Underwriting Specialist, Middle Market - Western Region

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 market-facing underwriting and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Zurich Canada is currently looking for an Underwriting Specialist, Middle Market – Western Region in our Vancouver office to lead the underwriting and management of complex accounts, drive business growth, and deliver exceptional customer service.

Reporting to the VP, Middle Market, Western Region, you will analyze and underwrite new and renewal business, proactively engage with brokers and agents, assess risk, negotiate terms, and serve as a key contact for target accounts. You will also support cross-selling, contribute to product development, and provide coaching to colleagues. This role offers the opportunity to work with industry leaders in a highly collaborative environment, actively shaping the future of commercial insurance.

This is a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Zurich Canada uses artificial intelligence–enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including the initial review and screening of applications. Artificial intelligence is not the sole basis for candidate shortlisting or selection. All hiring decisions are reviewed and made by qualified hiring professionals.

Zurich follows a hybrid work model requiring three days per week of in-person presence, which may include time in the office or market-facing engagements.

What you will do

• Analyze and underwrite new and renewal business for highly complex accounts within delegated authority.
• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities, building relationships with brokers, agents, and clients.
• Complete detailed opportunity assessments with distributors to identify growth areas.
• Qualify accounts to meet the organization’s appetite and sound business opportunity.
• Negotiate terms and conditions, close deals, and cross-sell other lines of business to increase product density.
• Participate in sales team meetings and maintain visibility in the office and market.
• Accurately measure exposure, assess risk, and calculate target prices using underwriting tools.
• Support product development, contribute to underwriting manuals, and provide guidance on coverage issues.
• Lead marketing presentations and promote Zurich’s products and services.
• Manage and monitor multiple projects, ensuring appropriate use of resources and adherence to schedules.
• Provide advisory services and technical expertise to colleagues and senior management.
• Build strong client relationships, handle complex queries, and deliver solutions.
• Lead and implement long-term business projects and technical solutions to meet customer needs.
• Coach and support team members, promoting Zurich’s values and contributing to performance management.

Job Qualifications - What you bring to the table

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent and 5+ years of underwriting or market-facing experience in the property & casualty insurance sector

OR

• High school diploma or equivalent and 10+ years of experience in claims or underwriting support

OR

• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice and Associate Degree with 3+ years of underwriting or market-facing experience

OR

• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice and Associate Degree with 8+ years of claims or underwriting support experience

AND

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong negotiation, relationship building, and presentation skills
• In-depth knowledge of underwriting philosophy, risk analysis, and relevant regulations
• Ability to function effectively in a team environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience working under time constraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Valid driver’s license; ability to travel as required

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field
• Advanced knowledge of processing methods and insurance regulations for assigned territories
• Demonstrated experience with consulting, business development, and technical project leadership

At Zurich Canada, we are committed to pay equity. We determine compensation based on objective criteria such as skills, experience, and internal equity. The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $140,000. This range reflects the expected pay for the role across Canada and may vary depending on factors like office location, specific responsibilities, and individual qualifications. As required by local law, Zurich provides in good faith a reasonable compensation range, but starting salaries may exceed this range based on a candidate’s skills and experience.

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 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.

Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi-line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid-sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 900 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in-depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at .

A future with 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 148 years of experience managing risk and supporting resilience. We are a leading provider of commercial property-casualty insurance solutions and a wide range of risk management products and services for businesses and individuals. Today, we serve more than 25 industries, from agriculture to technology and insure 90% of the Fortune 500®. Our growth strategy is not limited to our business. As an employer, Zurich strives to provide ongoing career development opportunities and 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 people, our customers and the communities we serve.