Business Lines New Business Underwriter
We are part of the worldwide Zurich Insurance Group, established in 1872 and headquartered in Switzerland. Our 55,000 employees across the globe serve customers in more than 170 countries.
Our industry is a dynamic and fast-moving one, helping people and businesses keep pace with change, and the risks which emerge, on a global scale.
Here in Ireland, we're one of the largest insurers in the country, employing more than 1,000 people in locations in Dublin and Wexford. We have a great reputation in the marketplace here, with a long history of winning awards for our service excellence among brokers and customers.
Your Role
* Underwrite and analyse new business submissions in adherence with the Zurich Way of underwriting, Zurich risk appetite and within delegated authority levels.
* Negotiate terms & conditions with our broker partners in line with our agreed strategy and target risk appetite whilst nurturing broker relationships.
* Manage and proactively prioritise new business pipeline and work queues, in conjunction with Sales and Distribution, ensuring agreed SLA's are adhered to.
* Continuous engagement with Sales and Distribution, Risk Engineering (when applicable) and broker partners to generate, drive and secure new business opportunities.
* Build relationships in support of customer/business acquisition and retention (e.g. by handling a range of queries, providing advice to assist with the development of an account).
* Implement agreed technical standards, controls, practices and procedures, thereby maintaining underwriting discipline.
* Proactively contribute ideas and work for the development of new or enhanced propositions based on technical, customer and distributor insights, supporting testing, pricing feedback and participating in training where necessary.
* Adhere to Central Bank compliance standards of operating.
* Demonstrate high level of Quality Assurance in all elements of the underwriting process.
* Ensure any issues arising are dealt with in accordance with Zurich standards and that where appropriate issues escalated in a timely fashion.
* Maintain underwriting records in accordance with regulatory/statutory and internal requirements, using a disciplined approach to exposure evaluation, risk assessment and pricing.
* Identify training opportunities for self and others and assist with training as directed.
* Be flexible to participate in ad hoc projects.
* On occasion, deliver superior service in the management of renewals.
Key Skills and Experience
* 3 years plus industry knowledge.
* Holds or is working towards relevant professional qualifications i.e. CIP, MDI, ACII.
* Excellent technical insurance knowledge, including specific knowledge in Commercial Insurance.
* Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
* Excellent knowledge of Zurich products/policy wordings.
* Ability to work within a team environment – focused on the achievement of both individual and team goals.
* Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
* Strong negotiation skills.
* Excellent planning and organisational skills to manage and prioritise workload and adapt quickly within a fast-paced environment, responding effectively to customer needs and expectations.
* A strong team player with a flexible, positive attitude towards work including changes to technology, functionality driven initiatives, and additional/new product lines.
* Strong leadership and delegation skills.
* Good research skills.
* Pro-active with strong problem-solving, decision-making and judgment skills.
* Ability to prioritise workload and to adapt quickly within a busy environment to ensure we respond effectively to customer needs and expectations.
* Excellent planning and organisational skills that support a high service standard.
About Us
Zurich is one of Ireland's leading insurance companies providing a wide range of general insurance and life insurance products and services.
The company employs over 1,000 people across its locations in Dublin and Wexford.
At Zurich, we are an equal opportunity employer.