Delegated Underwriting Director

AXA UK; London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AXA UK is searching for a Delegated Underwriting Director based in London. This pivotal role involves managing a complex portfolio of delegated business, adhering to governance frameworks, and leading a team towards operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess significant insurance expertise and strong leadership skills to navigate both UK and European markets.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a delegated underwriting function required.
• Proven track record in operational excellence and change management.
• Deep understanding of underwriting principles and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage development of internal and external governance frameworks.
• Monitor compliance and manage reporting of delegated business proposals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the underwriting team.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Project management

Education

8+ years in insurance

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking to hire a Delegated Underwriting Director to be based out of our London office.

The is a critical role is the management of CNA Hardy’s portfolio of delegated business.

The role is primarily accountable for the development, implementation and oversight of the effective governance frameworks and regulatory requirements of a delegated portfolio spanning both UK & European jurisdictions and wholesale and retail platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• In partnership with key stakeholders accountable for the development, management and adherence to all internal and external governance frameworks, procedures and policies.
• Accountable for the ongoing monitoring and reporting of new and existing delegated business/proposals, identifying key risks for non-compliance, working with the business to understand reasons for non-compliance and resolve any conflict.
• Accountable for the on-boarding and disposition management of Cover-holders/Binders.
• Pro-active engagement and education of underwriting around company approach and appetite to delegated business, accountabilities, role and responsibilities.
• Participate in and actively oversee the approval processes for new Delegated Underwriting arrangements as identified by the underwriting community.
• Partnering with CNAH Risk team to ensure an effective risk and reporting framework is in place and is proactively reported on, escalating to the appropriate channels where required.
• Effective address non-compliance of governance frameworks with the ability to resolve complex business issues in relation to delegated business in a collaborative manner.
• Monitor the performance of the portfolio and provide relevant and timely management information relating to cover-holder performance.
• As a lead member or participant of the Underwriting Committee, Risk Committee, OPRG (what is this title in full) and SOX team provide proactive and meaningful business updates and reports covering all aspects of the delegated portfolio, identifying potential issues and/or trends and escalating as required.
• Chair and management the Delegate sub-committee meetings, ensuring meaningful content outcomes and actions that are proactively and followed up and resolved on a timeline basis.
• Take an active role in the relationships with Lloyds and relevant regulators across UK and Continental Europe.
• Accountable for the ongoing leadership and management of the VIPR contractual commitments.
• Whilst delegate bordereaux accountability sits within the Underwriting Operations team; this role must take an active role in partnering and ensuring service levels are met.
• Team Leadership and Talent Development:
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of professionals within remit, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
• Identify skill gaps and implement training programs to ensure the team remains proficient
• Promote a resilient organisational culture by fostering open communication, and agility within the team.
• Technology and Innovation:
• Collaborate with IT, the Transformation Programme and other relevant departments to evaluate and implement new technologies, changes in the op model and to deliver the benefits of the Transformation programme.
• Stay informed on industry trends and technological advancements that could impact area of remit.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:
• Work closely with internal stakeholders such as underwriting, claims, finance, risk management, and legal teams to ensure delegated business aligns with overall organisational objectives.
• Foster strong relationships with external partners, and regulatory bodies, to stay abreast of industry changes and enhance working practices.
• Perform other duties as directed by the CIO & Head of Business Transformation or CNA Hardy management.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Significant and demonstrable experience of leading a delegate underwriting function is essential.
• Knowledge and experience of either a technical area or underwriting a line of business; deep understanding of the insurance industry and commercial products.
• Experience within a similar role adhering to compliance requirements across both wholesale and retail business.
• Essential experience in working in a complex matrix organisation (preferably with a US parent company).
• Circa 8 years of experience in insurance and within the delegated underwriting discipline. Including at least5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in operational excellence, process improvement, and change management.
• Strong experience in managing teams and driving cross-functional initiatives.
• Knowledge of risk management and business continuity planning within insurance organisations.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and project management skills.
• Deep understanding of underwriting principles, systems, and technology.
• Must be proactive and comfortable taking personal accountability whilst working in a collaborative and high pressured environment. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with executive leadership, peers, and external stakeholders.
• Good matrix management skills and ability to balance competing priorities in time sensitive situations.
• Able to foster working relationships within the team, client departments, and 3rd parties with ease.
• Superb written and oral communication skills, able to produce meaningful documentation for both senior stakeholders and technical delivery teams.
• Excellent interpersonal, consultative and communication skills. Ability to interact effectively at all levels with clients, consultants, vendors, peers, and IT management and staff.

The Company

CNA Hardy is a leading specialist commercial insurance provider for clients within the Lloyd’s and company markets. We offer a highly specialised and comprehensive portfolio of innovative and market leading products. Coverage is available to businesses of all sizes for domestic, international and global exposures.