Underwriter or Underwriting Specialist - Construction Property

About the role

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. You will partner with your manager to set a flexible work schedule that supports you, our customers, and our brokers and agents. This role will require you to be visible in the marketplace to meet with our agents and brokers. We are also open to remote candidates located in Iowa with preference in the Des Moines area.

As 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. As a member of Zurich's Underwriting Team, you will enjoy the opportunity to fully apply and hone your underwriting and marketing skills while building relationships with Select Brokers focused in the Midwest region.

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, as appropriate.
• May provide guidance to lower-level associates.
• Develop and maintain relationships with distributors (agents & brokers) in support of business retention and acquisition and 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 assessment with key distributors to identify growth opportunities.
• Qualify accounts to meet with 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 effective date.
• Serve as key Zurich contact for assigned target accounts.
• Calculate Target Price accurately by utilizing underwriting tools appropriately.
• Measure exposures/analyze risk.
• Service accounts, handle declinations/cancellations.
• Anticipate customer needs, monitor trends in order 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.
• Visibility in the office, as required.

Requirements

This role will be filled at either an Underwriter or Underwriting Specialist level. The hiring manager will determine the appropriate level based upon the selected applicant’s experience and skillset relative to the qualifications listed for this position.

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.
• AND Knowledge of line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines.
• AND Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business.
• AND 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.
• AND Knowledge of line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines.
• AND Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business.
• AND 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. 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 $60,000.00 - $125,000.00. The proposed salary range for the Underwriter is $60,000.00 - $95,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%. The proposed salary range for the Underwriting Specialist is $75,000.00 - $125,000.00, 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.