Underwriting Manager, Specialty

What You’ll Be Doing

Lead the Specialty underwriting team and portfolio, translating product strategy into disciplined execution, profitable growth and outstanding broker service. The role combines people leadership, portfolio management and hands‑on underwriting responsibility across Specialty product lines.

• Develop and execute annual plans for 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.
• 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.
• Underwrite and manage the broad Large Commercial and Specialty Delegated Underwriting Authority portfolio.

• Translate Specialty’s strategic direction into team priorities and measurable actions.
• Support streamlined renewal approaches for suitable low-touch and no-touch business.
• Improve underwriting capacity so the team can focus on new and higher-value business.

• Build outstanding relationships with brokers, clients and distribution partners.
• Represent the broad Specialty capabilities in market meetings and negotiations.
• Support new-business development and retention of key accounts.
• Monitor competitor activity and communicate emerging market trends.
• Profitably expand and grow our broker lead delegated portfolios.

• 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.
• 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…