Senior Underwriter, Specialty - Commercial Bonds

AXA•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The primary focus of this role is on broad territory management, which includes relationship, underwriting and expense management. This role develops and maintains business relationships with agencies and/or brokers for the purpose of sales growth and distribution expansion, and independently underwrites accounts based on authority level granted to the role and underwriting appetite.

Requirements

Education: Undergraduate degree in business, insurance, or a related field preferred.
Experience: Extensive commercial or contract surety or related underwriting experience preferred.
Knowledge: Requires advanced knowledge of contract and/or commercial surety operations products, procedures and practices. Expertise in bond lines of business, ratings, customer environment and markets. Requires extensive knowledge of bond underwriting best practices, field underwriting operations and day-to-day underwriting operational needs. Familiarity with other company products preferred.
Skills/Competencies: Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills in order to disseminate vision of senior leadership and to motivate a large agency force. Ability to set work priorities and to initiate, evaluate and recommend solutions to upper management.
Must have the ability to perform duties with independent judgment, with underwriting authority and company underwriting standards.
Demonstrated decision-making ability required in day-to-day operations

Nice To Haves

License/Certification/Designation: Actively pursuing of AFSB, CPCU or other insurance/finance related certification desired.

Responsibilities

Monitors market conditions and confirms information gathered within market space.
Analyzes performance of portfolio as well as individual account performance and develops appropriate action to drive profitable growth based upon the analysis.
Reviews underwriting guidelines and provides input on new guidelines as the Commercial Bond unit expands.
Actively participates and contributes to operational initiatives within PRCB to execute the operational plan.
Works with other members of the PRCB team, Specialty and P&C to develop and pursue cross selling opportunities.
Plans, develops and integrates territory sales plans to achieve top and bottom-line objectives.
Communicates strategic direction and operational plans to external partners.
Communicates policies, procedures, and financial budgets that result in attainment of business objectives.
Develops and maintains outstanding business relationships with key groups and individuals within the commercial lines market.
Develops customer service standards for commercial bond team. Drives customer service performance to established standards.
Works in partnership with fellow leaders to manage the training of employees and to ensure a high degree of competency and professionalism.
Sets operational expectations, goals and strategies.

Benefits

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 and 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
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.
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. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations.
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.
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.