Head of Underwriting SME Intermediary

Job Overview We're looking for a dynamic and strategic Head of SME Underwriting to lead and oversee the underwriting function within our Intermediated SME segment, encompassing both traded and digital channels. In this role, you'll drive the nationwide deployment of our SME Commercial Lines strategy, focusing on delivering profitable growth through the application of innovative underwriting and pricing strategies, policies, and technical excellence. Reporting directly to the Director of SME and Financial Lines, you'll be responsible for managing a significant portfolio of GWP, analysing performance trends, and ensuring the effective implementation and governance of central initiatives to achieve our profit and income targets. Responsibilities Drive the SME digital underwriting agenda, with a Retail mindset and agility, but with a deep appreciation of Commercial insurance. Accountable for the underwriting approach, strategy, and profitability of all SME business traded through the nationally. Ensure delivery of planned underwriting results through financial planning, account monitoring, and analysis of underwriting trends. Oversee underwriting governance and control for the SME portfolio to maintain risk management standards. Demonstrate loss ratio control by effectively implementing and monitoring underwriting controls. Collaborate with UPP (Underwriting, Pricing and Portfolio) to develop and influence underwriting philosophy and strategy to achieve financial objectives. Develop and implement digital underwriting strategies and the move from manually traded. Set and monitor underwriting standards and governance controls across the SME portfolio, ensuring effective management, deployment of empowerment, and technical excellence. Work Arrangements & Benefits At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers. You'll work at least two days a week (40%) away from home, moving to three days a week (60%) in the future. Regular travel is required as part of this role and a car allowance of £6,700 is included as part of the benefits package. We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of our people in protecting what matters most to our customers. In exchange we offer a series of core and supporting benefits designed to empower our people to thrive both professionally and personally. Qualifications Previous experience of working at a senior level within a Commercial or Retail insurance environment with a sound understanding of insurance market and processes is essential. People and resource management skills with previous experience and ability to lead and motivate underwriting teams. Excellent relationship management skills and experience of building successful long-term relationships both internally and externally. Ability to create and maintain an open and honest culture which drives engagement, development and opportunity for all employees. Pragmatic decision maker with good analytical and numerical reasoning skills. Experience with matrix management environment. ACII qualification is desirable. Equal Opportunities & Inclusion We believe in hiring people who possess the appropriate skills and values that align with our vision. Our selection process is fair and equitable, ensuring that all candidates have an equal opportunity to join us. We are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we take pride in treating our employees and potential hires with respect and without discrimination based on any Protected Characteristics. AXA UK are recognised as a Disability Confident Leader. We actively encourage applications from people who face barriers in the workplace due to a disability or long‑term health condition. We participate in the Disability Confident 'Offer of Interview' scheme. This means a fair and proportionate number of candidates with long‑term health conditions or disabilities who meet the essential criteria of a job, will be offered an interview. You don't need to share the details of your long term health condition or disability for your application to be considered under this scheme. As part of your application, you'll be asked if you would like to 'opt in'. To ensure ease of access, every job advert lists a responsible Talent Acquisition contact, who'll be able to connect you with our Accessibility Concierge if you require any support. Reporting & Compliance All successful candidates will be subject to pre‑employment checks. Additionally, adherence to the Prudential Regulation Authority's (PRA) Insurance Conduct Standards and the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) Conduct Rules will be required. Eligibility & Conditions As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom. This position has been defined as an Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD) role under the IDD regime which means that in addition to pre‑employment screening checks, the successful candidate will be subject to background screening every 4 years with an annual declaration in interim years. #J-18808-Ljbffr