manuals, programs and guidelines. Handle & review large/complex underwriting submissions and annual underwriting reviews. Benchmark and establish best practices. Act as mentor. Basic Qualifications: Executive Underwriter: High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, 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 approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market Facing area. OR Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Experience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business. Experience working in a team environment. OR AVP, Underwriting Director: High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking. 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, Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking. OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area AND Experience with Microsoft Office Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree Advanced knowledge and practice of line/s of business Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing regulations and guidelines Ability to effectively assess risk Ability to work in a team-based environment Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business Strong presentation skills 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 compensation 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 $103,300.00- $223,700.00. The proposed salary range for the Executive Underwriter level is $103,300.00 - $169,100.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%. For the AVP, Underwriting Director level is $136,500.00- $223,700.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 20%. As an insurance company, Zurich is subject to 18 U.S. Code § 1033. 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. Zurich in North America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. 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 - Pennsylvania Virtual Office, AM - Maryland Virtual Office, AM - Virginia Virtual Office, AM - Washington DC, AM - Washington DC Virt. Office Remote Working: Hybrid Schedule: Full Time Employment Sponsorship Offered: No Linkedin Recruiter Tag: LI-LC1 LI-DIRECTOR LI-HYBRID

Keywords: Zurich Insurance Company Ltd., Baltimore , Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director- Contract Surety, Accounting, Auditing , Owings Mills, Maryland