Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter, Core Contract Surety

Zurich North America is currently looking for an experienced Core Contract Surety Underwriter in our Central Pacific Region. This is a highly technical and market facing position and requires experience with Surety lines of business. This position will be located in our San Francisco or Walnut Creek office. We are open, at the discretion of the hiring manager, to hiring candidates in Sacramento region as well. This position will require approximately 20% travel. The territory for this role includes accounts in California, Nevada, and Hawaii.

This role will be filled at either the Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter, Core Contract Surety 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 Core 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 business
• Managing of a large book of prominent accounts
• Internal marketing and production within Zurich North America in support of our cross-sell efforts
• Execution of the external marketing strategy
• Adherence to underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws, regulations, and the Zurich Way of underwriting
• Establish new as well as develop existing agency and broker relationships
• Working within limits and authorities on assignments of varying degrees of complexity

Underwriting Specialist Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting, Banking
  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, Finance, Accounting, Banking
  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 Contract Surety 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

Executive Underwriter Basic Qualifications:

• 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 program including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
  OR
• Zurich Certified Apprentice program including an Associate Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support 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:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• In-depth knowledge of Surety line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines
• Ability to effectively assess risk
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong broker relationships in Northern California, Nevada & Hawaii.
• 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

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 pay range shown is a national average and may vary by location. The combined salary range for this position is $75,000.00 - $165,000.00. The proposed salary range for the Underwriting Specialist is $75,000.00 - $125,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%. The proposed salary range for the Executive Underwriter is $100,000.00 - $165,000.00, with Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility set at 30%.

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

Why Zurich?

At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®.

Join us for a brighter future—for yourself and our customers.

Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets.

Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.

Location(s): AM - San Francisco, AM - Gold River, AM - Sacramento, AM - Walnut Creek
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No