Underwriting Specialist, Eastern Region (Montreal)

Underwriting Specialist, Eastern Region – 129378

Zurich Canada is hiring an Underwriting Specialist for our Quebec Region Casualty team based in Montreal. The role focuses on generating new business opportunities while managing renewals for upper mid‑market, large and multinational clients with revenues over $300M.

Responsibilities

• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Complete detailed opportunity assessment with key distributors to identify growth opportunities.
• Qualify accounts to meet the organization’s appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity.
• Make agent/broker/customer and on‑site 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 related to assigned brokers and/or territory.
• 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 related to industries underwritten by the Business Unit.
• Calculate target price accurately using underwriting tools.
• Measure exposure and analyze risk.
• Initiate product development ideas.
• Assist in training and developing staff.
• Provide coverage expertise 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 to increase penetration within the agency plant.
• Ensure successful completion of projects by maintaining dialogue with business unit sponsors during implementation of major projects.
• Diagnose and recommend solutions to unique business unit and customer problems.
• Lead complex technical or long‑term business projects to implement new or changed systems, programs or products.
• Investigate, recommend and implement leading‑edge technical solutions when they meet customer needs.
• Be bilingual in French and English (French proficiency mandatory, English an asset).

Qualifications – Required

• Bachelor’s degree and ≥5 years of experience in Commercial Underwriting or a market‑facing area.
• OR high school diploma or equivalent and ≥10 years of experience in Commercial Claims or Commercial Underwriting Support.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Experience working under time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• French proficiency mandatory; English proficiency an asset.

Qualifications – Preferred

• 5+ years in Liability Underwriting with multinational clients.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Post‑secondary education in Risk Management or Insurance.
• Previous legal knowledge or experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Microsoft Office experience.

Salary range: $110,000 to $130,000. Compensation may be higher based on skills and experience.

EOE Disability / Veterans.