E&S Excess Casualty - Lead Underwriter

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.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced E&S Excess Casualty - Lead Underwriter to join our team. This role involves significant strategic responsibilities, particularly in advancing and elevating our Excess Casualty business, with a special focus on E&S driven classes of business - Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation, and Others. Reporting to the Regional Unit Leader of Excess Casualty, the successful candidate will also work closely with the Head of Excess Casualty to influence underwriting practices, drive business growth, and help maintain our competitive edge in the market. This person will play a critical role in contributing to the strategic direction of our underwriting approach and ensuring alignment with the company's broader goals.

Key Responsibilities:
* Strategic Underwriting Leadership: Lead the underwriting process for high-profile and complex E&S excess casualty accounts, particularly within the Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation, and other areas. Ensure underwriting decisions align with the company's risk appetite and strategic objectives.
* Collaborative Development: Partner with the Excess Casualty Leadership and various business partners (Claims, Actuarial, Distribution, and Operations) and to support and influence the strategic direction of the Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation, and other areas. Provide insights on market trends and emerging risks to help refine underwriting practices.
* Strategic Responsibilities: Contribute to the development and enhancement of underwriting strategies that align with market conditions and the company's long-term goals. Your expertise will be instrumental in advising on strategic adjustments and best practices.
* Market Analysis: Continuously monitor market trends, emerging risks, and the competitive landscape in the Excess Casualty space. Utilize these insights to inform and influence strategic underwriting decisions.
* Risk Assessment: Underwrite complex and high-value risks with a focus on balancing opportunity with prudent risk management. Ensure that underwriting decisions are informed by thorough analysis and aligned with the company's strategic objectives.
* Collaboration: Liaise with senior leaders, including the Regional Unit Leader and the Head of Excess Casualty, to align underwriting activities with broader business objectives. Work collaboratively to achieve shared goals.
* Client and Broker Engagement: Maintain and develop strong relationships with key brokers and clients. Serve as a senior point of contact for complex negotiations and strategic discussions.
* Innovation and Best Practices: Champion the adoption of innovative underwriting practices and contribute to the development of new product offerings. Continuously seek opportunities to improve underwriting efficiency and effectiveness.
* Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Act as a mentor and resource for other underwriters, sharing your expertise and best practices to support the development of the team.

Qualifications:
* 10+ years of experience in E&S excess casualty underwriting, with significant experience in Construction, Manufacturing, and Transportation risks.
* Proven expertise in underwriting large, complex, high-value risks within the E&S market.
* Strong understanding of Construction, Manufacturing, and Transportation and their unique risk factors.
* Ability to influence strategic decisions and collaborate effectively with senior leadership.
* In-depth knowledge of market trends, regulatory environments, and competitive dynamics in the excess casualty sector.
* Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
* Strong communication and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to build and maintain relationships with brokers and clients.
* Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to identifying and capitalizing on business opportunities.
* Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field. Advanced degree or professional designation (e.g., CPCU) is a plus.

Competencies:
* Strategic Influence: Ability to shape and influence underwriting practices and business strategies.
* Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of E&S excess casualty underwriting.
* Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals.
* Client Focus: Strong commitment to building and maintaining client and broker relationships.
* Innovation: Proactively drives improvements in underwriting practices and product development.
* Talent Development: Strong ability to identify, mentor, and pipeline talent within the unit to ensure continued growth and expertise in the field.

What we offer:

For this position, we currently expect to offer a base salary in the range of USD $225,000 to USD $325,000. Your salary offer will be based on an assessment of various factors.

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.