Remote Senior Underwriting Manager - Commercial Insurance

Placements24; Southampton; Remote; GBP 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive remuneration

Premium medical and retirement plans

Fully remote leadership role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Underwriting Manager for a fully remote leadership role in commercial insurance. You will set underwriting strategy, manage risk appetite, and drive profitable growth while leading a dispersed team of underwriters from your home office.

The role requires extensive experience in commercial insurance, exceptional leadership, and the ability to excel in a remote work environment within a remote-first organization.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of comprehensive experience in commercial insurance underwriting, with substantial leadership experience (min. 7 years).
• Strong track record in managing profitable portfolios and developing sophisticated underwriting strategies.
• Deep understanding of property, casualty, liability, and specialty lines.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute underwriting strategy for the commercial insurance portfolio in line with business objectives and risk appetite.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a remote team of senior underwriters and specialists.
• Oversee underwriting of complex commercial risks, providing technical guidance on terms, conditions, and pricing.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national insurer recognized for its market leadership and innovative solutions, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Underwriting Manager to spearhead their commercial insurance underwriting division. This is a pivotal, fully remote leadership role, offering the unique advantage of managing a key function from your home office. You will be entrusted with setting underwriting strategy, managing risk appetite, driving profitable growth, and leading a team of experienced underwriters. This position requires extensive expertise in commercial insurance, exceptional leadership acumen, and a proven ability to excel in a remote work setting. As a remote-first organization, our client values autonomy and strategic thinking, providing a challenging yet rewarding environment to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the underwriting strategy for the commercial insurance portfolio, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and risk appetite.


• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of senior underwriters and underwriting specialists, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.


• Oversee the underwriting of complex and large commercial risks, providing technical guidance and ensuring appropriate terms, conditions, and pricing.


• Analyze portfolio performance, market trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities for growth and areas requiring strategic adjustment.


• Collaborate closely with actuarial, claims, product development, and sales teams to ensure integrated risk management and product innovation.


• Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements, compliance standards, and internal underwriting policies and procedures.


• Manage underwriting authority levels and conduct audits to ensure compliance and quality.


• Drive the adoption of new underwriting technologies and data analytics to enhance efficiency and decision-making.


• Represent the commercial underwriting function in high-level management discussions and strategic planning initiatives.


• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key brokers and strategic partners, acting as a subject matter expert.


• Effectively lead and inspire a dispersed, fully remote team, ensuring clear communication and cohesive performance.

Requirements

• A minimum of 12 years of comprehensive experience in commercial insurance underwriting, with a substantial track record (minimum 7 years) in a management or leadership capacity.


• Demonstrated success in managing profitable commercial insurance portfolios and developing sophisticated underwriting strategies.


• Deep and nuanced understanding of diverse commercial insurance lines, including property, casualty, liability, and specialty lines.


• Expert knowledge of risk management principles, pricing methodologies, and regulatory frameworks within the **South African** insurance market.


• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and motivational skills, essential for leading a remote workforce.


• Advanced analytical, strategic thinking, and complex problem-solving abilities.


• Superior communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.


• Proficiency in advanced underwriting systems, data analytics platforms, and general office productivity software.


• Relevant professional designations (e.g., ACII, CPCU, MBA) are highly desirable.


• Proven ability to excel and lead effectively in a demanding, fully remote work environment.


• Must maintain a professional home office with reliable high-speed internet connectivity.

Benefits

• An executive-level remuneration package, including a substantial base salary and performance-driven bonuses.


• Comprehensive executive benefits, including premium medical aid, retirement planning, and life insurance.


• Generous annual and executive leave allowances.


• Unparalleled opportunities for career progression and strategic leadership development.


• The ultimate in flexibility and autonomy offered by a fully remote senior management role.


• Influence and impact at the highest level within a leading insurance organization.


• Opportunity to shape the future of commercial insurance underwriting.