Head of Commercial Underwriting

We have an opportunity for an experienced Commercial Underwriting Professional to lead the Commercial Underwriting function to deliver best in market underwriting capability. We are looking for the right candidate to help us transform and grow our Commercial business. Does this sound like you?

The Head of Commercial Underwriting, reporting to the Pricing, Underwriting & Customer Analytics Director, will be responsible for the Commercial Underwriting Function, as well as operational underwriting control framework, risk appetite management and product oversight, governance and development to support and deliver AXA Ireland strategy and financial plan.

As a member of Pricing and Underwriting Leadership team you will contribute to overall Pricing and Underwriting strategy for AXA Ireland and influence the general insurance environment by building strong relationships with key opinion formers (including representing AXA Ireland on industry body panels as required).

• Set AXA Ireland insurance risk appetite for all relevant classes of business
  
• Product design and management of all classes ensuring offerings respond to customer needs and are in line with insurance risk appetite
  
• Manage teams responsible for establishing and carrying out schedule of Product reviews – including features, benefits, policy limits against the market and Group
  
• Management of all Product Oversight and Governance activities including relevant product committees and supporting processes (PAP, Product Specifications, POG, Product Value, etc.)
  
• Responsible for the clear apportionment of Underwriting responsibilities and authorities within Underwriting, Sales and Operations areas of AXA Ireland
  
• Drive developments in Underwriting processes to maximise use of underwriting sophistication, delivering market leading risk selection
  
• Owner of technical aspects of customer journey
  
• Continual horizon scanning and review of emerging market trends that may affect risk appetite, product development and underwriting processes
  
• Drive underwriting capability development within AXA Ireland for relevant classes of business, including nurturing best in class technical underwriting teams
  

• Qualified APA (Commercial) or grandfathered recognised by Irish Institute of Ireland, and commitment to work towards Management Diploma in Insurance
  
• A minimum 10 years' experience in a large general insurance company specialising in Commercial underwriting risk acceptance and rating environment
  
• Strong experience in people management with proven ability to lead and develop teams
  
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence colleagues, customers and Board.
  
• Strong leadership and motivational skills with a strong team ethic
  
• High level of commitment demonstrated through hard work and delivery of key objectives
  
• Strong knowledge of local regulatory environment and requirements
  

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 40% of your week away from home, moving to the majority of your working week from September 2025. Away from home means either attendance at one of our office locations, visiting clients or attending industry events.

This role is an allocated Controlled Function under Fitness & Probity Regime, which means the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced level of background screening requirements. You can find more information on

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorized to work in Ireland and/or the United Kingdom.

• Executive

• Full-time

• Sales and Management

• Insurance and Financial Services