Underwriting Execution and Governance Lead in London

Underwriting Execution and Governance Lead in London

London Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead underwriting governance and strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
  • Company: Join AXIS Capital, a global leader in specialty insurance and reinsurance.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance incentives, comprehensive benefits, and tuition reimbursement.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and ethics.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in (re)insurance, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

This is your opportunity to join AXIS Capital – a trusted global provider of specialty lines insurance and reinsurance. We stand apart for our outstanding client service, intelligent risk taking and superior risk adjusted returns for our shareholders. We also proudly maintain an entrepreneurial, disciplined and ethical corporate culture. As a member of AXIS, you join a team that is among the best in the industry.

At AXIS, we believe that we are only as strong as our people. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming culture where employees of all backgrounds and from all walks of life feel comfortable and empowered to be themselves. This means that we bring our whole selves to work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any basis prohibited by the laws that govern its operations.

What will you do in this role?

  • Act as key support to The Head of Underwriting Governance, Execution and the development of Underwriting strategy.
  • Support with the implementation and management of the Group’s underwriting governance framework, including implementing a consistent referral framework and provide oversight of the post-bind review of underwriting framework.
  • Lead the ongoing oversight and management of updates to the Group’s underwriting governance framework, notably including aligning underwriting guidelines to annual business plans.
  • Assist in implementation of changes to underwriting strategies to ensure continuous alignment with plans, wider AXIS objectives or in response to market developments.
  • Support with the design, development and implementation of new underwriting strategies across the group.
  • Work closely with underwriting teams and the CUO function to identify emerging underwriting trends and formulate action plans to remediate issues.
  • Develop, manage, and coordinate high‑quality executive‑level materials, including decision memos, presentations, briefing notes, and dashboards, to support effective CUO and senior leadership decision‑making.
  • Provide structured decision support by synthesizing complex qualitative and quantitative information into clear recommendations, scenario analyses, and trade‑off assessments.
  • Leverage data analytics and artificial intelligence–enabled tools to enhance underwriting oversight, portfolio monitoring, trend identification, and governance reporting.
  • Partner with data, technology, and analytics teams to identify opportunities where machine learning, automation, or generative AI can improve underwriting execution, governance efficiency, and insight generation.
  • You may also be required to take on additional duties, responsibilities and activities appropriate to the nature of this role.

What you need to have:

  • At least 10 years of experience in a technical role in commercial lines (re)insurance.
  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a highly analytical subject.
  • Professional experience in (re)insurance industry performance and/or governance management role(s).
  • Experience in building strong and effective relationships with colleagues and leadership with a proven ability to win confidence of business partners and influence outcomes.
  • Experience in and perspective on best‑practice underwriting performance and governance management frameworks.
  • Demonstrated ability to support senior executive decision‑making through structured analysis, clear narrative development, and concise communication.
  • Experience working with data analytics platforms, management information, or decision‑support tools to inform underwriting or portfolio strategy.

What we prefer you to have:

  • Strong technical skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong communication skills, with an ability to communicate complex concepts to all stakeholders across the organisation.
  • Ability to plan effectively and prioritise workload.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Advanced presentation skills, including the ability to design and deliver executive‑ready materials for Board, CUO, and senior leadership forums.
  • Skills in modern analytics, visualization, or AI‑enabled tools (e.g., portfolio analytics, automation, generative AI assistants) applied in a governance, underwriting, or strategic context.
  • Comfort operating at the intersection of underwriting, strategy, data, and technology while maintaining strong governance discipline and control standards.

For this position, we currently expect to offer a base salary in the range of X to Y. Your salary offer will be based on an assessment of a variety of factors including your specific experience and work location. In addition, you will be offered competitive target incentive compensation, with awards based on overall corporate and individual performance. On top of this, you will be eligible for a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes medical plans for you and your family, health and wellness programs, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and much more. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Underwriting Execution and Governance Lead in London employer: Axis

Axis CLC is an exceptional employer that offers apprentices the chance to gain hands-on experience in the construction industry while working alongside skilled professionals. With a strong commitment to employee growth, comprehensive training, and a supportive work culture, apprentices can look forward to meaningful career development opportunities. Additionally, the company provides attractive benefits such as travel expense coverage, a pension scheme, and access to various learning resources, making it a rewarding place to start your career.

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Contact Details:

Axis Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Underwriting Execution and Governance Lead in London

Dive Into Industry Networking Events

Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.

Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage

Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like Axis). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!

Look Out for Graduate Schemes

Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.

Leverage Your Current Connections

Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Axis. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!

We think you need these skills to ace Underwriting Execution and Governance Lead in London

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Flexibility
Organizational Skills
Compassion
Teamwork
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.

Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Axis.

Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Axis. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.

How to prepare for a job interview at Axis

Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals

Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Axis to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.

Showcase Your Analytical Side

In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

As a full-timer at Axis, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.

Know the Company Culture Inside Out

Understanding Axis's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.