Underwriting Specialist, Core Contract Surety

• Production and underwriting of new and existing contract surety business.
• Serve as key contact and underwrite an assigned portfolio of accounts with a modest level of autonomy.
• Conduct thorough assessments of customer's financial, technical, and organizational capacity within Zurich's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity, in accordance with department policies and procedures.
• Provide detailed recommendations of bond and account support utilizing your skills in financial and credit analysis.
• Proactively seek new account opportunities by managing existing and developing new relationships with key brokers.
• Make broker / customer and on-site calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
• Negotiate account and / or bond specific terms & conditions.
• Participate in team meetings, providing updates related to assigned portfolio of accounts, brokers, territory, and market intelligence.
• Proactively engage in the target account process, developing and managing a qualified list of opportunities.
• Internal marketing and production in support of cross-sell efforts.
• External marketing to new and existing broker partners.
• Contribute to development of underwriting manuals, programs, and guidelines.
• Regularly attend industry, broker and customer events and functions.
• Model behaviors that demonstrate commitment to corporate values.
• Provide guidance and support for team members.
• Take action to manage your own personal development.
• Engage in business travel as required.
• Work extended hours during peak periods as required.
• Maintain a valid driver's license as required.
• Ensure regular predictable attendance.
• Maintain visibility in the office, as required.

• University degree or post-secondary education in finance, accounting, banking (credit) or construction-related experience.
• Industry and surety product knowledge including legal and regulatory environment.
• Well-developed broker network and superior understanding of broker relationship model.
• Understanding of broker relationship structure.
• Experience with tight deadlines for requests and new account submissions.
• Effective risk assessment skills.
• Independent and strategic thinker with strong negotiation skills.
• Confident decision-maker with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong broker relationships.
• Effective in relationship building, active listening, needs analysis, multi-tasking, and negotiation.
• High level of customer service.
• Excellent listening, verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Minimum of five years of relevant surety experience.

• Banking and / or construction industry experience
• Developer Surety experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.

• 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.

Zurich