Zurich is currently looking for an Underwriting Specialist within the Direct Markets area this person is responsible for managing a portfolio of franchised auto dealer accounts, with accountability for risk selection, pricing, and overall profitability. This role independently evaluates new business and renewal opportunities, assessing exposures, financials, and loss experience to determine appropriate terms and conditions in alignment with underwriting guidelines and business strategy. The Underwriter Specialist partners closely with Sales, Operations, and internal stakeholders to support growth and retention objectives while ensuring disciplined decision-making and accurate documentation. With moderate account complexity and increasing autonomy, this role demonstrates consistent underwriting judgment, identifies referral needs, contributes to team performance, and builds strong relationships with customers and internal partners to drive sustainable portfolio results.
Key Accountabilities of this role:
- Administer and monitor underwriting rules and guidelines, rating manual rules, and insurance laws and regulations.
- Develop, maintain & collaborate with Line of Business representatives and other business-related needs, as appropriate.
- Develop and maintain relationships with distributors (agents & brokers) in support of business retention and acquisition and works with customers and distributors (agents & brokers) to determine their insurance related needs and provide solutions.
- Support the organization's sales culture by being a Help Point for agents, brokers and customers.
- Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
- Complete detailed opportunity assessment with key distributors to identify growth opportunities.
- Qualify accounts to meet with the organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity.
- Make broker/customer and on-sight calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
- Mentor team members.
Basic Qualifications:
Underwriting Specialist:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area.
OR - High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
OR - Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an associate degree and 1 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
OR - Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an associate degree and 4 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
AND - Knowledge of line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines
- Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
- Experience with Microsoft Office
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong relationship building 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 proposed Salary range for this position is $75,000.00 - $125,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%.
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 - Overland Park
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-RA1 #LI-ASSOCIATE #LI-HYBRID