Underwriting Manager, Specialty

What you’ll be doing Portfolio management

• Develop and execute annual plans for Marine and assigned Specialty portfolios.
• Monitor premium, retention, profitability, rate, exposure and portfolio mix.
• Identify growth opportunities while maintaining underwriting discipline.
• Recommend corrective actions where portfolio performance falls outside plan.

• Underwrite and manage complex or strategically important accounts within delegated authority.
• Ensure appropriate risk selection, pricing, terms, conditions and documentation.
• Provide referrals, technical guidance and peer review to underwriters.
• Maintain compliance with underwriting authorities, governance standards and regulatory requirements.

• Translate the Head of Marine and Specialty’s strategic direction into team priorities and measurable actions.
• Support streamlined renewal approaches for suitable low-touch and no-touch business.
• Help develop rapid-renewal and delegated-underwriting processes across selected Specialty products.
• Improve underwriting capacity so the team can focus on new and higher-value business.

• Build outstanding relationships with brokers, clients and distribution partners.
• Represent Marine and Specialty capabilities in market meetings and negotiations.
• Support new-business development and retention of key accounts.
• Monitor competitor activity and communicate emerging market trends.

• Partner with Claims, Actuarial, Operations, Finance, Legal, Compliance and Reinsurance.
• Ensure portfolio decisions reflect claims trends, exposure information and financial objectives.
• Contribute to country, regional and product initiatives.
• Provide clear reporting on performance, opportunities and emerging risks.

• Robust understanding of underwriting governance and delegated authority.

You will lead, coach and develop a high-performing underwriting team.

You will report to Head of Large Commercial Canada

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

• Significant commercial insurance underwriting experience, including Marine or Specialty products.
• Previous team leadership, coaching or supervisory experience.
• Experience managing complex accounts and broker relationships.
• Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Insurance designation such as CIP, FCIP, ACII or equivalent is an asset.

• Profitable portfolio growth and retention.
• Achievement of rate, premium and underwriting-plan targets.
• Robust governance and underwriting-quality outcomes.
• Increased team capability, engagement and succession readiness.
• Successful implementation of streamlined renewal processes.

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

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…