Underwriting Specialist, Construction, Middle Market

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 lines underwriting, specifically with construction segment, and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.
- Zurich Canada is currently looking for an Underwriting Specialist, Construction to join our Middle Market team. This role will be accountable for growing a profitable portfolio of Construction Risks including Property, Casualty, Inland Marine and Project Specific covers (CAR / EAR, Wrap-up).
- Reporting to the VP, Middle Market, Ontario Region, 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
- Use strong analytical skills to manage and develop a portfolio of Construction Risks including Property, Casualty, Inland Marine and Project Specific covers (CAR / EAR, Wrap-up) in accordance with Zurich guidelines.
- Have strong broker network, and make broker/customer visits with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
- Take a solution-oriented approach to foster, develop and maintain a strong network of relationships with our Broker partners and our Customers.
- Cross-selling other lines of business to increase product density for most comprehensive Zurich solution.
- Mentorship of less experienced underwriters and supporting training initiatives, as required.
- Demonstrate continuous learning and curiosity to continue to grow with the Construction unit at Zurich and the industry in general.
- Develop and lead marketing presentations to new and current brokers.
- Active involvement in business projects to enhance Zurich’s product and service offerings.
- Proactively seeks opportunities to improve business processes and value add for the customers.
- Participate in Business Development meetings as related to assigned brokers and / or territory.
- Proactively engage in the pipeline prospecting process, managing a qualified list of opportunities 90 to 120 days prior to effective date.
- Initiate product development ideas and workflow improvements.
- Assist in training and developing staff.
- Provide expertise on coverage issues with claims programs and guidelines.
- Contribute to development of underwriting manuals, programs and guidelines.
- Diagnose and develop recommendations to solve unique business unit and customer problems
- Lead complex technical or long-term (over 6 months) business projects to implement new or changed systems, programs or products
- Investigate, recommend and implement leading edge technical solutions when they meet customer needs
- 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. (ADD POP addendum)

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 or 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 with 5 or more years’ experience in the commercial P&C underwriting area, with Construction experience
- Strong negotiation skills
- Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
- Microsoft Office skills

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 va