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Commercial Surety Underwriter

Zurich North America
Houston, TX Full Time
POSTED ON 8/5/2025 CLOSED ON 9/3/2025

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Commercial Surety Underwriter position at Zurich North America?

Zurich is currently looking to hire an experienced Commercial Surety Underwriter for our Surety Team. We are looking for talented professionals in the Dallas or Houston, TX areas.

The Senior Commercial Surety Underwriter will work to analyze and underwrite a book of new and renewal business. Underwriters will use the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on highly complex assignments ensuring a high-level service to customers. In this role, you will partner with brokers and will utilize strong sales execution mindset to write profitable business.

This role will be filled at either the Account Executive or Senior 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

To bring leading talent into the organization and foster a culture of innovation and excellence, we encourage professionals from wide range of backgrounds and industries to apply and:

  • Join a global company that gives you an opportunity to collaborate with some of the best talent in the business
  • Use your risk management, accounting, and/or finance experience to support the needs of our customers
  • Have the autonomy and freedom to be successful in your career
  • Experience a customized training program dedicated to those new joiners outside of the insurance industry

Additional responsibilities will include:

  • 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.
  • Contribute to development of u/w manuals, programs and guidelines.
  • Lead complex technical or long-term (over 6 months) business projects to implement new or changed systems, programs or products
  • Investigate, recommend and implement leading edge technical solutions when they meet customer needs

Basic Qualifications:

Commercial Surety Underwriter, Account Executive:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Finance, Accounting, Banking. or Market Facing area OR
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
  • Zurich Certified Insurance Apprenticeship program including an Associate Degree and 1 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Finance, Accounting, Banking. 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
  • Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
  • Experience with Microsoft Office

OR

Commercial Surety Underwriter, Senior:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, 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 Certified Apprentice including an associate degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, or Market Facing area. OR
  • Zurich Certified Apprentice including an associate degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, or Market Facing area. AND
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Experience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business.
  • Experience working in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience handling Large Commercial Accounts
  • Highly preferred In-depth knowledge of Surety line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines
  • Highly preferred Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Microsoft Office experience
  • Ability to effectively assess risk
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Strong broker relationships
  • Superior skills in relationship building, active listening, needs analysis, and win-win negotiation
  • Possess a high level of customer service by meeting or exceeding broker and or customer expectations with respect to required deadlines
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing regulations and guidelines

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 $75,000.00 - $165,000.00. The proposed salary range for the Mid-Senior Level is $75,000.00 - $125,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%. For the Senior Level is $98,500.00 - $165,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%.

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 - Dallas, AM - Houston

Remote Working: Hybrid

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No

Linkedin Recruiter Tag:

Salary : $75,000 - $165,000

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