Executive Underwriter - Commercial Surety
Company: Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.
Location: Schiller Park
Posted on: February 12, 2026
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Job Description:
Zurich North America is looking for an Executive Underwriter-
Commercial Surety to join our Commercial Surety team within one of
the following locations: Chicago OR Virtual OH, MO or MI. The
Commercial Surety Underwriter is a uniquely technical role in the
underwriting world. In this position you will be responsible for
the overall account management, business development and analysis
of a highly complex book of Commercial Surety Accounts. Our ideal
candidate will have a can-do positive attitude, strong financial
background including credit analysis, excellent communication and
presentation skills, time management skills, and the ability to
further develop and sharpen established negotiation skills.
Underwriters will use the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework
within delegated authority levels on highly complex assignments
ensuring a high-level service to customers. This is a great
opportunity for an experienced Commercial Surety Underwriter to use
their analytical skills, their entrepreneurial spirit, along with
their ability to develop and maintain relationships with our North
Central region Brokers and Customers to write profitable business.
Additional responsibilities will include: Proactively seek renewal
and new account opportunities. Qualify accounts to meet with the
organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity.
Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals. Cross-Sell other
lines of business to increase product density with the account.
Update required systems with details of broker/client visits and
account status within specified time frame. Calculate Target Price
accurately by utilizing underwriting tools appropriately. Diagnose
and develop recommendations to solve unique business unit and
customer problems. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and expertise
in products and industry. Administer and monitor underwriting rules
and guidelines, insurance laws and regulations, and rating manuals.
Work at the highest authority limits on assignments utilizing the
highest degree of technical complexity and coordination. Executive
Underwriter Basic Qualifications: High School Diploma or Equivalent
and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market
Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area OR High School Diploma
or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the Claims or
Underwriting Support area OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice
including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years in the
Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area
OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate
Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims or
Underwriting Support area AND Knowledge of Microsoft Office
Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
Experience working in a team environment Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree Surety knowledge/experience and knowledge of the
legal and regulatory guidelines Understanding of structure of
broker relationships Ability to analyze and understand complicated
credit assessments, trends, and strategies Investigative skills
(curiosity) to develop an understanding of business strategies,
trends, complex contracts, assessment of long-term obligations and
organizational character among other aspects of our customers
Ability to coherently articulate these strategies and financial
concepts formulating fact-based conclusions and recommendations
Prior experience managing/growing profitable portfolio of customers
Negotiation experience with brokers and large, international, and
national organizations Strong verbal and written communication
skills 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 the Executive Underwriter is $98,500.00 - $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 - Chicago, AM - Illinois Virtual Office, AM -
Michigan Virtual Office, AM - Missouri Virtual Office, AM - Ohio
Virtual Office Remote Working: Yes Schedule: Full Time Employment
Sponsorship Offered: No Linkedin Recruiter Tag: LI-KJ1 LI-REMOTE
LI-ASSOCIATE
Keywords: Zurich Insurance Company Ltd., Evanston , Executive Underwriter - Commercial Surety, Accounting, Auditing , Schiller Park, Illinois