Underwriting Manager - International Casualty, Retail, UK & Lloyd\'s

The International Casualty, UK Retail Underwriting Team within AXA XL offers insurance solutions for Employers’ and General Liability for a diverse portfolio of large and corporate clients globally, spanning a broad range of trades from manufacturing and engineering to automotive all the way through to food and beverage manufacturers. The team offers innovative risk transfer and risk management solutions that meet the needs of today’s local businesses and global players alike, by working closely with dedicated loss prevention service units and account management teams. This is a regulated role under the Central Bank of Ireland’s Fitness and Probity regime.

What you’ll be doing

The Underwriting Manager must possess broad technical expertise across Casualty 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, while retaining Clients. You will be required to maintain visibility in the community thereby reinforcing AXA XL’s brand. 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.

What will your essential responsibilities include?

• Underwrite high profile and complex UK/Global, new or existing accounts, complying with underwriting guidelines, authorities, processes and strategy.
• Support and manage the underwriting operations within the casualty portfolio. This includes but is not limited to; portfolio profitability management, new business production and renewal retention in line with the Company’s business plan, strategy and guidelines.
• Lead, promote and develop appropriate relationships with brokers, clients, reinsurers, market players to build up a robust valued network and bring in targeted business, as well as supported AXA XL profile in the market.
• Portfolio Management (including volatility management, technical rate strength, account pricing) of the book of accounts and how it interacts with the wider retail portfolio.
• 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.
• Maintain and develop strategic relationships and pipeline, acting as the escalation point for Global and Strategic broking partners.
• 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 applications, policy wording, inspection reports, loss runs, and financial reports.
• Impart your thorough working knowledge of underwriting principles, procedures and controls to support the development of team members.
• Control timely implementation of new and renewed accounts according to quality standards.
• 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 and contribute to meetings of underwriting, other technical committees and subject matter expert groups; ensuring clear communication and productive discussions which lead to informed decisions.
• 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 the Head of International Casualty.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

• Significant technical underwriting experience and broker management in Casualty.
• Significant people management credential.
• 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.
• Data analytics background with natural attention to detail.
• Knowledge of functionality of systems including excellent technical skills with Microsoft Office and other relevant systems.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical and decision‑making skills combined with an excellent 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 skills, evidencing public speaking and presentation experience.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with customers, producers and brokers.
• Effective time management skills with the ability to prioritise and multi‑task.

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. Learn more at axaxl.com/about-us/inclusion-and-diversity.

AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.

Our Pillars:

• Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
• Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far‑reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We’re building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal‑led solutions.
• Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.

AXA Hearts in Action: We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day – the Global Day of Giving. For more information, please see axaxl.com/sustainability.

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. Learn more at axaxl.com.