What are the responsibilities and job description for the Underwriting Specialist - Construction Property position at Zurich Insurance Company Ltd (Canadian Branch)?
Zurich gives you the tools and support to construct a rewarding career in the Insurance industry. We are looking for an Underwriting Specialist – Construction Property to cover our West territory. We are open to candidates working out of one of the following locations: Phoenix, AZ, Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, San Diego, CA, or Seattle, WA. 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 and be in the office/market three days per week.
As an Underwriting Specialist-Construction Property you will have a chance to use your marketing and analytical skills along with your knowledge of buildings to analyze and underwrite new and renewal Property business both in the US and internationally. This is a market facing position and we are seeking someone with a strong sales execution mindset and knowledge of commercial construction Property policies. There will be 20%-30% travel for this position.
Key Accountabilities of this role:
- Administer and monitor underwriting rules and guidelines, rating manual rules, and insurance laws and regulations.
- Develop, maintain & collaborate with Line of Business representatives and other business-related needs, as appropriate.
- Develop and maintain relationships with distributors (agents & brokers) in support of business retention and acquisition and works with customers and distributors (agents & brokers) to determine their insurance related needs and provide solutions.
- Support the organization's 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-sight calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
Basic Qualifications for Construction Property Underwriter:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area.
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 - 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
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Commercial Construction Property underwriting experience and broker relationships in the West region
- Ability to effectively assess risk
- Strong negotiation skills
- Superior skills in relationship building, active listening, needs analysis, and win-win negotiating
Possess knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business - Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing regulations and guidelines
- Demonstrated technical knowledge and skills reflective of progression of positions of increasing responsibility
- PC and related software skills
- CPCU or CRIS a plus
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 proposed Salary range for this position is $75,000.00 - $125,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%.
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 - Phoenix, AM - Los Angeles, AM - San Diego, AM - San Francisco, AM - Seattle
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-JR1 #LI-ASSOCIATE #LI-HYBRID