Underwriting Manager - Sport & Leisure in London

Within Sports Media and Entertainment, we are looking to grow the portfolio in a way that takes into account current and future market conditions. We also have significant global opportunity presenting itself due to the excellent AXA brand which a strengthened team should be able to take advantage of. This profitable portfolio consists of a broad range of risks written across both Lloyd’s & Company platforms. Our expertise encompasses Delegated Authority, Facility & Open Market business.

The Underwriting Manager (“UWM”) must possess broad technical expertise across Sport & Leisure underwriting. Further, you will act as a senior contact for insureds and brokers and ensure strategic growth and development of the business in line with company objectives. You will be required to maintain visibility in the community, thereby reinforcing AXA XL’s brand. Travel to accomplish this objective is required. The UWM 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

• Underwrite high profile and complex UK/Global accounts, complying with underwriting guidelines, authorities, processes and strategy.
• Support and manage underwriting operations within the broader Sports & Leisure portfolio. This includes new business production and portfolio profitability management (including volatility management, technical rate strength, account pricing, etc.) in line with the Company’s business plan, strategy and guidelines.
• Lead, promote and develop appropriate relationships with brokers, clients, reinsurers and other market players, to develop a robust network and generate targeted business, as well as supporting AXA XL’s profile in the market.
• Represent AXA XL during external events/meetings and efficiently promote AXA XL values, capabilities and services.
• Work with other key departments and stakeholders to improve our internal cross sell processes and opportunities.
• Assist and deputise for management, undertaking such duties as and when required.
• Lead, develop and manage a team of underwriters, acting as a referral point.
• Oversight on submissions (including enquiries, NBIs, coverage negotiations and policy wording).
• Impart your thorough working knowledge of underwriting principles, procedures and controls to support the development of team members.
• Ensure client satisfaction as it relates to fulfilment of their insurance requirements.
• In coordination with other internal teams, determine appropriate reinsurance for risk placements.
• Support continuous improvement and efficiency initiatives within the key functions (including Underwriting, Finance, Claims and Operations).
• Facilitate, participate in and contribute to meetings of underwriting, other technical committees and subject matter expert groups; ensuring clear communication and productive discussions.
• Assist in underwriting file reviews to ensure adherence to established principles, guidelines and procedures.
• Assist in the implementation of underwriting governance frameworks and ensure compliance with internal controls.
• Support business reporting and performance analysis, market research and analysis, develop in depth studies of specific topics where required.

You will report to Head of Sports, Media & Entertainment, UK & Lloyd’s.

What you’ll bring

• Significant experience in technical underwriting and broker development.
• Effective hands-on team leadership in accordance with AXA XL corporate values, demonstrating increasing responsibilities and knowledge of team motivation principles and practices.
• Experience in portfolio management.
• Knowledge of functionality of 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.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication, including active listening skills, networking, marketing and collaboration, evidencing public speaking and presentation experience.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients, producers and brokers.
• Effective time management skills with the ability to prioritise and multi-task.
• Ability to lead in accordance with AXA XL Core Values and Culture.
• Bachelor’s Degree and ACII (or equivalents) are preferred.

What we offer

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.

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.

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 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.