Lead Underwriting Manager - Programs

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 race, color, religion or creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, civil union status, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in the selection process.

Lead Underwriting Manager - Programs

Hybrid New York City

The Lead Underwriting Manager - Programs will serve as the senior technical leader within the North American Commercial Insurance Programs practice. This role will oversee the daily operations and implementation of the department's underwriting strategy across all delegated underwriting authority partnerships to achieve the department's operations and growth objectives.

Candidate Profile

The Lead Underwriting Manager -Programs will bring extensive experience overseeing and expanding a large, complex book of program business distributed through delegated underwriting partnerships, including Program Administrators (PAs) and Managing General Agents (MGAs).

Ideal candidates have experience leading internal underwriting teams of at least three people and excel in program management. They are skilled at building strong relationships with current and prospective underwriting partners and possess expert knowledge of the full program lifecycle, including referral underwriting, monitoring, optimization, and strategic exits.

Work Profile

This position is ideal for those based in our New York City office at 1166 Avenue of the Americas seeking a hybrid work model: 3 days in-office and 2 days remote. Travel is required for industry and company events.

What will you do in this role?

Reporting directly to the Head of North American Programs, this role will utilize your extensive underwriting expertise to supervise a team of program managers to execute underwriting strategies. You will support the development of additional portfolio management tools, consult on new DUA relationships, and establish underwriting guidelines for new programs.

Key Functions Include:

• Ensure adherence to, and refinement of, the department's underwriting policies and procedures.
• Implement the department's underwriting strategy, monitor underwriting performance, identify areas for improvement, and act proactively.
• Develop portfolio underwriting tools, including account tiering and additional portfolio KPIs.
• Lead the completion of timely and accurate underwriting audits.
• Oversee the annual review of underwriting guidelines.
• Recommend changes to DUA authority levels as necessary.
• Cross train Program Underwriting Managers across all lines of business serviced by the department.
• Build and maintain relationships with key partners and stakeholders, including DUAs, intermediaries, and reinsurers.
• Coach and mentor your team to foster their professional development.

What you need to have:

• 10+ years of experience in commercial insurance underwriting.
• 5+ years of experience underwriting and managing Delegated Underwriting.
• Demonstrated track record of achieving profitable underwriting results.
• Proficiency in coverage analysis, risk assessment, and the Commercial Lines Manual.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Strong leadership abilities to motivate, mentor, and develop a team.
• High standards of personal and professional conduct.

What we prefer you to have:

• Expertise in ISO-based and E&S specialty products, including policy construction and rating.
• Prior leadership experience
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in a matrixed organization
• Advanced degree (MBA, JD, or related field)
• Industry Accreditations (ACAS, CPCU, etc)

For this position, we currently expect to offer a base salary in the range of $240,000 to $285,000 (NY), Your salary offer will be based on an assessment of various 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.

Where this role is based in the United States of America, this role is Exempt for FLSA purposes.