Underwriting & Product Lead - US Media

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.

Underwriting & Product Lead - US Media

New York, Los Angeles

Job Description

Axis Capital's Cyber, Technology, and Media Practice is expanding its Media vertical within the U.S. market. We are seeking aUS Media Underwriting & Product leader to drive the strategic growth of this segment across our Small Business, Middle Market, and Risk Management portfolio. This role will report directly to theGlobal Media Product Leader.

In close collaboration with the Global Media Product Leader, the US Lead will define and execute the strategic direction of the U.S. media product portfolio. This includes supporting day-to-day underwriting decisions, strengthening broker relationships, developing and leading a matrixed team of underwriters, all while owning the U.S. Media P&L.

Candidate Profile

The Underwriting & Product Lead, US Media role calls for a hands-on technical media expert with a strong track record at a leading commercial insurance carrier in the Media and Cyber vertical. The ideal candidate will bring established relationships with wholesale and retail distribution partners and deep technical underwriting skills.

This individual will work closely with the Global Product Leader, underwriters, and senior cyber practice leadership to drive strategic growth across small business, middle market, and risk management segments. They will also collaborate with cross-functional teams, including compliance, actuarial, operations, product development, and claims, to support underwriting decisions, integrate new offerings, and improve workflows to drive premium growth.

This role demands strong executive presence and the capacity to effectively influence within a complex, matrixed organization. The position also encompasses cultivating marketplace visibility by establishing relationships with industry associations and key distribution partners. Furthermore, the candidate will support product marketing initiatives and training efforts, contributing to the professional development of our underwriting team.

Work Profile

This role offers a 3-day hybrid work environment based in New York Metro or Los Angeles. This position also requires regular travel to meet with brokers and clients face-to-face and attend industry and company events.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities :

Leadership & Strategy :

Collaborate with the Global Media Product Lead to establish strategic direction for media products in the US, ensuring alignment with overall company goals

P&L Management :

Oversee the US Media P&L-including monthly forecasting and business planning-to inform decision-making, ensure financial targets are achieved, and optimize profitability

Risk Assessments :

Proficient in conducting thorough evaluations of media risk exposures using advanced analytical tools and methods to determine terms and conditions to drive profitable underwriting outcomes

Client Engagement :

Work with brokers, clients, and stakeholders to assess needs and deliver customized insurance solutions; regularly meet with key strategic brokers

Product Innovation :

Collaborate with product managers and actuarial teams to develop and refine media insurance policy endorsements, manuscript wordings, and pricing models, including the determination of systematic loadings and other exposure management tools

Market analysis :

Monitor and analyze market trends, emerging media loss trends, and regulatory changes to inform underwriting decisions and establish go forward strategies

Training and Development :

Mentor and educate cyber underwriting staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth while championing Axis values

Compliance :

Ensuring all underwriting activities comply with regulatory requirements and company policies and supporting underwriting audits when required

Global Collaboration :

Partnering with the global lead for media liability, delivering a unified underwriting approach, implementing go-to-market strategies, and monitoring the development of the underlying portfolio

Required Education / Training & Experience :

Bachelor's degree

Minimum of five years of media liability underwriting and leadership experience

Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and team management skills, as well as ability to influence and collaborate at all organizational levels

Proven ability to understand and manage financial performance, key performance indicators, and P&L management of similar scale and scope

Success underwriting across small business, middle market, and risk management scale accounts

Strong business acumen as well as excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills

Exposure to general cyber insurance products

Professional certifications CPCU, CISSP preferred, not required

Travel domestically, supporting business objectives within the United States

For this position, we currently expect to offer a base salary in the range of USD $200,000 to USD $238,500 Your salary offer will be based on an assessment of various factors. In addition, you will be offered competitive target incentive compensation, with awards based on overall corporate and individual performance. On top of this, you will be eligible for a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes medical plans for you and your family, health and wellness programs, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and much more. Where this role is based in the United States of America, this role is Exempt for FLSA purposes.