Employer Stop Loss – Senior Underwriter & Program Management - Hybrid Chicago, Phoenix or Alpharetta - Axis Capital Holdings

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.

Employer Stop Loss – Senior Underwriter & Program Management

Hybrid Chicago, Phoenix or Alpharetta

Job Description

AXIS Group Benefits will enter the U.S. Employer Stop Loss (ESL) market in early 2025. This solution will target employers with 100 to 1,000 lives and will be distributed through Managing General Agent (MGA) partnerships.

The Stop Loss Senior Underwriter & Program Manager will operate within established guidelines to develop, analyze, review, evaluate, and monitor new and renewal MGU submissions.

In this role, the Senior Underwriter & Program Manager will collaborate with AXIS Group Benefits leadership to foster additional stop-loss MGA relationships. The individual will also be responsible for tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly reporting on the profitability and overall health of the portfolio.

Additionally, they will develop underwriting talent while partnering with key internal stakeholders across Claims, Operations, the CUO’s Office, Finance, Actuarial, and Technology.

Candidate Profile

The Stop Loss Senior Underwriter & Program Manager will be a "hands-on" technical expert with a proven track record of success within a top-tier commercial insurance carrier or managing general agent (MGA), specifically focusing on Employer Stop Loss (ESL) solutions for firms with 100 to 1,000 lives across diverse industry verticals.

Ideal candidates should possess strong underwriting technical skills, with experience working closely with Program Managers, MGAs, or Delegated Underwriting Authority partners to support and maintain an Employer Stop Loss portfolio exceeding $30 million in gross written premium (GWP). Candidates should also have experience managing accounts with premiums ranging from $50,000 to $500,000.

Candidates must have a solid grasp of program lifecycle management, including initial vetting, onboarding, monitoring, optimization, and, if necessary, program exit. In addition, the role requires an executive presence with demonstrated success in communicating effectively, influencing stakeholders, and building valuable relationships that enhance AXIS’s business portfolio while contributing to long-term strategic initiatives.

Work Profile 

Based in one of our Chicago, Alpharetta or Phoenix office, this position provides a hybrid work environment with three days a week in office. Additionally, regular travel is necessary to engage in face-to-face meetings with brokers and clients and participate in industry and company events.

Responsibilities

• The underwriter will be responsible for the overall management of Employer Stop Loss (ESL) programs, which includes managing data flow and conducting periodic audits of our MGU to ensure compliance with guidelines being followed and profitability.
• The underwriter will function as a relationship manager and serve in a business development role for existing and new ESL opportunities.
• Handle referrals according to underwriting guidelines developed in conjunction with MGU.
• Oversee the management of the assigned business as per established guidelines, including periodic program management meetings, required data flow (BDX), and audits.
• Function as a relationship manager with ESL/MGU
• Support business development activities for new ESL opportunities
• Support the management of relationships with MGUs and other production sources
• Liaison with Actuarial staff in periodic monitoring of assigned business.
• Evaluates referral cases received from MGU partners.
• Works closely with MGUs to obtain additional required information in determining either our new business or renewal position.
• Works with Actuarial, Finance, Legal, Operations, Product Development and Senior Management for constant monitoring of the program
• Develops and maintains MGUs internal producer relationships
• Performs a portfolio review on an annual basis to determine renewal position for the book of business.
• Reporting: Updates and Maintains Monthly AGB UW Reports. Creates ad hoc reports as required.
• Achieve targeted loss ratio and combined ratios by maintaining underwriting discipline through the underwriting selection and renewal process
• Manages day-to-day tasks of ESL portfolio.  
• Handles special projects and assignments at the request of the leadership team.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Accounting, Mathematics, Finance, Risk Management, Insurance, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• 4-7 years of progressively advancing underwriting roles in the insurance sector,
• Thorough understanding of U.S. Medical Insurance, Employer Stop Loss risks, and related risk concepts.
• Market Segment Knowledge: Employer Stop Loss, Major Medical, and Supplemental Health.
• Product Knowledge: Employer Stop Loss, Major Medical, and Provider Excess (Life, Disability, Dental, Vision, and Limited Benefit Medical knowledge helpful but not required).
• Strong industry relationships and a solid grasp of policy forms, contract wording, and their impact on claims, actuarial, accounting, and finance in the underwriting process.
• Ability to analyze large data sets and use data to establish acceptable rating metrics.

Technical Skills:

• Strong underwriting technical skills with knowledge of actuarial and pricing concepts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with Power BI or other dashboard reporting systems.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects/programs simultaneously.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent presentation, negotiation, and communication skills, with an ability to interact effectively with Senior Management and external partners.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating initiative and the ability to work independently.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on identifying client needs and developing flexible solutions.
• Highly collaborative and versatile, working well both independently and as part of a team.

What we offer: 

For this position, we currently expect to offer a base salary in the range $110,000 to $140,000. Your salary offer will be based on an assessment of a variety of factors including your specific experience and work location.