Underwriting Specialist

Job title: Underwriting Specialist

About the Role The Underwriting Specialist will generate a pipeline of new business opportunities while managing a renewal portfolio of upper mid-market, large and multinational clients with revenues over $300M. This permanent role supports Zurich Canada’s Quebec Region Casualty team in Montreal and operates in a hybrid work model requiring three days per week in-person.

What You'll Do

• 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 agent/broker/customer and on-sight calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
• Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals.
• Cross-Sell other lines of business to increase product density with the account.
• Participate in Sales Team meetings as related to assigned brokers and/or territory.
• Proactively engage in the target account process, managing a qualified list of opportunities 90 to 120 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 target accounts.
• 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.
• Initiate product development idea.
• 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.
• Approve/place facultative purchases.
• Develop and lead marketing presentations to new and current agents/brokers.
• Promote the organization's products and services in order to increase penetration within agency plant.
• 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.
• 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.
• Bilingual in French/English is a must.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor Degree and 5+ years of experience in the Commercial Underwriting or Market Facing area, OR High School Diploma or Equivalent with 10+ years in the Commercial Claims or Commercial 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.
• French proficiency is a mandatory requirement for this role; English proficiency is an asset.

Nice to Have

• 5+ years in Liability Underwriting (Multinational Clients).
• Bachelors Degree or Post-Secondary Education in Risk Management or Insurance.
• Previous Legal knowledge or experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Microsoft Office experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $110,000 to $130,000 USD yearly.
• Zurich Canada offers a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage and a competitive total compensation package.
• We are committed to pay equity and transparency in compensation; starting salaries may exceed the range based on skills and experience.