Lead Underwriter, US Excess Casualty - Chicago, IL

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 ...

Job description

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 Underwriter, US Excess Casualty
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced E&S Excess Casualty - Lead Underwriter to join our team. Reporting to a Team Leader of US Excess Casualty, the individual will act within established guidelines to actively market, analyze, review, evaluate, and monitor new and renewal lead excess and mid-to-high-attaching excess liability accounts with an average premium of $250,000.

Within a progressive work environment, the individual will be responsible for the development, growth, and profitability of a challenging E&S Excess Casualty book of business. Our Appetite includes a wide range of industries, including Commercial Construction, Manufacturing, and Trucking and Transportation and addresses a range of Casualty Products including Excess General Liability, Professional Liability, Commercial Auto, and Employers Liability.

Individuals should be recognized for their strength in new business development and client relations, technical analysis, integrity, and work ethic. Successful candidates will drive business results through solid underwriting analysis, highly active sales and marketing efforts, long-term client relationship building, and collaborative engagement with internal business partners.

Candidate Profile
Excess Casualty Underwriter will be a "hands-on" technical expert with a history of success within a top-tier Commercial Insurance Carrier focused on building a complex book of Excess Liability business targeting Middle Market & Large Complex Risks with premiums in the range of $75K to $1MM+. Addressing casualty solutions; Excess General Liability, Professional Liability, Commercial Auto, and Employers Liability.

Candidates will have deep contacts within Wholesale broker channels, exposure to the Commercial Construction, Manufacturing, and Transportation verticals, and full life cycle exposure to portfolio management across; solicitation of submissions, underwriting analysis, preparing and issuing indications/quotations/binders, and marketing.

Additionally, the candidate must have an executive presence, demonstrating success in communicating, influencing, and building solid relationships that add value to the AXIS business book and contribute to longer-term strategic initiatives.

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.

For this position, we expect to offer a base salary in the range of USD $235,000 to USD $255,000. The specific salary offer will be based on an assessment of various factors, including the experience of the successful candidate and their work location.

In addition, all employees are eligible for competitive incentive targets, with awards based on overall corporate and individual performance. On top of this, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes medical plans for employees and their families, health and wellness programs, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and much more.