Description

Do you have an interest in designing and executing a proportionate, risk-based annual assurance programme? Then this could be the ideal role for you. You will assess potential risk exposures related to AXA Commercial’s underwriting and distribution strategies. It covers all distribution channels, including third-party firms with delegated authorities, and aims to provide insightful, timely reports to senior leadership on actual and potential risks. The assurance activities focus on the end-to-end risk taxonomy within AXA UK, linking findings to broader risk management frameworks and controls, with an emphasis on identifying shortfalls and collaborating with stakeholders to develop effective remediation plans. The role promotes a proactive risk management culture by ensuring issues are prioritized, root causes are identified, and improvements are driven across the business.

Leading a team of analysts and consultants, the role ensures high-quality output that supports risk prioritization by business owners, fostering meaningful actions and improvements within AXA Commercial. It requires close collaboration across teams to align assurance activities and responses proportionately to identified risks. Additionally, the role may support or oversee other assurance activities within the Line 1 Risk Assurance Team, contributing to a comprehensive risk management approach that enhances control effectiveness and reinforces a risk-aware culture throughout the organization.

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 either of our office locations in Bolton or Ipswich, visiting clients or attending industry events.

What you’ll be doing:

• Responsible for the delivery of the risk-based Distribution Assurance Plan.
• Provide support to the Senior Distribution Assurance Manager to deliver the broader Line 1 Risk Assurance Plan, as required.
• Assist in the design and maintenance of an appropriate methodology for all assurance activity delivered by self and team.
• Ensure the quality of reports is appropriate and deliver assurance activity in line with the agreed protocols within the Line 1 Risk Assurance Team.
• Manage recommendations and actions to clear conclusion in line with risk appetite.
• Manage timely and clear communication and collaboration with business stakeholders in the scheduling, and execution of the plan.
• Coach and develop individuals within the team to drive higher standards.
• Deliver reporting that is of a high standard, with escalation to an appropriate level within AXA Commercial, in alignment to the risk ownership model and the AXA Commercial Governance Framework.

Due to the number of applications we expect to receive for this role, we reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the listed closing date to ensure we’re able to effectively manage interest. Therefore, if you’re interested in joining us at AXA, please don’t hesitate to apply.

We know that some candidates may be discouraged from applying if they don't meet every requirement. If you’re excited by this job and the prospect of working at AXA but you’re not sure you tick every box, we’d still encourage you to apply.

What you’ll bring:

• Good knowledge of the risks in distribution and underwriting practices within financial services business.
• Good knowledge of testing and assurance methodology and practices.
• Excellent report writing skills with good attention to detail.
• leadership experience with the ability to support and coach own team member.
• Good knowledge of FCA and PRA requirements, with the ability to apply that to distribution and underwriting risk to drive meaningful action and improvement initiatives.
• Pragmatic and balanced in approach with excellent ability to quantify and size risks and issues accurately.
• Curious and does not take information at face value - is comfortable to provide questions and challenge until issues are resolved to a satisfactory standard.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to absorb high volumes of information and distil to pertinent facts.
• Good communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trust and credibility with business stakeholders.
• Good planning, prioritisation and resource management skills to enable plan delivery.
• Open to feedback and constructive challenge with the ability to be flexible in style and approach while maintaining the integrity of findings and recommendations.

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply for this role as a secondment opportunity through the internal careers site.

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

What we offer:

At AXA UK, we’re appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. You can expect to receive:

• Competitive annual salary of up to £60,000 dependant on experience
• Discretionary company & performance-based bonus
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)
• Life Assurance (up to 10 x annual salary)
• Private health cover
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 5 days leave
• Wellbeing services & resources
• AXA employee discounts

To apply, click on the ‘apply for this job’ button, you’ll then need to log in or create a profile to submit your CV. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long-term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, we’re proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge. For our support, please send an email to martin.eels@axa-uk.co.uk.

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Who we are:

AXA Commercial protects businesses, from multinationals to micro start-ups, giving them the confidence to thrive. We’re currently making our biggest ever investment to develop the expertise and skills we need to be the best. We’re a vibrant community where everyone is supported to learn, develop, and take ownership of their work.