Job Description:

Zurich North America is currently looking for an experienced Contract Surety Underwriter in the South Central region. This is a highly technical and market facing position and requires experience with Surety lines of business. The ideal location for the new hire is Houston, Texas. However, there is flexibility in the location of this opportunity including our offices in Houston (ideally), Dallas, or Metairie, Louisiana. Alternatively, you could work virtually out of Little Rock, Arkansas, San Antonio, or Austin, Texas. This position will require approximately 20% travel and a company car will be provided. This role will be filled at either the Account Executive or AVP, Underwriting 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 role is responsible for the following: Production and underwriting of new and renewal Surety businessManaging of a large book of prominent accountsInternal marketing and production within Zurich North America in support of our cross-sell efforts Execution of the external marketing strategyAdherence to underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws, regulations, and the Zurich Way of underwritingEstablish new as well as develop existing agency and broker relationshipsWorking within limits and authorities on assignments of varying degrees of complexity  Account Executive Basic Qualifications: High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting, BankingORHigh School Diploma or Equivalent and 6 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support areaORZurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 1 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting, BankingORZurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 4 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support areaANDKnowledge of line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelinesKnowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal businessExperience with Microsoft Office AVP, Underwriting Officer Basic Qualifications: High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing areaORHigh School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support areaORZurich Certified Apprentice program including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing areaORZurich Certified Apprentice program including an Associate Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support areaANDKnowledge of Microsoft OfficeExperience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal businessExperience working in a team environment  Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's DegreeIn-depth knowledge of Surety line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines Ability to effectively assess riskStrong negotiation skillsStrong broker relationships Superior skills in relationship building, active listening, needs analysis, and win-win negotiationPossess a high level of customer service by meeting or exceeding broker and or customer expectations with respect to required deadlinesExcellent oral and written communication skillsStrong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing regulations and guidelinesAs a condition of employment at Zurich, employees must adhere to any COVID-related health and safety protocols in place at that time (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 - Houston, AM - Dallas, AM - Texas Virtual Office, AM - Arkansas Virtual Office, AM - MetairieRemote Working: YesSchedule: Full TimeEmployment Sponsorship Offered: No   Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-MF1 #LI-ASSOCIATE #LI-HYBRID