AXA XL
Overview
Head of Underwriting Services, Americas at AXA XL AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. New York, NY | Chicago, IL As the world changes and markets become more dynamic, our clients’ needs become more complex. More than ever, we are competing for time, for opportunities, for relevance. Differentiation at all levels, including how we think about and engage with our clients, is so important. Our ambition is to unlock a more sustainable and prosperous tomorrow by helping businesses navigate the world’s risks. In the Americas, we live up to that ambition by delivering value far beyond the insurance policies we provide. We are confronting our clients’ risk management challenges by finding solutions that further their strategic goals and help them build more sustainable, thriving businesses. As the Head of Underwriting Services, Americas, you will be the key executive responsible for developing and leading the transformational strategy for the underwriting support organization. This role reports directly to the COO Americas, as part of the Operations Leadership team in the Americas. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader who can build an underwriting support organization able to scale with business growth objectives through innovative approaches to digital and process transformation and mature use of shared service teams. You will raise the bar on talent by inspiring innovation, fostering collaboration across underwriting, technology and offshore service teams; and creating an agile workforce aligned to the organization’s strategic vision. You will develop the skills of the underwriting support organization for the future and build a continuous pipeline of underwriting talent for the broader organization. You will also drive operational excellence by integrating advanced technologies - including AI, predictive analytics and data visualization to increase efficiency and consistency. You will be the face of the underwriting support organization and a critical service partner to all business segment leaders. In this capacity, you will ensure the delivery of high-quality and efficient operational services to our critical internal and external clients in support of their profitable growth goals. You are a thought leader in operational best practices and bring the best of your knowledge to the broader organization, including as a member of the Global middle office leadership team. What you’ll be doing
What will your essential responsibilities include?
Overseeing all Underwriting Services teams comprised of ~300 colleagues across the Americas region, to ensure optimal resource utilization in support of the organization’s growth, including team structure, staffing models and identification of common process opportunities Partnering with offshore Shared Services leader to develop appropriate support strategy aligned with business growth and expense priorities; influence the design and delivery of shared capabilities to drive underwriting efficiency, scalability and excellence Acting as a strategic partner to Underwriting Leadership, understanding growth priorities and service expectations and proactively sharing relevant observations / insights (e.g., production / delivery concern, process opportunities) to drive continual innovative, customer-oriented support Serving as a seamlessly integrated member of the Shared Services Leadership team, providing clear vision and direction to ensure operational services effectively support underwriting objectives Serving as a trusted partner and service advisor to the Chief Operating Officer, Americas and Underwriting executives and teams Developing and executing a strategic vision for Underwriting Services in alignment with organizational goals and market positioning Leading strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing underwriting efficiency, consistency and scalability Contributing to global transformation initiatives and the identification of opportunities to optimize resource capacity across Underwriting and Operations functions; ability to drive a future focused function in support of ongoing organizational change Collaborating and influencing cross functionally with Underwriting, Operations & Technology and Compliance to ensure Underwriting Services support on company-wide initiatives Championing the integration of AI and automation into underwriting workflows to improve risk assessment, decision speed and portfolio profitability. As technology investment increases, driving and sponsoring new ways of working to increase efficiency across the organization. Providing data-driven insights to influence product development, portfolio optimization and market expansion decisions Playing integral role in long-term planning by evaluating emerging market trends, competitor benchmarks and regulatory changes that impact Underwriting policy and direction Owning the risk control profile and assessment for risks, ensuring that risk registers are updated as appropriate for these risks Ensuring adequate support to underwriting segments to deliver profitable growth goals in line with longer-term strategic plan (i.e., providing proactive workforce planning in line with projected timing of growth and peak cycles) Establishing talent development roadmap for underwriting support teams into both underwriting and operational roles based on strategic capability mapping, training and development plans and proactive workforce planning Partnering with stakeholders across core shared functions (e.g., ESS, premium reporting) to enable seamless handoffs, ensure adherence to SLAs and continuous improvement; optimizing work across offshore enterprise shared services, onshore underwriting support and underwriting as well as automated solutions Developing, implementing and maintaining core reporting, metrics / KPIs / SLAs to enable proactive monitoring of individual and team performance, active communication to core stakeholders on service delivery (particularly issues), and identification of ongoing training and continuous improvement opportunities Partnering with Legal and Regulatory functions to monitor and remediate any compliance issues across teams in timely manner Identifying and developing standardized business processes to promote consistency / transparency to drive efficiency and increase scalability of operating model You will report to the COO Americas. What you’ll bring
We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:
Ability to thrive in a fast paced and evolving business environment Proven track record in building and leading strategy for new business Demonstrated understanding of underwriting objectives and business priorities to proactively deliver operational support that enables performance, efficiency and consistent execution across teams Demonstrated outstanding communication skills with the ability to engage with executive level internal and external stakeholders using a high level of discretion and professionalism Recognized thought leader in Underwriting Operations, with demonstrated expertise showcased through industry speaking engagements, published contributions or collaboration on strategic initiatives Must have direct Underwriting Services experience; specifically, having led strategy with proven expertise in operations management (including middle office, claims and legal/regulatory) and track record in overseeing large teams Ability to define and lead the Underwriting Services business strategy including coordination with Divisional & Group Initiatives Keen understanding of AI and data driven technologies in the insurance space, with a practical approach to implementation and adoption Drive continuous improvement across underwriting workflows, leveraging automation, data analytics and AI driven tools to optimize decision-making and turnaround times Skills to work with and guide other members of the Underwriting Services and Americas teams to support the implementation of the relevant business projects with deep strategic impact Proven track record of delivering on a budget Experience with managing large offshore and outsourced staff augmentation, including task transfers, capacity modeling, and efficiency incentives Experience with vendor management, particularly with Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) arrangements Expertise in process evaluation and design and experience in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean) Experience navigating and managing cross-functional engagement Ability to inspire a culture of operational excellence and relentless performance management as well as client satisfaction Capacity to effectively navigate AXA Group organizational culture, using empathy, collaboration, and inclusion to create business impact Forward thinking, collaborative and execution oriented, with a deep commitment to excellence and innovation A solid track record of delivering sustainable business impact; growth or turnaround, completing a masterpiece through transformation or disruptive innovation Excellent ability to influence strategically across sector / market A history of leading diverse teams, creating robust engagement, and building high performance for self and others to reach new heights in pursuit of common goals Awareness and understanding of AXA XL’s global business strategy. While this is an Americas focused business, the successful candidate must bring and be interested in leading and influencing a diverse set of global stakeholders throughout AXA Group What we offer
Inclusion
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 for Flexible Working Arrangements Enhanced family-friendly leave benefits Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter Learn more at Inclusion & Diversity at AXA XL | AXA XL. AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Total Rewards
AXA XL’s Reward program is designed to take care of what matters most to you, covering the full picture of your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial security. It provides competitive compensation and personalized, inclusive benefits that evolve as you do. We’re committed to rewarding your contribution for the long term, so you can be your best self today and look forward to the future with confidence. Sustainability
At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations. Our Pillars
Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society - are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature - from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard - by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans. Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far-reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We\'re building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions. Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting. AXA Hearts in Action: We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day - the Global Day of Giving. For more information, please see Sustainability at AXA XL. The U.S. base salary range for this position is $200,000 to $275,000 USD. Actual pay will be determined based upon the individual’s skills, experience and location. We strive for market alignment and internal equity with our colleagues’ pay. At AXA XL, we know how important physical, mental, and financial health are to our employees, which is why we are proud to offer benefits such as a competitive retirement savings plan, health and wellness programs, and many other benefits. We also believe in fostering our colleagues\' development and offer a wide range of learning opportunities for colleagues to hone their professional skills and to position themselves for the next step of their careers. For more details about AXA XL’s benefits offerings, please visit US Benefits at a Glance 2025. Who we are 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. 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. Learn more at axaxl.com
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Underwriting Services, Americas at AXA XL AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. New York, NY | Chicago, IL As the world changes and markets become more dynamic, our clients’ needs become more complex. More than ever, we are competing for time, for opportunities, for relevance. Differentiation at all levels, including how we think about and engage with our clients, is so important. Our ambition is to unlock a more sustainable and prosperous tomorrow by helping businesses navigate the world’s risks. In the Americas, we live up to that ambition by delivering value far beyond the insurance policies we provide. We are confronting our clients’ risk management challenges by finding solutions that further their strategic goals and help them build more sustainable, thriving businesses. As the Head of Underwriting Services, Americas, you will be the key executive responsible for developing and leading the transformational strategy for the underwriting support organization. This role reports directly to the COO Americas, as part of the Operations Leadership team in the Americas. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader who can build an underwriting support organization able to scale with business growth objectives through innovative approaches to digital and process transformation and mature use of shared service teams. You will raise the bar on talent by inspiring innovation, fostering collaboration across underwriting, technology and offshore service teams; and creating an agile workforce aligned to the organization’s strategic vision. You will develop the skills of the underwriting support organization for the future and build a continuous pipeline of underwriting talent for the broader organization. You will also drive operational excellence by integrating advanced technologies - including AI, predictive analytics and data visualization to increase efficiency and consistency. You will be the face of the underwriting support organization and a critical service partner to all business segment leaders. In this capacity, you will ensure the delivery of high-quality and efficient operational services to our critical internal and external clients in support of their profitable growth goals. You are a thought leader in operational best practices and bring the best of your knowledge to the broader organization, including as a member of the Global middle office leadership team. What you’ll be doing
What will your essential responsibilities include?
Overseeing all Underwriting Services teams comprised of ~300 colleagues across the Americas region, to ensure optimal resource utilization in support of the organization’s growth, including team structure, staffing models and identification of common process opportunities Partnering with offshore Shared Services leader to develop appropriate support strategy aligned with business growth and expense priorities; influence the design and delivery of shared capabilities to drive underwriting efficiency, scalability and excellence Acting as a strategic partner to Underwriting Leadership, understanding growth priorities and service expectations and proactively sharing relevant observations / insights (e.g., production / delivery concern, process opportunities) to drive continual innovative, customer-oriented support Serving as a seamlessly integrated member of the Shared Services Leadership team, providing clear vision and direction to ensure operational services effectively support underwriting objectives Serving as a trusted partner and service advisor to the Chief Operating Officer, Americas and Underwriting executives and teams Developing and executing a strategic vision for Underwriting Services in alignment with organizational goals and market positioning Leading strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing underwriting efficiency, consistency and scalability Contributing to global transformation initiatives and the identification of opportunities to optimize resource capacity across Underwriting and Operations functions; ability to drive a future focused function in support of ongoing organizational change Collaborating and influencing cross functionally with Underwriting, Operations & Technology and Compliance to ensure Underwriting Services support on company-wide initiatives Championing the integration of AI and automation into underwriting workflows to improve risk assessment, decision speed and portfolio profitability. As technology investment increases, driving and sponsoring new ways of working to increase efficiency across the organization. Providing data-driven insights to influence product development, portfolio optimization and market expansion decisions Playing integral role in long-term planning by evaluating emerging market trends, competitor benchmarks and regulatory changes that impact Underwriting policy and direction Owning the risk control profile and assessment for risks, ensuring that risk registers are updated as appropriate for these risks Ensuring adequate support to underwriting segments to deliver profitable growth goals in line with longer-term strategic plan (i.e., providing proactive workforce planning in line with projected timing of growth and peak cycles) Establishing talent development roadmap for underwriting support teams into both underwriting and operational roles based on strategic capability mapping, training and development plans and proactive workforce planning Partnering with stakeholders across core shared functions (e.g., ESS, premium reporting) to enable seamless handoffs, ensure adherence to SLAs and continuous improvement; optimizing work across offshore enterprise shared services, onshore underwriting support and underwriting as well as automated solutions Developing, implementing and maintaining core reporting, metrics / KPIs / SLAs to enable proactive monitoring of individual and team performance, active communication to core stakeholders on service delivery (particularly issues), and identification of ongoing training and continuous improvement opportunities Partnering with Legal and Regulatory functions to monitor and remediate any compliance issues across teams in timely manner Identifying and developing standardized business processes to promote consistency / transparency to drive efficiency and increase scalability of operating model You will report to the COO Americas. What you’ll bring
We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:
Ability to thrive in a fast paced and evolving business environment Proven track record in building and leading strategy for new business Demonstrated understanding of underwriting objectives and business priorities to proactively deliver operational support that enables performance, efficiency and consistent execution across teams Demonstrated outstanding communication skills with the ability to engage with executive level internal and external stakeholders using a high level of discretion and professionalism Recognized thought leader in Underwriting Operations, with demonstrated expertise showcased through industry speaking engagements, published contributions or collaboration on strategic initiatives Must have direct Underwriting Services experience; specifically, having led strategy with proven expertise in operations management (including middle office, claims and legal/regulatory) and track record in overseeing large teams Ability to define and lead the Underwriting Services business strategy including coordination with Divisional & Group Initiatives Keen understanding of AI and data driven technologies in the insurance space, with a practical approach to implementation and adoption Drive continuous improvement across underwriting workflows, leveraging automation, data analytics and AI driven tools to optimize decision-making and turnaround times Skills to work with and guide other members of the Underwriting Services and Americas teams to support the implementation of the relevant business projects with deep strategic impact Proven track record of delivering on a budget Experience with managing large offshore and outsourced staff augmentation, including task transfers, capacity modeling, and efficiency incentives Experience with vendor management, particularly with Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) arrangements Expertise in process evaluation and design and experience in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean) Experience navigating and managing cross-functional engagement Ability to inspire a culture of operational excellence and relentless performance management as well as client satisfaction Capacity to effectively navigate AXA Group organizational culture, using empathy, collaboration, and inclusion to create business impact Forward thinking, collaborative and execution oriented, with a deep commitment to excellence and innovation A solid track record of delivering sustainable business impact; growth or turnaround, completing a masterpiece through transformation or disruptive innovation Excellent ability to influence strategically across sector / market A history of leading diverse teams, creating robust engagement, and building high performance for self and others to reach new heights in pursuit of common goals Awareness and understanding of AXA XL’s global business strategy. While this is an Americas focused business, the successful candidate must bring and be interested in leading and influencing a diverse set of global stakeholders throughout AXA Group What we offer
Inclusion
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 for Flexible Working Arrangements Enhanced family-friendly leave benefits Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter Learn more at Inclusion & Diversity at AXA XL | AXA XL. AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Total Rewards
AXA XL’s Reward program is designed to take care of what matters most to you, covering the full picture of your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial security. It provides competitive compensation and personalized, inclusive benefits that evolve as you do. We’re committed to rewarding your contribution for the long term, so you can be your best self today and look forward to the future with confidence. Sustainability
At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations. Our Pillars
Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society - are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature - from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard - by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans. Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far-reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We\'re building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions. Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting. AXA Hearts in Action: We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day - the Global Day of Giving. For more information, please see Sustainability at AXA XL. The U.S. base salary range for this position is $200,000 to $275,000 USD. Actual pay will be determined based upon the individual’s skills, experience and location. We strive for market alignment and internal equity with our colleagues’ pay. At AXA XL, we know how important physical, mental, and financial health are to our employees, which is why we are proud to offer benefits such as a competitive retirement savings plan, health and wellness programs, and many other benefits. We also believe in fostering our colleagues\' development and offer a wide range of learning opportunities for colleagues to hone their professional skills and to position themselves for the next step of their careers. For more details about AXA XL’s benefits offerings, please visit US Benefits at a Glance 2025. Who we are 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. 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. Learn more at axaxl.com
#J-18808-Ljbffr