Head of Delegated Surety

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.

AXIS is seeking a Head of Delegated Surety to lead and grow an existing portfolio of business. The existing business operates within the Specialty Division of AXIS Global Markets, is highly regarded in the market and offers the successful candidate an exceptional opportunity to further develop the existing portfolio from a very strong base. The selected candidate will be responsible for the end-to-end success of the business and operating model.

What will you do in this role?

• Develop short, medium and long term underwriting strategies for continued profitable expansion of Delegated Surety, in line with corporate plans and goals, leveraging emerging technology and distribution models to improve efficiency, operating cost base and profitability.
• Identify and attract additional staff in line with strategic goals. Organise and execute appropriate reporting lines and responsibilities to support strategic growth targets.
• Maintain positive relationship development with key current and future clients and distribution partners, in order to maximise our opportunities with them.
• Work with pricing, claims, reserving, finance, operations and CUO functions to maintain regular and accurate management reporting.
• Maintain management responsibility for underwriting, incorporating adequate authority, peer review and referral procedures in line with corporate strategies and in conjunction with U/W support division.
• Manage underwriting strategy and culture to ensure that conduct risk and treating customers fairly is a focus underpinning the operation of the delegated Surety business.
• Act as FA&S focal point for Ceded Re in respect of outwards reinsurance purchasing.
• Actively support all areas as required to further our Global Markets Growth strategies.
• Be prepared to take on additional duties, responsibilities and activities appropriate to the nature of this role.

About You:

We encourage you to bring your own experiences and expertise to the table, so while there are some qualifications and experiences we need you to have, we are open to discussing how your individual knowledge might lend itself to fulfilling this role and help us achieve our goals.

What you need to have:

• Significant insurance industry experience, preferably in the London Market, ideally with at least 10 years of experience in the Surety market with class leading knowledge of the Surety product suite, and wide-ranging contacts at both clients and brokers.
• Proven track record of developing and managing high performing teams in either a broking or underwriting environment alongside demonstrable experience of strategic business planning and plan execution.
• Experience in building strong and effective relationships with colleagues and other leaders within AXIS, and a proven ability to win the confidence of business partners and an ability to influence outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and an ability to plan effectively and prioritise workload.

What we prefer you to have:

• Relevant academic, business and insurance qualifications.
• Experience and knowledge of other Insurance Classes of business, especially those aligned to Surety.
• Experience and knowledge of underwriting or broking Surety business in other, non-London Market geographies.

Role Factors:

In this role, you will typically be required to:

• Be team orientated but confident with strong inter-personal skills;
• An ability to think independently and use initiative to find solutions to business related challenges;
• Be in the office at least 3 days per week;
• Be prepared to travel internationally.

What we offer:

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 annual leave, and much more.