Executive Underwriter- Home Office, Commercial Bond

AXA XL; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AXA XL is seeking an Executive Underwriter in Chicago to join its underwriting team. The successful candidate will manage a renewal book and produce new business through exceptional underwriting practices. Responsibilities include leading complex underwriting referrals, collaborating on strategic initiatives, and analyzing market trends. Key skills required are extensive experience in commercial bond underwriting, strong communication, and ability to travel. This role offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in commercial bond underwriting and strong understanding of insurance principles and regulations.
• Ability to travel a minimum of 15% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex underwriting referrals exceeding authority limits.
• Collaborate with the Head of Commercial Bonds to implement strategic vision.
• Drive review and enhancement of Commercial Bond Rules and Guidelines.
• Oversee bond pricing models and risk evaluation frameworks.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure technical compliance.

Skills

Commercial bond underwriting

Insurance principles

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Job description

Our ambition is to unlock a more sustainable and prosperous tomorrow by helping businesses navigate the world’s risks. In the Americas, we’ll live up to that ambition by delivering value far beyond the insurance policies we provide. We’re confronting our clients’ risk management challenges by finding solutions that further their strategic goals and help them build more sustainable, thriving businesses.

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an Executive Underwriter to join an established underwriting team in a rapidly growing and dynamic segment. The individual will be responsible for servicing a renewal book and producing new business through exceptional underwriting practices throughout North America.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex underwriting referrals for accounts that exceed the authority limits of underwriters and managers, providing expert guidance and decision‑making support.
• Collaborate with the Head of Commercial Bonds (HCB) to shape, refine, and implement the strategic vision for the division, including the development of innovative bond products and long‑term growth initiatives.
• Drive the review and enhancement of Commercial Bond Rules, Guidelines, and Policies, recommending adjustments to optimize operational efficiency, risk management, and market competitiveness.
• Oversee the refinement of bond pricing models, PML assessments, and risk evaluation frameworks in partnership with Underwriting Managers, the Head of Risk, PRCB Pricing Actuaries, and HCB.
• Lead the internal audit and review processes across underwriting units in the Americas to ensure technical compliance, robust underwriting controls, and appropriate claims handling practices.
• Act as a key liaison with Regulatory Compliance to interpret, communicate, and implement changes related to SFAA and other regulatory requirements, ensuring adherence across the organization.
• Drive the development of new products, including reviewing bond wordings and indemnity agreements, working closely with General Counsel to mitigate legal and operational risks.
• Design and deliver advanced training programs for risk analysts, underwriters, and underwriting support teams, fostering continuous professional development aligned with best practices.
• Analyze industry resources (e.g., SFAA, NASBP), interpret underwriting bulletins and alerts, and disseminate critical insights to the team to support informed decision‑making.
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports on underwriting portfolio performance, risk metrics, and financial results to senior management, facilitating strategic planning and performance monitoring.
• Regularly review market trends, emerging risks, and operational data with HCB to identify new opportunities and support the achievement of underwriting targets.
• Establish and maintain service standards, performance metrics, and quality assurance procedures to uphold underwriting excellence and customer service standards.
• Represent the Commercial Bonds division in strategic initiatives, including the development of IT solutions such as DIVA and AXAXL Surety Online, ensuring alignment with business needs.
• Lead special projects, cross‑departmental collaborations, and interactions with claims, legal, and regulatory teams to support organizational objectives and innovation initiatives.

Required Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience in commercial bond underwriting and strong understanding of insurance principles and regulations.
• The ability to travel a minimum of 15% of the time.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Exceptional organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations.
• Outstanding collaborative skills in a fast‑paced, team‑centric environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, written, and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to demonstrate critical thinking, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills.

AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.