Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director- Contract Surety

Executive Underwriter or AVP, Underwriting Director – Contract Surety

Zurich North America is looking for an Executive Underwriter or AVP / Underwriting Director for the Contract Surety Line of Business. This highly technical, market-facing position requires experience in surety lines, strong underwriting knowledge, and leadership in managing a team of production underwriters. The role is based in Owings Mills, Maryland with hybrid arrangements in East PA, Bethesda Maryland, DC, or North VA and requires approximately 20% travel.

Responsibilities

• Work with minimal direction to underwrite and analyze new and renewal business within delegated authority levels for highly complex assignments.
• Demonstrate specialized knowledge of products and industry.
• Administer and monitor underwriting rules, guidelines, insurance laws, regulations, and rating manuals.
• Use maximum authority limits and coordinate on the most technically complex assignments.
• Build and maintain relationships with distributors (agents & brokers) to support business retention and acquisition.
• Act as a help point for agents, brokers and customers, providing technical guidance and training to lower-level underwriters.
• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities and identify growth opportunities through detailed assessments with key distributors.
• Qualify accounts to align with the organization's appetite while ensuring sound business opportunities.
• Negotiate terms & conditions and close deals with agents, brokers, and customers.
• Cross‑sell other lines of business to increase product density within accounts.
• Participate in sales team meetings related to assigned brokers and territory.
• Engage in target account process, managing a qualified list of opportunities 90‑120 days before effective date.
• Update required systems with broker / client visit details and account status within specified timeframe.
• Serve as key contact for assigned target accounts.
• Develop strong broker and client networks related to the business units and industries underwritten.
• Calculate target price accurately using underwriting tools.
• Lead product development and sponsor underwriting initiatives.
• Develop training and manage emerging issues within the business unit.
• Resolve technical issues and provide coverage expertise with claims.
• Develop underwriting manuals, programs, and guidelines.
• Handle and review large / complex underwriting submissions and annual reviews.
• Benchmark and establish best practices, and act as a mentor.

Basic Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Compensation

Salary range : $103,300–$223,700 nationwide (Executive Underwriter : $103,300–$169,100; AVP / Underwriting Director : $136,500–$223,700). Short‑term incentive bonus eligibility : 15% for Executive level, 20% for AVP / Director level.

EEO Statement

Zurich 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.

Location & Work Details

Office : Owings Mills, Maryland (Hybrid - East PA; Bethesda, Maryland; DC or North VA). Remote Working : Hybrid. Schedule : Full Time. Hiring Level : Executive Underwriter or AVP / Underwriting Director. Employment Sponsorship Offered : No.

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