Automobile Underwriting Practice Leader, Canada - Toronto - AXIS (AXIS Capital)

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 race, color, religion or creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, civil union status, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in the selection process.

Job Description

Automobile Underwriting Practice Leader, Canada

Rewarding opportunity for a motivated and experienced underwriting professional to lead our Automobile Insurance portfolio in Canada. As our national leader for this business unit, your coverage responsibilities will include Third-Party Liability, Accident Benefits, Physical Damage, Uninsured Automobile Coverage, Comprehensive and Specified Perils. This position will focus on underwriting excellence, business development and portfolio optimization, providing tailored solutions to our strategic specialty insurance broker partners. You will be part of an established team in Canada, with global resources, advantages and support designed to enhance effectiveness.

Target business to span a range of risk appetites. Peer collaboration with adjacent business units such as Construction, Professional Lines, Environmental Impairment and Complex Casualty will further support the success of our ambitions in the commercial automobile insurance market in Canada.

In this role, you will report to the Chief Underwriting Officer, Commercial Lines, and be responsible for developing a comprehensive strategy, creating a robust product offering, implementing a go‑to‑market plan to drive growth, and building a strong distribution network across retail channels.

As an integral member of our Canadian Leadership team, you will identify and nurture new greenfield opportunities and cross‑sell within existing business lines. You will also be accountable for shaping the strategic direction of our portfolio by clearly defining our interests and establishing solid relationships within the retail distribution networks.

Additionally, as the Automobile Underwriting Practice Leader for Canada, you will serve as a visible thought leader, staying informed on market trends and ensuring exceptional underwriting performance, while building and leading a highly efficient team.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate for this role has experience leading a successful Automobile practice at a top‑tier insurance carrier. They should have a proven track record in developing underwriting talent and maintaining relationships with distribution partners. This leader needs a thorough understanding of underwriting principles, policy forms, and product development to implement strategies. Comprehensive knowledge of insurance policies, regulations, and managing underwriting procedures is essential. The candidate should also possess strong executive presence, effective communication skills, and the ability to influence and inspire a team toward long‑term strategic goals.

Work Profile

This role is ideal for individuals based in the Toronto area and includes certain flexibility in keeping with our hybrid work environment, where we strive to achieve top‑tier responsiveness and support the demands of business priorities. This role will require travel to attend industry and company events.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• In partnership with Leadership, establish our Automobile Underwriting business unit, grow the market successfully and sustainably.
• Implement underwriting strategies including price adequacy, coverage, and portfolio class elements.
• Drive and align profitability, growth, and efficiencies with the organization's goals and distribution objectives.
• Underwrite, review, assess, price and negotiate policy terms and conditions for individual applicants as part of the business development journey.
• Build, manage and lead the underwriting team, providing guidance, coaching, and support to ensure team members are meeting their goals and objectives.
• Establish overall direction and strategic initiatives for the Automobile vertical solutions, including identification of new coverages and product development.
• Drive brand awareness and affinity by providing thought leadership and insight into emerging risks, trends, and opportunities to the marketplace and brokers.
• Research competitors and market conditions to develop and maintain risk selection criteria and methods that support sound underwriting risk management.
• Work closely with the enterprise leadership to identify growth opportunities and develop new business relationships.
• Build and maintain relationships with key partners and stakeholders, including brokers, agents, and reinsurers.
• Oversee the development and implementation of underwriting policies and procedures, ensuring they are up‑to‑date and effective.
• Monitor underwriting performance and provide regular reports to senior management, identifying areas for improvement and taking corrective action when necessary.
• Collaborate with other departments, including actuarial, claims, and finance, to ensure a cohesive and effective approach to underwriting.

Required Education/Training & Experience

• Bachelor's degree: advanced degree preferred.
• Direct technical underwriting background in the Automobile space across Middle Market and Risk Management segments.
• Direct background in national or regional leadership roles, establishing and supporting the growth of a portfolio of Automobile Risks.
• Direct success establishing and expanding retail distribution relationships.
• Direct background, leading and driving product development and market segmentation strategies and tactics.
• Market awareness of current state dynamics and complexities, and how the macro environment can be synthesized into the AXIS strategy.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data. Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Excellent communication and people skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders.