Head of Financial Lines, Underwriting

New York, NY, United States

Zurich North America is seeking a Head of Financial Lines of Underwriting to lead our U.S. National Accounts Financial Lines Business Unit. This role reports to the U.S Head of National Accounts, and our preference is for the position to be based in our New York Office, but we will consider other Zurich office locations with business travel expected.

The Head of Financial Lines has full responsibility and oversight of underwriting activities for our four market baskets, to include D&O, Cyber, Financial Institutions, and Private/Nonprofit (PNP), and utilize their expertise to manage and drive the overall success of our complex Financial Lines business.

This is a critical role and requires advanced knowledge of Underwriting and Financial Lines business and an influential approach to business relationships and oversight of strategic underwriting practices. In addition, this role collaborates with Zurich leadership in actuarial, claims, technical underwriting, distribution and regional management, operations, and other business units for cross selling efforts. We are looking for a strong leader that will deliver a collaborative value chain with our Brokers, and customers, with the ability to communicate to clients and drive and cultivate relationships.

Responsibilities Include:

Establishing key performance targets and financial budgets for underwriting unit in order to optimize business performance in line with set objectives.

Interpret and review the commercial drivers in the market and the organization´s strategic goals, translate into objectives to develop cross-functional business cases for complex projects and programs and act as program sponsor to ensure effective delivery of projects.

Develop and maintain relationships with program distributors in support of business retention, new business and determine their insurance-related needs and provide solutions.

Manage relationships with key internal stakeholders in order to identify opportunities for service improvement to ensure commercial viability and customer satisfaction.

Participate in leadership team meetings to provide specialist guidance and enable the implementation of policies, projects and change initiatives to produce profitable results.

Recommend and implement action plans after reviewing agency books of business and profit/growth results and trends.

Support the organization's sales culture by being a Help Point for distributors, agents, brokers, and customers.

Develop a people management plan to drive performance management in the organization and to optimize performance within the team, and manage performance of team members, including ensuring team members comply with company policies and expectations and take appropriate action.

Contribute to the business strategy to align underwriting strategy with wider business goals.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree and 15 or more years of experience in Underwriting or Market Facing or Risk management from the Carrier or Brokerage side within the Commercial Insurance Industry

AND

5 or more years of management experience

Financial Lines experience

Business unit management experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous experience running a complex business unit with P&L responsibility with a proven track record of growing and retaining a large book of business

Advanced and in-depth knowledge of Financial Lines business

Established broker relationships and superior skills in relationship building, active listening and win-win negotiating

Strong executive presence and the ability to interact with the C-Suite

Strong people management experience including development of talent

Ability to manage vision and purpose, lead the organization through innovative and creative thinking

Strong collaboration, negotiation, conflict resolution, and influencing skills

Applicable Only to Jobs to be Performed in New York City

Compensation for roles at Zurich varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, Zurich provides in good faith a reasonable range of compensation for roles. For additional information about our Total Rewards, click  here . Other rewards may include short term incentive bonuses and merit increases.  Candidates with salary expectations outside of the range are encouraged to apply, and will be considered based on experience, skill, and education.  The starting salary range for this position is $243,300 – $325,000.

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As a condition of employment at Zurich, employees must adhere to any COVID-related health and safety protocols in place at that time ( https://www.zurichna.com/careers/faq ).

A future with Zurich. What can go right when you apply at Zurich?

Now is the time to move forward and make a difference. At Zurich, we want you to share your unique perspectives, experiences and ideas so we can grow and drive sustainable change together. As part of a leading global organization, Zurich North America has over 150 years of experience managing risk and supporting resilience. Today, Zurich North America is a leading provider of commercial property-casualty insurance solutions and a wide range of risk management products and services for businesses and individuals. We serve more than 25 industries, from agriculture to technology, and we insure 90% of the Fortune 500®. Our growth strategy is not limited to our business. As an employer, we strive to provide ongoing career development opportunities, and we foster an environment where voices are diverse, behaviors are inclusive, actions drive equity, and our people feel a sense of belonging. Be a part of the next evolution of the insurance industry. Join us in building a brighter future for our colleagues, our customers and the communities we serve. Zurich maintains a comprehensive employee benefits package for employees as well as eligible dependents and competitive compensation. Please click here to learn more.

As a global company, Zurich recognizes the diversity of our workforce as an asset. We recruit talented people from a variety of backgrounds with unique perspectives that are truly welcome here. Taken together, diversity and inclusion bring us closer to our common goal: exceeding our customers’ expectations. Zurich does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status. EOE disability/vet

Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich American Insurance. If you are a preferred vendor, please use our Recruiting Agency Portal for resume submission.

Location(s): AM - New York, AM - Chicago

Remote Working: Hybrid

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No

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