About the Role
As a Senior Underwriter, Programs – Canada, you will be a key contributor to the profitability and growth of the Programs underwriting portfolio. You will lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of Programs and Fronting arrangements, ensuring strong underwriting discipline, portfolio performance, and alignment with AXIS strategic objectives. This role is responsible for managing the full program lifecycle including due diligence, onboarding, monitoring, optimization, and (if necessary) exit strategies, while fostering strong relationships with Program Managers, MGAs, and delegated underwriting partners.
Responsibilities
- Support the portfolio management of assigned Programs including financial performance, production, retention, and profitability targets.
- Develop, implement, and manage business plans for Programs aligned with Canadian growth objectives.
- Monitor and analyze program KPIs (renewal rates, pricing, retention, loss trends) and take corrective actions as required.
- Maintain and enforce underwriting guidelines and delegated authority controls across Program Manager partners.
- Evaluate and underwrite referred risks exceeding delegated authority thresholds.
- Lead due diligence, onboarding, and implementation of new Programs, including cross-functional coordination with internal stakeholders.
- Develop and execute strategies to expand AXIS product offerings within existing Programs.
- Manage Program Manager relationships through regular engagement, stewardship meetings, and site visits.
- Lead underwriting audits and ensure compliance with contractual, underwriting, and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor loss activity and partner with Claims and Actuarial teams to adjust pricing, coverage, and strategy.
- Collaborate with Claims, Finance, Actuarial, Reinsurance, Operations, and CUO office to support program performance.
- Manage contractual elements including program agreements, amendments, profit-sharing, and captive structures where applicable.
- Oversee premium and deductible collection processes in coordination with Operations.
- Maintain strong market intelligence and industry knowledge to inform underwriting and strategic decisions.
- Travel as necessary to support Program relationships, due diligence, and industry engagement.
- Collaborate with internal teams to support cross-functional initiatives and growth opportunities.
- Take on additional duties, responsibilities and activities appropriate to the nature of this role.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- 5 or more years of P&C underwriting experience
- Direct experience managing Programs, MGAs, Delegated Authority, or Fronting arrangements
- Proven experience managing Program financials, including P&L ownership and forecasting
- Strong relationship management and communication skills with internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to analyze data, interpret trends, and make informed underwriting decisions
- Demonstrated success in building and managing Programs portfolios
- Strong broker, MGA, and Program Manager relationships
- Advanced analytical and strategic thinking skills
- Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders
- Strong negotiation and contract management capabilities
Skills
- Underwriting discipline
- Portfolio management
- Program lifecycle management
- Data analysis
- Relationship management
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Contract management
- Market intelligence
- Strategic thinking
Location
- Canada
Work Type
- Hybrid
Experience Level
- 5 or more years of P&C underwriting experience
- Senior
Education Level
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
Salary/Compensations
- $90,000 to $130,000
Benefits
- Comprehensive and competitive benefits package
- Medical plans for you and your family
- Health and wellness programs
- Retirement plans
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid annual leave
- Competitive target incentive compensation
About the Company
- AXIS Capital is 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 proudly maintain an entrepreneurial, disciplined and ethical corporate culture.
- 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.
- We are shaping the direction of Insurance and Reinsurance during a critical and exciting time for the industry.
- At AXIS, we value each individual and recognize that attracting and retaining the right people is essential to the success of our company.
Equal Opportunity
- 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.
