AVP, Underwriting Director - Commercial Surety

Company: Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.
Location: Schiller Park
Posted on: February 7, 2026

Job Description:

Zurich North America is looking for an AVP, Underwriting Director- Commercial Surety to join our Commercial Surety team within one of the following locations: Chicago, Schaumburg, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, or Indiana. 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. AVP, Underwriting Director - Basic Qualifications: High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area OR High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Market Facing, Finance, Accounting, or Banking area OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area AND Experience with Microsoft Office 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 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. For the AVP, Underwriting Director level is $130,000.00- $215,000.00, with Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility set at 40%. 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-DIRECTOR

Keywords: Zurich Insurance Company Ltd., Oak Park , AVP, Underwriting Director - Commercial Surety, Accounting, Auditing , Schiller Park, Illinois