Team Lead - Underwriting Operations, Middle Market Scottsdale, AZ
The Team Lead position may be responsible for the management of underwriting support staff with a supervisory scope of up to 5 staff members. The staff population will include Underwriting Assistants and/or Senior UAs. Ensures the team achieves all service delivery, timeliness, productivity and quality goals. Identifies and communicates regulatory compliance issues. This includes human resource management including coaching, counseling, goal setting and development of staff. Provides guidance and motivation to team members. Promotes teamwork and collaboration in a partnership with the underwriters that the unit supports.
What you'll be DOING
What will your essential responsibilities include?
Direct People Management responsibility
Oversees development, training and cross training of employees
Assists with performance evaluations; which may include recommended salary adjustments; coaches and counsels staff.
Establishes unit and individual goals in concert with the Head of UW Operations
Assists in interviewing and hiring of new employees for the department
Ensures compliance with predetermined work flows and procedures
Ensures work is completed in accordance with service standards which may include owning a book of business within the team
Manages work in process and service delivery of the unit
May track and report weekly/monthly production
Keeps Department Management informed of status and progress in the unit
Coordinates schedule for sick and vacation time for the unit; effectively manages back up staff as needed
Schedules and obtains approval for overtime
Plans and organizes to establish courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently
Ensures compliance of the unit with Internal Audit, Peer Reviews and or FIC audit
Assists with developing appropriate responses and action plans in response to internal and external audit findings
Translates Quality, Timeliness, Productivity and Service Delivery requirements into individual, team and unit performance goals, recommends how and when performance measurements will be done and how to collect performance data
May be asked to support IT development efforts as a subject matter expert
Provides direction to staff in day-to-day operations
Maintains open communication with the underwriters that the unit supports in order to foster partnership and teamwork
Maintains effectiveness when experiencing changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within the new structures, processes, requirements or culture
Review and manage production and quality control reports and take appropriate action (eg data quality, reinsurance, production status control reports)
Attend meetings on behalf of the Operations Leader when necessary and report out on issues/action items.
Administrating assigned accounts throughout the lifecycle
Collecting account and insured information for risk analysis by communicating directly with Brokers on behalf of the Underwriters
Liaising with Underwriters and Brokers on behalf of the Underwriting Support Unit as needed to communicate account status and complete outstanding subjectivities
Liaising with Underwriters to confirm policy issuance instructions for proprietary policies, endorsements, forms, notices, etc. and effectively communicate to the Coding and Issuance Unit
Ensuring completeness of contents of underwriting package prior to handover to the Underwriter for risk analysis/risk selection process
Analyzing the needs of the client and translating appropriately into the final specifications that serves as a basis for the policy
Completing quality control on the rating output to ensure accuracy of work (e.g. exposure bases, limits, coverage extensions, modifications, etc.)
Collaborating and corresponding verbally and in writing with Underwriting Support Unit team members and others in Operational Support Units as needed to perform tasks
This role will report directly to the Head of Underwriting Operations, Mid Market, Regions, Wholesale, E&S and Programs.
What you will BRING
We're looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:
Required Skills and Abilities:
College degree or equivalent experience with advanced insurance study preferred
Strong background in Middle Market and property/casualty lines
Appropriate combination of commercial P&C Insurance rating, coding, underwriting assistant skills
Advanced knowledge of commercial P&C insurance policy forms and regulatory requirements
Familiar with insurance operating systems used to rate, code, track or issue insurance policies; including Guidewire
Skilled with MS Office desktop software
Knowledge of commercial P&C insurance products and tools such as ISO, NCCI, Regulatory and other informational web sites used in the commercial P&C business
Proactive, independent worker with robust time management, problem solving and analytical skills
Must be able to handle multiple priorities and work with limited direct supervision
Who WE are
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
What we OFFER
Inclusion
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 enables business growth and is critical to our success. That's why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most inclusive workforce possible, and create a culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and 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 Inclusion & Diversity at AXA XL | AXA XL.
AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Total Rewards
AXA XL's Reward program is designed to take care of what matters most to you, covering the full picture of your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial security. It provides competitive compensation and personalized, inclusive benefits that evolve as you do. We're committed to rewarding your contribution for the long term, so you can be your best self today and look forward to the future with confidence.
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. Were 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 Sustainability at AXA XL.
The U.S. base salary range for this position is $78,500-$111,800 USD. Actual pay will be determined based upon the individual's skills, experience and location. We strive for market alignment and internal equity with our colleagues' pay.
At AXA XL, we know how important physical, mental, and financial health are to our employees, which is why we are proud to offer benefits such as a competitive retirement savings plan, health and wellness programs, and many other benefits. We also believe in fostering our colleagues development and offer a wide range of learning opportunities for colleagues to hone their professional skills and to position themselves for the next step of their careers.
For more details about AXA XL's benefits offerings, please visit US Benefits at a Glance 2026.