Global Underwriting Manager, Specialty Niche

Calle Emilio Vargas, 6, MADRID, ES, 28043; COLOGNE; LONDON
UNDERWRITING
13082
Band C
Chiara Teresa BARLETTA
26/01/2026

Job Description

Global Underwriting Manager, GCUO Specialty Niche

Multiple locations: Madrid, Cologne, London

As a Global Underwriting Manager in GCUO Specialty Niche, you will work closely with the Global Head of Underwriting Management, the Global Product Leaders of Specialty Niche to design and help implement product strategies, operational improvement plans, and associated governance frameworks and controls.
Your mission is to support the growth ambitions of Specialty Niche products through strategic projects and collaboration with regional teams, while developing substantial technical knowledge of product-specific underwriting and its global complexities.
The role requires the ability to manage a complex blend of global priorities and agendas positively and effectively, while driving consistency of approach and operational efficiencies.

A key part of this role is championing innovation—leveraging our data, technology and AI developments to streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and drive delivery of smarter, more efficient underwriting operations. You will play a pivotal role in shaping how digital tools and data-driven insights transform the way we work, ensuring we remain agile and competitive in an evolving marketplace.

What you’ll be DOING

The role spans Governance, Operations, Innovation, and Strategy, with a mix of business-as-usual deliverables and strategic project work. You will collaborate closely with Governance, Finance, Risk, Ceded Reinsurance, Pricing, and the three Regional Business Units.

What will your essential responsibilities include?

Strategic & Financial Responsibilities
Review Business Unit premium assumptions for financial plans.
Analyze quarterly results and support reforecasting.
Lead Portfolio Design Reviews through the PDSG process.
Plan expense budgets (third-party fees, non-compensation, headcount, structural).
Review Ceded Reinsurance renewal strategy and info packs.
Participate in Quarterly Global Business Reviews.
Contribute to the 3-Year Strategic Plan and product strategy execution.
Support PDSG deep dive selections.

Underwriting Risk
Liaison and maintenance of the Risk Register and Risk Framework (including emerging risks).
Underwriting referral management

Operations
Coordinate operational plan development and monitoring.
Manage cyber exposure quarterly returns.
Support operational process reviews to drive efficiency and client service.

Governance
Plan and execute underwriting reviews.
Maintain underwriting rules, guidelines, and Schedule of Authority (SoA).
Conduct annual SoA reviews for GCUO and BUCUOs.
Review AXA guideline updates and product R&G annual reviews.
Contribute to internal audits and application letter processes.
Manage question set reviews and GUL updates as needed.

Innovation & Transformation
Participate in strategic projects requiring Specialty Niche representation.
Drive operational improvements using existing software packages such as the Microsoft Teams apps and introduce digital and AI-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and decision-making.

You will be reporting to the Global Head of Underwriting Management, Specialty Niche

What you will BRING

We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

Insurance business acumen and Specialty Niche Underwriting literacy; specific knowledge in Crisis Management, Sport, Media & Entertainment, Equine, Livestock and Aquaculture, Life, Accident & Health will be considered a plus.
Fluent in working in English, written and spoken
Act independently, think in strategic terms and demonstrate excellent business acumen
Project management skills using Microsoft apps and change management skills to work with agility and flexibility on global projects
Interest, curiosity and some experience in AI-driven solutions to enhance operations and strategic decision making
Stakeholders’ management skills: develop and maintain productive working relationships with internal stakeholders. Provide guidance and seek input from others as needed to achieve the best result possible.
Capable of working and collaborating with a virtual team, across multiple diverse geographies and cultures.
Excellent Problem-solving skills: Use judgment to identify and solve day to day problems in straightforward situations.
Ability to analyze and interpret data appropriately and identify trends to direct/engage with others as needed.

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 axaxl.com/about-us/inclusion-and-diversity. 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. We're 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 axaxl.com/sustainability.