Underwriter or Underwriting Specialist - Construction Property

Zurich is seeking an experienced Underwriting Specialist - Construction Property to join our Specialties Construction team in either our Chicago or Minneapolis office. While this position will be based out of one of these locations, you will have the flexibility to work on a hybrid basis. Remote candidates located in Iowa (preference in the Des Moines area) will also be considered.

About the role

As a Construction Property Underwriter, you will handle complex new and renewal Builders Risk and Fixed Property/Inland Marine accounts and serve as a Subject Matter Expert on the team. You will partner with your manager to set a flexible work schedule that supports you, our customers, and our brokers and agents. This role requires visibility in the marketplace to meet with agents and brokers.

Responsibilities

• 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, as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain relationships with distributors (agents & brokers) to support business retention and acquisition.
• Work with customers and distributors to determine their insurance-related needs and provide solutions.
• 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-site 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 meetings 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 the effective date.
• Serve as the key Zurich contact for assigned target accounts.
• Calculate Target Price accurately by utilizing underwriting tools appropriately.
• Measure exposures and analyze risk.
• Service accounts, handle declinations/cancellations.
• Anticipate customer needs and monitor trends to recommend changes.
• Business travel, as required.
• Extended hours during peak periods, as required.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license, as required.
• Regular predictable attendance and visibility in the office, as required.

Requirements

This role will be filled at either an Underwriter or Underwriting Specialist level, determined by the hiring manager based on the selected applicant’s experience and skillset.

Underwriter – Construction Property

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 1 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area.
• OR High School Diploma or Equivalent and 2 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.
• 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.

Underwriting Specialist – Construction Property

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area or Banking, Mortgage, Finance, Construction.
• 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 Banking, Mortgage, Finance, Construction.
• OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 4 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferred).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Construction Property insurance lines experience (preferred).

Pay

Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. The combined salary range for this position is $60,000 - $125,000. The proposed salary range for the Underwriter level is $60,000 - $95,000, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%. The proposed salary range for the Underwriting Specialist level is $75,000 - $125,000, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%.

Benefits

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. Learn more about Total Rewards here.

Schedule

Full Time, hybrid work arrangement.