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.