Head of North America Programs Claims

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.

AXIS Capital,
Head of TPA & Programs Claims

About AXIS

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.

Life at AXIS

• Hybrid work model: We value work-life balance and offer flexibility to our employees through a hybrid work model
• Diverse and inclusive environment: We celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment for all employees
• Career growth opportunities: We are committed to your professional development and offer various opportunities for growth advancement
• Social impact initiatives: We believe in making a difference and support various social and

environmental causes

Job Description

AXIS is seeking a Head of TPA & Programs Claims to join our North America Claims team and will report the Head of North America Property & Programs.  As a direct report to the Head of North America Property & Program Claims, the candidate should possess the ability to lead and develop a sophisticated team of managers and claim professionals responsible for a wide variety of Programs Claims across all lines of business. As well, the Head of TPA & Programs Claims will serve as the Head of North America Programs’ single point of contact for all TPA and direct handled Programs claims; assist to execute on underwriting objectives; support underwriting inquiries and information requests regarding policy construction and drafting; report claim trends, data analysis, and risk assessments.

As well, this role will be responsible for leading and developing a team that will be responsible for:

• Direct management of claims – both active and runoff -including the investigation, analysis and evaluation of coverage liability and damages, within best practices

• Direct management of Third-Party Administrator (TPA) handled claims - both active and runoff- including the investigation, analysis and evaluation of coverage liability and damages, within best practices

• Close collaboration with the Head of Specialty Complex Claims regarding retention of coverage counsel, coverage disputes, including litigation and arbitration matters initiated by Axis issuing companies and when Axis issuing companies are parties to such litigation

• Build and maintain key relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., peers, Underwriting, Actuarial, various executive management leaders) and external stakeholders (e.g., brokers, insureds, attorneys, auditors, reinsurers, and vendors)

• Collaborating and coordinating with Claims Quality Assurance and Compliance to:
  • Implement appropriate quality and compliance reviews of vendor resources for TPA vendors and ensure quality and appropriate claims service results.

• Manage AXIS and TPA claims teams with respect to audits and post-audit Management Action Plans (MAP).

• Coordination with Global Head of Claims Third Party Management, Claims Shared Services to deliver best in class TPA handled claims over all lines of business in North America including but not limited to:
  • Manage costs, continuously improving operations, development and enhancement of the TPA and vendor panels

• Assist with coordination and oversight of TPA relationships throughout onboarding, offboarding, and run‑off, including due diligence, contract review, negotiation, and performance tracking in collaboration with key stakeholders

• Formulating claims and litigation strategies, assigning, directing, and managing outside counsel

• Providing strategic direction to the Programs Claims teams including review of requests for retention of counsel assignments and review of escalation requests for coverage counsel to the Head of Specialty Complex and Specialty Complex team for approval

• Collaborating across disciplines and business units, including: the general counsel team overseeing errors and omissions issues arising from claims handling

• Identifying, liability and coverage trends and issues with both individual and portfolio impact and formulating the processes and strategies for handling such claims as well as ensuring accurate and consistent claims management across impacted underwriting segments and lines of business.

• Provides ongoing coaching and mentorship to direct reports, delivers regular performance feedback, and supports employee development for broader roles and career growth, working collaboratively with HR Business Partner support and guidance.

• Recruiting, hiring and retention of top talent and development of appropriate succession plans

• Extensive communication with senior executives, brokers, reinsurers, actuaries, insureds, and auditors (both external and internal)

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary claims contact for North America Programs underwriting, acting as the central coordination point for all TPA handled and direct handled Program claims.

• Oversee TPA performance, including onboarding, authority compliance, service standards, reporting quality, and escalation management.

• Support execution of underwriting objectives by ensuring claims practices align with program design, risk appetite, and pricing assumptions.

• Partner with Underwriting to respond to underwriting inquiries, including:
  • Loss history and claims trends
  • Coverage intent and claim implications of policy construction
  • Claims informed risk considerations supporting program review, renewal, and new program approval

• Provide subject matter support related to policy construction, drafting considerations, and coverage interpretation, in collaboration with Legal and Underwriting.

• Develop and deliver claims trend reporting, portfolio analytics, and risk assessments to underwriting and senior leadership.

• Identify emerging loss drivers, systemic issues, and reserve or severity concerns impacting Program performance.
• Support program governance forums, audits, and committee reviews with claims insights and recommendations.

• Lead complex claim escalations and issues management, ensuring timely resolution and appropriate stakeholder communication.

• Collaborate with Compliance and Legal to ensure claims handling adheres to regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, and internal standards.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across claims operations, data quality, and TPA oversight models.

• Axis Culture and Values – everyday demonstrate the Axis behaviors that support and align with Axis values: People, Decisiveness, Excellence and Stronger Together

KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Trusted claims leader with deep expertise in commercial insurance, including Programs and TPA‑managed, delegated authority portfolios, operating with strong risk discipline and accountability.

• Enterprise mindset with a strong understanding of program structures, underwriting intent, pricing assumptions, and the interconnected impact of claims outcomes on portfolio performance.

• Demonstrated ability to apply policy language and coverage intent consistently, balancing technical rigor with commercial judgment.

• Proven leader in overseeing and influencing Third‑Party Administrators through governance, authority frameworks, and performance management—without direct reporting lines.

• Data‑driven decision‑maker who translates claims trends and portfolio analytics into actionable insights that inform underwriting strategy and risk selection.

• Collaborative business partner to underwriting, actuarial, legal, and compliance leadership, contributing meaningfully to program review, renewal, and new program approval decisions.

• Sound judgment and confidence in managing complex, high‑severity, or escalated claims across jurisdictions, with a focus on severity control and outcomes.

• Clear, executive‑level communicator who distills complex claims, litigation, arbitration, and trial developments into concise, decision‑ready summaries.

• Self‑directed leader who thrives in a fast‑paced, portfolio‑driven environment, setting priorities effectively and driving execution with limited oversight.

• Visible representative of AXIS with the credibility to engage brokers, clients, TPAs, and internal teams, including willingness to travel to support relationships and outcomes.

• In-depth knowledge of claims, litigation, arbitration, and trial processes as well as excellent analytical, investigative, and negotiating skills

• Understanding of and ability to balance both the immediate claim issues as well as the broader portfolio impact and customer service impact of coverage disputes and issues

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to deal effectively with people with conflicting expectations, differing opinions, and multiple viewpoints

• Demonstrated ability and experience handling casualty claims involving a wide variety of loss scenarios as well as reporting and presenting about same to senior management

• Travel is associated with this role (e.g., team management, court proceedings, mediations, and settlement)

• Bachelor’s degree required; professional designations (e.g., CPCU, AIC) or advanced degree preferred; Law Degree and admission in good standing to one of the fifty state bars or educational equivalent a plus

Benefits and Beyond

At AXIS, we recognize that in order to be an industry leader, we need the dedication and accomplishments of our people, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits, competitive compensation, attractive work-life perks and incentivize exceptional performance.

While specific benefit packages vary by location, the element of our program remains consistent across our organization.

Our Values

• We deliver on our promises
• We never compromise our integrity
• We are passionate
• We are dynamic
• We deliver on our promises

Your Career

Corporate Citizenship and ESG

Central to our Corporate Citizenship initiative is building

and strengthening organizational and societal resilience,
while delivering long-term value to our colleagues,
shareholders, customers and other stakeholders.
Our program is focused on: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion;
Philanthropy.

Awards and Recognition

We're honored when leading industry organizations choose to recognize our customer-centric approach to providing innovative solutions to today's complex risks.