Underwriting Manager - Contingency, Media and Entertainment in London

At this level the role holder manages all aspects of the underwriting operations within the central region in accordance with corporate and divisional guidelines. This includes portfolio profitability, account pricing, portfolio rate change, renewal retention, marketing, new business production, development of staff, broker and client management. The role holder must possess broad technical expertise across various classes of business and may personally handle the more complex risks within the territory. The role holder will act as a senior contact for insureds and retail brokers in the assigned geographic territory. Assume ownership of the P&L, ensure strategic growth and development of the business in line with company objectives while retaining clients. The role holder is required to maintain visibility in the community thereby reinforcing AXA XL’s brand in the community. Travel to accomplish this objective is required. The role holder will support AXA XL’s cross‑sell objectives by understanding capabilities across other lines of business and maintaining open communication with colleagues in other departments. This is a regulated role under the Central Bank of Ireland’s Fitness and Probity regime.

What you’ll be doing

• Execute departmental strategy and achieve P&L metrics including verification of appropriate risk premium calculations to ensure profitability.
• Lead, develop and proactively manage a team of underwriters.
• Oversight on submissions including applications, policy wording, inspection reports, loss runs, and financial reports.
• Impart thorough working knowledge of underwriting principles, procedures and controls to team members.
• Effective relationship management with clients and broker partners, initiating opportunities for cross‑selling offered products and ensuring account retention.
• Maintain visibility in the market by aggressively marketing to insureds and brokers.
• Control timely implementation of new and renewed accounts according to quality standards.
• Ensure client satisfaction as it relates to fulfillment of their insurance requirements.
• In coordination with other internal teams, determine appropriate reinsurance for risk placements.
• Review loss control reports and manage policy endorsement requests to process any necessary changes to the policy.

You will report to the Head of SME, UK & Lloyd's.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) mandatory; professional designations preferred.
• Experience in policy development and broker management in the respective line(s) of business.
• Experience of hands‑on team leadership / management / supervision demonstrating increasing responsibilities and knowledge of team motivation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of functionality of systems including strong technical skills with Microsoft Office and other relevant systems.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical and decision‑making skills combined with a robust work ethic.
• Ability to respond to a changing environment with flexibility and innovation.
• Effective interpersonal skills, communication including active listening, networking, marketing and collaboration skills evidencing public speaking and presentation experience.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with customers, producers and brokers.
• Excellent time‑management skills; ability to multi‑task.
• Ability to lead in accordance with AXA XL’s Core Values and Culture.

What we offer

Inclusion

AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture enables business growth and is critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most inclusive workforce possible, and create a culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and reach their highest potential. It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed.

Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 chapters around the globe. Robust support for flexible working arrangements. Enhanced family‑friendly leave benefits. Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index. Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter.

Total Rewards

AXA XL’s reward program is designed to take care of what matters most to you, covering the full picture of your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial security. It provides competitive compensation and personalized, inclusive benefits that evolve as you do. We’re committed to rewarding your contribution for the long term, so you can be your best self today and look forward to the future with confidence.

Sustainability

At AXA XL, sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever‑changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023‑26 sustainability strategy, called “Roots of Resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change and embedding sustainable practices across our operations.

Who we are

AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid‑sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it. How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data‑driven insights, leading technology and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business – property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty. With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.