Senior Underwriter - Builders Risk

AXIS (AXIS Capital); Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

AXIS Capital is seeking a Senior Underwriter for Builders Risk in the US. Based in a hybrid role across major markets, you will grow a quality book of business, manage broker relationships, and deliver disciplined underwriting for complex construction risks.

The ideal candidate brings 3+ years in builder’s risk underwriting on large accounts, a proven profit track record, and strong communication skills to influence brokers and clients. The role includes travel and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of builder’s risk underwriting experience focused on large accounts.
• Proven track record delivering profitable results.
• In-depth knowledge of builder’s risk, including coverage, pricing, and marketplace dynamics.
• Able to analyze risks and communicate underwriting concepts to audiences of varying experience.
• Autonomous work style as well as team collaboration.
• Understanding of admitted and non-admitted/Excess & Surplus underwriting frameworks is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Establish yourself as a go-to builder’s risk expert with brokers and customers.
• Analyze and qualify opportunities based on appetite and communicate it effectively.
• Underwrite within the underwriting governance framework.
• Negotiate pricing, terms and conditions for risks that meet appetite and sound underwriting judgment.
• Develop relationships with broker partners to support retention and identify client needs.
• Proactively seek out new business opportunities in the market.
• Manage portfolio (new and renewal) in line with company goals.
• Attend industry events as a respected AXIS team member.
• Conduct partnership meetings with brokers and customers to identify improvements.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the organization to meet client needs.
• May train or support lower-level underwriters or underwriting assistants.

Skills

Underwriting expertise

Broker relationships

Portfolio management

Communication

Negotiation

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 any protected characteristic, including age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any basis prohibited by the laws that govern its operations.

Senior Underwriter – Builders Risk

New York, Chicago, Alpharetta, San Francisco, Los Angeles

Hybrid

Position Description

AXIS’ US Construction team is seeking an experienced Senior Underwriter to support the continued growth of our Builders Risk portfolio, with a focus on both Project and Master Builders Risk solutions. This role will be responsible for developing strong broker and client relationships, identifying profitable new business opportunities, and building a quality book of business that supports the long-term success of the US Construction unit.

The Senior Underwriter will play an important role in strengthening AXIS’ market presence, applying sound underwriting judgment, and delivering thoughtful solutions for complex construction risks. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, established broker relationships, and the ability to drive responsible growth through disciplined underwriting, effective portfolio management, and consistent market engagement.

Candidate Profile

The Sr Underwriter Builders Risk position requires a skilled professional who has excelled in a prominent Commercial Insurance Carrier and specializes in Project and Master Builder Risk Solutions. This role focuses on accounts engaged in large construction risks with varying sizes and complexity. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge in all aspects of underwriting, including portfolio management, submission solicitation, underwriting analysis, and the creation and issuance of indications, quotations, and binders.

In addition to their technical expertise, the Underwriter should have excellent networking abilities and the capacity to establish relationships with retail brokers. The ability to effectively promote insurance products is also a crucial skill. Moreover, the candidate should possess a solid executive presence and excel in communication and influence. They must cultivate strong relationships that benefit AXIS and contribute to long-term strategic goals.

Work Profile

Based in one of our offices, this position provides a hybrid work environment three days a week. Roughly 25% of travel is necessary to meet with brokers and clients and participate in industry and company events.

What will you do in this role?

• Establish themselves as a “go-to” person for builder’s risk with brokers and customers through demonstrating expertise in the field.
• Analyze and qualify opportunities based on the organization’s appetite and be able to communicate such effectively.
• Underwrite within the underwriting governance framework.
• Negotiate pricing, terms and conditions, and participation on risks that meet appetite and sound underwriting judgment.
• Develop relationships with our broker partners to support desired business retention. Work with our customers and brokers to identify their insurance needs and provide recommendations and possible solutions.
• Proactively be in the market to seek out new business opportunities.
• Manage their portfolio (both new and renewal) in support of the organizational goals.
• Attend industry functions and professional events as a respected member of the AXIS team.
• Conduct partnership or relationship meetings with our brokers and customers to identify areas of success and improvement.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization to meet our customers' needs.
• May be asked to participate in training or support for lower-level underwriters or underwriting assistants.

About You:

We encourage you to bring your own experience and expertise to the table. While we need you to have some qualifications and experiences, we are open to discussing how your individual knowledge might lend itself to fulfilling this role and helping us achieve our goals.

What you need to have:

• 3+ years of builder’s risk underwriting experience focused on accounts with TIV greater than $200 million
• Proven track record delivering profitable results.
• In-depth knowledge of builder’s risk, including coverage, pricing, and marketplace dynamics.
• Able to analyze risks and communicate underwriting concepts or position well to audiences of varying experience.
• Able to work autonomously as well as in a team setting.
• Capable of handling time constraints for quoting new and renewal business.

What we prefer you to have:

• Understanding of both admitted and non-admitted / Excess & Surplus underwriting framework.
• Underwriting expertise in large and complex risks.
• Established retail broker relationships in their relative market/territory.
• Creative problem-solving skills.

For this position, we currently expect to offer a base salary in the range of $135,000 to $220,000. Your salary offer will be based on an assessment of various factors, including your specific years experience and work location.

In addition, you will be offered competitive target incentive compensation, with awards based on overall corporate and individual performance. You will also be eligible for a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes medical plans for you and your family, health and wellness programs, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and much more.

Where this role is based in the United States of America, this role is Exempt for FLSA purposes.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.