Crop Product Development Specialist

This Crop Product Development Specialist has been created to support the RCIS Profitability Improvement Strategy and Growth Strategy.  This role is responsible for, and will contribute to, the application, strategic direction, and improvement of the Zurich RCIS Crop Private products, which include Added Price Option, Revenue Protection Product, Replant Option, and a vast number of unique named peril products for specialty products. 

 

The ideal candidate will be adept at managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive new product direction, product innovation, and various product support services. This role is also responsible for research, development of products and related coverages for Crop insurance products.  The person will be able to understand coverages and be able to improve the products being offered and be able to draft policy wording for these products.

The role can work from any Zurich office or remote, preferably centrally located to accommodate travel. Schaumburg, IL and Anoka, MN are preferred locations.

 

 As the Crop Product Development Specialist, primary accountabilities will include:

• Facilitating communication and partnering with leadership teams to define new product needs or product enhancements and gather market intelligence on new products.
• Support the implementation of technology initiatives to improve processes, develop policies and generate innovation to maintain regulatory compliance and/or deliver process or product enhancements.
• Support the development and implementation of underwriting solutions (e.g. product development) for a portfolio, line of business, or product line
• Perform detailed product reviews of each named peril product, including a review of profitability, rate adequacy and coverages being offered.
• Supporting the implementation activities and product launch such as pilot groups, and training as required.
• Stay abreast of the latest product line and industry trends
• Maintain and promote existing strategic partnerships internally
• Advise the Business Unit and Underwriters in responding to coverage requests and draft language for specific transactions
• Assist with approval of terms and conditions (e.g. policy wording) by working closely with the Business Unit and Underwriters
• Contribute to the development of technical underwriting coverage guidelines and Best Practices, including controls and procedures.
• Support strategic initiatives that impact the product line
• Research and analyze relevant legal issues in connection with contract drafting
• Develop training materials on the intent of critical policy provisions and new products
• Structure new endorsements consistently and maintain the endorsement library with relevant updates and modifications
• Educate and influence stakeholders by demonstrating the impact of coverage requests to ensure that the business is not exposed to undue risk.
• Understanding the competitive landscape and customer satisfaction through customer visits, and collaboration with Sales and Service teams.

 Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree and 2 or more years of experience in the Product Development area

OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 4 or more years of experience in the Product Development area

AND
• Project Management experience

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPCU
• Property and casualty insurance experience
• Change Management skills 

 

As an insurance company, Zurich is subject to 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

 

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