AXA XL
Underwriting Manager - Sport & Leisure
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Underwriting Manager – Sports & Leisure
Location: London, UK
Division: Sports, Media & Entertainment (UK & Lloyd’s)
About the Role
Within the Sports Media and Entertainment segment, we are expanding to support continued portfolio growth aligned with current and future market conditions. Additionally, the strong global AXA XL brand presents substantial opportunities for a strengthened team.
Our Sports & Leisure portfolio is highly profitable, encompassing a wide range of risks across Lloyd’s and Corporate platforms, including areas like Delegated Authority, Facility, and Open Market business.
The Underwriting Manager (“UWM”) will need to bring deep technical expertise tailored to Sport & Leisure underwriting, act as a senior liaison with insureds and brokers, and drive strategic business growth in line with company objectives.
Key qualities required include maintaining market visibility, staying true to the AXA XL brand, and supporting cross-sell initiatives by understanding other lines of business. Travel may be necessary to fulfil objectives.
This is a regulated role under the Central Bank of Ireland’s Fitness and Probity regime.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties
- Underwriting high-profile and complex UK & Global accounts while adhering to underwriting guidelines, strategies, and processes.
- Support and manage underwriting operations within M&A and Title Sports & Leisure, including:
- New business production
- Portfolio profitability management (e.g., volatility control, technical rate strength, account pricing).
- Lead and develop relationships with brokers, clients, reinsurers, and market players to:
- Build a robust professional network
- Generate targeted business opportunities
- Boost AXA XL’s market profile
- Represent AXA XL externally (e.g., during events/meetings) while promoting the company’s values, capabilities, and services.
- Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Finance, Claims, Operations) to refine cross-selling processes.
- Assist senior leadership by deputising as needed and managing delegated responsibilities.
- Oversee underwriting submissions, including:
- New Business Inquiries (NBIs)
- Coverage negotiations
- Policy wording decisions.
- Mentor and develop a team of underwriters, providing guidance on underwriting techniques.
- Ensure client satisfaction by addressing their insurance needs effectively.
- Coordinate with internal teams to determine appropriate reinsurance placements.
- Promote efficiency and continuous improvement in key functions like Underwriting, Finance, Claims, and Operations.
- Contribute to and facilitate underwriting-related discussions in technical committees and expert groups.
- Assist with underwriting file reviews to ensure compliance with AXA XL’s principles and procedures.
- Support the implementation of underwriting governance frameworks and uphold internal controls.
- Support business reporting, performance analytics, market research, and in-depth studies as required.
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Reports to: Head of Sports, Media & Entertainment, UK & Lloyd’s
Requirements
Skills & Experience
- Significant experience in technical underwriting and broker relationship management.
- Proven team leadership in accordance with AXA XL’s corporate values, demonstrating:
- Ability to develop and retain talent
- Apply principles of team motivation and practices.
- Portfolio management expertise within underwriting.
- Working knowledge of relevant underwriting systems and processes.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills alongside a robust work ethic.
- Adaptability and innovation in a fast-paced environment.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including:
- Networking
- Public speaking
- Active listening
- Marketing and collaboration.
- Relationship management skills with clients, brokers, and producers.
- Effective time management, prioritisation, and multi-tasking capabilities.
- Ability to lead and engage in AXA XL’s Core Values and Culture.
- Bachelor’s Degree and ACII (or acceptable equivalents) are highly preferred.
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Benefits
Inclusion & Diversity
AXA XL’s commitment to equality extends across all protected characteristics (gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, disability, etc.), ensuring a culture where everyone can contribute their full potential.
- Participation in Five Business Resource Groups (GRG) focused on gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity, disability, and inclusion, with 20 global chapters.
- Flexible work arrangements with comprehensive support.
- Enhanced family-friendly leave policies.
- Named to Diversity Best Practices Index and signatories to the UK Women in Finance Charter.
Further details available at: axaxl.com
Total Rewards
AXA XL’s Total Reward Program balances compensation and benefits to suit your needs in:
- Health & Wellbeing
- Lifestyle & Financial security
- Personalised, inclusive benefits evolving with your career stage.
Sustainability
AXA XL’s 2023-27 Strategy, “Roots of Resilience”, focuses on:
Pillars of Sustainability
- Valuing Nature: Protecting ecosystems to promote resilience.
- Addressing Climate Change: Developing net-zero strategies and solutions.
- Integrating ESG: Embedding environment, social, and governance factors.
- AXA Hearts in Action Programme: Volunteering, charitable support, and engagement initiatives.
More at: axaxl.com/sustainability
About AXA XL
AXA XL specialises in solving complex risks across sectors with a customer-centric, data-driven, and flexible approach.
Our global team works across property, casualty, professional, financial, and specialist lines to empower clients forward-moving industries.
Learn more: axaxl.com
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