Portfolio Lead - Chief Underwriting Office (CUO) & Reinsurance

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.

Portfolio Lead - Chief Underwriting Office (CUO) & Reinsurance
Job Family Grouping: Strategy, Innovation and Project Management Group
Job Family: Project Management
Grade: F

How does this role contribute to our collective success?

The Portfolio Lead oversees the CUO and Reinsurance portfolios, providing a clear view of delivery across projects and enhancements. This role blends project management and business insight to drive strategic planning, execution, and governance.

Key responsibilities include maintaining delivery roadmaps, managing budgets and risks, and ensuring alignment with business goals. The role operates in a matrixed environment, partnering with Application Delivery, Data & Analytics, and COE teams, while engaging senior leaders to shape and launch initiatives.

What will you do in this role?
Drive and guide portfolio strategy in collaboration with Business Leaders and Product Owners, and ensure alignment with business objectives
* Allocate funding to Value Streams and related projects/epics based on business priorities and prioritize Value Stream initiatives at the portfolio level.
* Work with senior leaders to establish and define budgets based on all necessary resourcing to support a Value Stream across BTS, D&A, and from the business units directly.
* Participate in portfolio reviews to ensure work aligns with business objectives and delivers tangible business outcomes.
* Identify and track Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) for Value Streams.

Project Planning, Coordination, and Execution
* Develop project plans with clear objectives, timelines and deliverables to support successful execution.
* Assess and evaluate detailed plans for specific projects and enhancements, ensuring alignment with overall strategic goals.
* Lead project execution to ensure timely delivery and adherence to scope and quality standards
* Identify and manage interdependencies among projects to optimize resources and mitigate risks.
* Provide clear updates on project progress, challenges and achievements to stakeholders.
* Document all high-level project events and milestones within the CUO and Reinsurance portfolios.
* Manage project portfolio finances, ensuring budget adherence and efficient resource use.
* Identify project risks and create strategies to ensure continuity and reduce impact.

Communication, Team Building, and Methodology Development
* Communicate updates and decisions clearly to sponsors, team members and executives.
* Refine program management practices to meet goals and strengthen team capabilities.
* Must lead in a matrix environment, forming cohesive delivery teams across the Application Delivery, Data & Analytics, and COE organizations.
* Provides technical leadership to teammates and applies advanced expertise to develop end-to-end solutions.
* Resolve conflicts across team to support a collaborative and productive environment.
* Support team growth through training, mentoring, coaching and feedback.

You may also be required to take on additional duties, responsibilities and activities appropriate to the nature of this role.

About You:
We encourage you to bring your own experience and expertise to the table, so while there are some qualifications and experiences, we need you to have, we are open to discussing how your individual knowledge might lend itself to fulfilling this role and help us achieve our goals.

What you need to have:
* Bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field.
* Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma certifications, Agile delivery certifications (e.g. SAFe SPC, SAFe Lean Portfolio Management, PMI-ACP) , or other relevant certifications are advantageous.
* Proven experience in project management with a track record of successfully leading and delivering large-scale projects in a matrixed environment.
* Proven experience in the insurance industry preferred.

Critical competencies:
* Ability to think strategically and align project goals with the overall business objectives of the CUO and Reinsurance Divisions.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information.
* Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities, including strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and manage ambiguity.
* Keen attention to detail to ensure project plans and deliverables are accurately developed and maintained.
* Strong collaborative skills to work effectively with various teams and stakeholders.
* Ability to balance structure and flexibility, with a focus on results and accountability.
* Strong executive presence and credibility, with experience dealing with senior business leaders.
* Effective influencing, negotiating, and decision-making skills.
* Strong organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate and manage multiple priorities.
* Proficiency in project management tools and software platforms.

Role Factors:
In this role, you will typically be required to:
Embrace the hybrid culture offered at AXIS, you need to be in office 3 days per week.
Much of the work involves using computers for data entry, analysis, and communication. Comfort with prolonged screen time is necessary.
While much of the work may be desk-bound, there might be occasions requiring mobility within the office environment, such as attending meetings or accessing filing systems.

What we offer:
For this position, we currently expect to offer a base salary in the range of $170,000 -$205,000 (NY) and $175,000 - $210,000 (NJ). . Your salary offer will be based on an assessment of a variety of factors including your specific experience and work location.
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.