Lead Underwriter - Commercial Lines

Placements24; Southampton; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive base salary with bonus

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous annual leave

Leadership development and executive培训

Access to underwriting tools and ресур

Job summary

Confidential Insurer in Randburg seeks a strategic Lead Underwriter to oversee the Commercial Lines division. You will guide a team, develop underwriting strategies, and drive profitable growth while shaping policies and managing complex risks.

You will build broker relationships, monitor portfolio performance, and collaborate with claims and actuarial teams to ensure regulatory compliance and robust risk management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Finance, Economics, Risk Management or related field.
• ACII/FLMI designations advantageous.
• 7+ years in commercial lines underwriting with at least 2 years in leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Commercial Lines underwriting team.
• Develop underwriting guidelines, strategies and pricing models.
• Underwrite large, complex commercial risks and monitor portfolio performance.
• Analyze financials, market trends, and risk exposures to inform decisions.
• Maintain relationships with brokers, agents, and key clients.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards.
• Collaborate with claims and actuarial for product development and risk management.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Risk Management, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent insurer, is seeking an experienced and strategic Lead Underwriter to oversee their Commercial Lines division in Randburg, Gauteng. This senior position demands a deep understanding of commercial insurance products, risk management, and market dynamics. You will be responsible for guiding a team of underwriters, developing underwriting strategies, and ensuring profitable growth for the business unit. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping underwriting policies, managing complex risks, and fostering strong relationships with brokers and clients. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead and innovate within a respected financial services institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Commercial Lines underwriting team, setting performance objectives and providing regular feedback.
• Develop and implement underwriting guidelines, strategies, and pricing models to ensure profitability and competitiveness in the Gauteng market.
• Underwrite large, complex, and high-value commercial risks, including property, liability, and business interruption.
• Analyze financial statements, market trends, and risk exposures to make informed underwriting decisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and key clients to understand their needs and promote our client's offerings.
• Monitor portfolio performance, identifying trends, and recommending adjustments to underwriting strategies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal underwriting standards.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as claims and actuarial, to enhance product development and risk management.

Requirements

• A relevant Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Professional designations (e.g., ACII, FLMI) are advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in commercial lines underwriting, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in underwriting various commercial insurance classes.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful underwriting strategies.
• Familiarity with the South African insurance market and regulatory landscape in Randburg.
• A results-oriented mindset with a strong focus on financial performance.

Benefits

• Attractive base salary with performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Opportunities for leadership development and executive training.
• Access to cutting-edge underwriting tools and resources.