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Underwriting Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OH · On-site

$98K - $215K/yr

Zurich is currently seeking an Executive Underwriter or AVP, Underwriting Director - Construction Casualty to join our Midwest Team in one of the following locations: Ohio, Indiana or Michigan. While ...

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How much do underwriting director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwriting director in the United States is $140,035.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $168,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Underwriting Director position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underwriting Director, you need deep expertise in risk assessment, financial analysis, and insurance underwriting, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with underwriting software, risk modeling tools, and regulatory compliance systems is essential, and professional certifications like CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter) can be advantageous. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills set standout candidates apart in managing teams and cross-functional projects. These abilities are crucial for ensuring sound underwriting practices, driving profitability, and maintaining compliance within the organization.

What are common challenges faced by Underwriting Directors, and how can I prepare for them?

Underwriting Directors often navigate complex risk assessments and must make high-stakes decisions that balance company profitability with prudent risk management. Managing competing priorities, adapting to changing regulations, and leading diverse teams are typical challenges in this role. Building a strong foundation of industry knowledge, staying current with regulatory trends, and honing leadership and communication skills can help you succeed. Regular collaboration with actuarial, claims, and sales teams also means that effective stakeholder management is essential for overcoming these challenges.

What does an Underwriting Director do?

An Underwriting Director oversees the underwriting process, ensuring that risks are assessed accurately and in line with company policies. They develop underwriting guidelines, manage underwriting teams, and collaborate with senior leadership to align strategies with business goals. Their role includes analyzing financial and market data to make informed decisions and mitigate potential risks. Additionally, they ensure compliance with industry regulations and work to optimize underwriting efficiency and profitability.

More about Underwriting Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Underwriting Director jobs? Cities with the most Underwriting Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Underwriting jobs? The most popular types of Underwriting jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Underwriting Director jobs? The top employers for Underwriting Director jobs are:
What states have the most Underwriting Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Underwriting Director jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Underwriting Director jobs? For Underwriting Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Underwriting Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,035 per year, or $67.3 per hour.
AVP, Underwriting Director or VP, Senior Underwriting Director - E&S Excess Casualty

AVP, Underwriting Director or VP, Senior Underwriting Director - E&S Excess Casualty

Zurich Insurance Group

Houston, TX • Hybrid

$131K - $287K/yr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Zurich is seeking an experienced AVP, Underwriting Director OR VP, Senior Underwriting Director - E&S Excess Casualty to join our team in our Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX or Houston, TX office. While this position will be based out of our Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX or Houston, TX office, you will have the flexibility to work on a hybrid basis. You will partner with your manager to set a flexible work schedule that supports you, our customers, and our brokers and agents. This role will require you to be visible in the marketplace to meet with our agents and brokers. In this role you will be working with national wholesalers to drive growth with a focus on profitability.  

Zurich E&S is dedicated 100% to a wholesale distribution model and a product and technology strategy designed to make Zurich a market leader in E&S as measured by gross written premium, profitability, and employee satisfaction! 


As an AVP, Underwriting Director or VP, Senior Underwriting Director - Zurich E&S you will have the opportunity to grow and develop your career as a member of seasoned and dynamic team. You will be underwriting new and renewal business, under limited direction, utilizing The Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on a variety of accounts. We focus strongly on our customers and are seeking someone with the ability to develop exceptional relationships and a strong market facing presence.

 
This role will be responsible for:
 

  • Proactively seeking new account opportunities and managing existing renewal accounts.
  • Demonstrating specialized knowledge and expertise in underwriting excess casualty lines of business.
  • Completing detailed opportunity assessments with key distributors to identify growth opportunities.
  • Contributing to the development and completion of proposals.
  • Qualifying accounts that meet the organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity.
  • Making agent/broker/customer and on-sight calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
  • Negotiating Terms & Conditions and closing deals.
  • Cross-Selling other lines of business to increase product density with the account.
  • Participating in Sales Team meetings as related to assigned brokers and / or territory.
  • Proactively engaging in the target account process, managing a qualified list of opportunities 90 to 120 days prior to effective date.
  • Developing strong broker and client networks as related to industries underwritten by Business Unit.

AVP, Underwriting Director - Zurich E&S Basic Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
    OR
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
    OR
  • Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
    OR
  • Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area

OR

VP, Senior Underwriting Director - Zurich E&S

  • Bachelor's Degree and 9 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area.
    OR
  • Bachelor's Degree and 18 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
    AND
  • Experience in Excess & Surplus Property Underwriting

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's Degreeor equivalent years of E&S Commercial insurance industry experience 
  • Technical knowledge of Excess Underwriting with E&S 
  • Established wholesale broker relationships (E&S brokers) 
  • Creative problem-solving skills 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply-your unique background matters to us. The combined salary range for this position is$131,500.00 - $287,000.00. The proposed salary range for the AVP, Underwriting Director is $131,500.00 - $217,000.00, with Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility set at 40%. The proposed salary range for the VP, Senior Underwriting Director is $175,200.00 - $287,000.00, with Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility set at 50%. 

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. [Learn more about Total Rewards here.]

 

Why Zurich?

At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment-so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500.

Join us for a brighter future-for yourself and our customers.

Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets.

Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code 1033.

 

Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.

Location(s): AM - Atlanta, AM - Dallas, AM - Houston
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No  
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-JR1, #LI-HYBRID, #LI-DIRECTOR