Underwriting Specialist, Programs

The Opportunity

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.

If you have experience in commercial underwriting and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Zurich Canada is currently looking for an Underwriting Specialist, Programs.

Reporting to the AVP of Programs you will analyze and underwrite new and renewal business, under limited direction, utilizing The Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on highly complex assignments ensuring a high level service to customers.

This is a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters.

This is a hybrid work opportunity.

What you will do

• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Qualify Programs/MGA to meet with the organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity.
• Work with other functional areas to successfully onboard new Programs/MGA (These functional areas would include working with Actuarial, Finance, Technical UW (wording), Operations, Claims, Legal, Compliance, etc…)
• Ability to build business cases as required.
• Have a working understanding of Facultative reinsurance and/or Managing General Agent placements
• Make agent/broker/customer and on-sight calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
• Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals.
• Proactively engage in the target account process, managing a qualified list of opportunities 120 to 180 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 Programs/MGA.
• Develop strong broker and client networks as related to industries underwritten by Business Unit.
• Calculate Target Price accurately by utilizing underwriting tools appropriately.
• Measure exposure/analyze risk.
• Assist in training and developing staff.
• Provide expertise on coverage issues with claims programs and guidelines.
• Contribute to development of u/w manuals, programs and guidelines.
• Develop and lead marketing presentations to new and current programs/MGA
• Ensure the successful completion of projects by maintaining continuing dialogue with business unit sponsors during implementation of major projects
• Diagnose and develop recommendations to solve unique business unit and customer problems

Job Qualifications - What you bring to the table

Required:
• 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 Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting o r Market Facing 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
• Experience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Experience working in a team environment

Preferred:
• Bachelors Degree
• 5 years commercial underwriting experience, preferably in Programs
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Microsoft Office experience - Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Multi-line Underwriting Experience - Property, Crime, CGL, Umbrella (Construction & Auto experience and asset)
• French language skills are an asset for Ontario candidates and a requirement for candidates in Quebec
• Fluency in both spoken and written English is required to facilitate communication with internal and external stakeholders outside Quebec.

Our Culture

• At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.

• We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact.

• We care about our employees' well-being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package.

• We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that.

• We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion.

• We are committed to continuous improvement, and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.

• We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources.

• We have won numerous awards for our workplace culture. We are proud to be one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers and to have received Insurance Business Canada's 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.

Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi-line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid-sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 500 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in-depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals' first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at www.zurichcanada.com.