Underwriting Assistant - Global Programmes (Multinational Solutions Team)

Underwriting Assistant – Global Programmes (Multinational Solutions Team)

Ipswich, UK

At AXA XL we solve today’s complex risks to drive tomorrow’s innovation. We see our careers with AXA XL as a chance to unleash our potential globally. Cultivate expertise. Collaborate constantly. Analyze deeper. Dream bigger.

Our operations teams as part of the Middle Office division are at the centre of our insurance organisation. We look for innovative and creative individuals to join our experienced and professional colleagues, who strive to challenge and continually look at how to improve the way we do things, taking ownership and leading their own development and career opportunities. We offer flexibility with our smart working initiative, combining working from home and from our London office. Our culture fosters collaboration, customer service and colleague development.

Our teams work closely with Underwriting and Claims colleagues as well as many others, using our expertise in operations to make sure the insurance arrangements and services are delivered to the highest standards. As the Clients and Customers we look after are at the largest end of the market, no two days need to be the same. You could be liaising with Underwriters and ensuring policy issuance or premium collection at the beginning of the week, then working alongside our IT teams as part of system developments or application improvement, then finishing the week with a meeting with Brokers or Customers to support a pitch on new business. You’ll achieve this by using the knowledge and skills you will learn through your development journey.

There really is potential to have so much variation in Middle Office if you want it as part of your career, and to develop skills in a lot of different areas too, the industry in which we work in Insurance or Reinsurance, the IT Systems we operate to manage our business, through to Project, Process or Change Management type disciplines.

As an Underwriting Assistant you will support the UK Company Platform Global Programmes function. You will be responsible for providing efficient and high-quality underwriting administration services to the UK Company Platform Underwriting businesses supported in the UK region (Significantly Property & Casualty) You will also support the end-to-end underwriting process through regular liaison with other functions to ensure the highest quality of service. You will efficiently and accurately process our accounts including monitoring data, backlog clean ups and project work, ensuring you adhere to all AXA XL’s policies. To be successful in the role you will have knowledge of general insurance with the ability to support underwriting in pre-and post-bind processes and other underwriting-related tools (including creating compliant programme structures, country research, network engagement etc.).

Global Programmes is an expanding and growing team, with lots of variety and diversity. It’s an area of expertise and not your usual Underwriting Assistant role, you’ll get to use your project management and negotiation skills, dealing with many cultures. Every day is different, as you’ll be liaising with different countries, covering all lines of business. This certainly is an interesting and demanding role, where you’ll be exposed to lots of areas of the business and insurance, and its not just the route to become an Underwriter there are many opportunities!

You will be based in our newly refurbished London office; however, we are excited to have implemented our Smart Working initiative offering a hybrid way of working, combining both remote and office working.

DISCOVER your opportunity

What will your essential responsibilities include?

Submission/ Renewal Phase

• Timely requests to offshore team for quote creation and name clearance activities

• Timely and accurate binding (or declinature) of quotes

• Use underwriting tools to support the underwriter in defining the structure of Global Programmes and provide advice to UW on possibilities for coverage etc.

• At request from Underwriting, participate in client/broker meetings to illustrate account implementation capabilities and provide deal structuring advice.

Implementation Phase

• Timely and accurate processing of premiums

• Proactive engagement with underwriting to ensure new and renewed accounts have an efficient and smooth account hand over, ensuring information received is understood and complete in order to process / instruct policies on system(s) and to the network.

• For new/ renewed Global Programmes also with high complexities: Determine optimal reflection of programme structure in GENIUS, be mindful of downstream and reporting impacts when doing so.

• Ensure timely and high-quality implementation by means of related system procedures and creation of instruction document for the network, i.e., ensure related data is complete & accurate to instruct local policy details. Likewise, processing of non-programme accounts according to the defined KPI and underlying processing rules/guidelines (incl. system data entries)

• Ensures timely and complete documentation of files handled by role holder in UW file (on Document Management System)

• Accountable for correct (RI) premium, (RI) commission and tax bookings in processing systems

• Keeps track of implementation progress and liaises with our global network to resolve queries etc. of an account globally (as per defined KPI) and proactively take appropriate action.

• Premium collection accountability of accounts globally and take appropriate proactive action to ensure optimal collection performance.

Maintenance Phase

• At request of Underwriting, ensure timely and high-quality implementation of mid-term endorsements, issuance of certificates of insurance and focus on premium collection monitoring (according to the processing rules and guidelines, incl. system data entries)

• Ensure appropriate communication flow between Underwriting, Middle Office and global network for mid-term endorsements. Act as interface role between Underwriting and Local Policy Administration as well as Premium Collection & Ceded Reinsurance teams

• Foster positive relationship with internal/external counterparts to get a mutual understanding of their needs.

• Deal with and address requests originating from client/broker immediately and refer to Underwriting as required and as timely as possible. Seek confirmation from Underwriting prior to implementation of change request.

General Support

• Develop an internal network for facilitating the transfer of information and data between functions and departments in order to service the requirements of the underwriters and clients/brokers.

• Develop expert level knowledge with regards to systems, and processes and keep abreast of new guidelines published. Act as reference point for others in unit when questions come up and/or uncertainties exist.

• Ensure data quality accuracy ratios at the defined level/metrics.

• Support existing backlog clean up exercises.

• Support project work to ensure that existing processes meet requirements.

You will report to the a Team Leader.

SHARE your talent

We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

• Proven experience of working on Global insurance programmes, preferably within Property, Liability, Marine or other Specialty lines.

• Significant knowledge of Underwriting processes with regards to the following areas

Submission/ Quotes

Risk specifics, basic pricing principles

Global Programmes, structuring, compliance principles.

Reinsurance concepts (FAC RI, Captive, Treaties etc.)

Domestic market specifics and customs

• Achieve processing goals and produce good quality results when under pressure.

• Advanced knowledge of premium allocation principles, (European) cross-border tax calculation & processing specifics as well as insurance accounting principles

• Experience in administration / client service function with excellent negotiation & sales skills to use with external stakeholders (brokers, insureds)

• Advanced working techniques / self-organization skills to manage assigned portfolio of accounts, to-do’s and working to various deadlines, keeping track of in- and external correspondence.

• MS Office knowledge – particularly Excel

FIND your future

AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid-sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it.

How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data-driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty.

With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.

Learn more at axaxl.com

Inclusion & Diversity

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 a diverse workforce enable business growth and are critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most diverse workforce possible, and create an inclusive culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and can 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

Learn more at axaxl.com/about-us/inclusion-and-diversity. AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sustainability

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.

Our Pillars:

• Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
• Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions.
• Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
• 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.

For more information, please see axaxl.com/sustainability