Senior Underwriter

Old Mutual South Africa; Hilton Head Island (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Mutual South Africa is seeking an experienced Underwriter to evaluate risk, price and select renewal business for assigned accounts. The role involves risk assessment, data analysis, and negotiating renewal terms with Sales to ensure profitability and alignment with underwriting guidelines.

Responsibilities include performing renewal evaluations, analyzing claim trends, and delivering renewal packages to Sales, while maintaining data accuracy and compliance with organisational procedures.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 completed with tertiary qualification in Commerce (NQF 6-7 or equivalent) or studying towards a Commercial degree.
• Must have passed the Mark 4 Underwriting Technical Test.
• Must have experience as an Underwriter at Mark 4 level.
• Must have a mandate and prior experience will be required.
• Excellent communication skills are essential.
• Code 8 Drivers License in possession.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate risk, price and select/reject renewal business for all assigned accounts.
• Perform risk and contract evaluation on renewal business using rating guidelines and financial data.
• Determine required premium level based on experience, plan design, and market info.
• Monitor profitability via loss ratio analysis and provide semi-annual profitability reports.
• Provide renewal terms and complete renewal package to Sales per guidelines.
• Negotiate renewal terms and policy plan provisions with Sales and other stakeholders.

Skills

Communication skills

Underwriting knowledge

Education

Grade 12

Commerce degree (NQF 6-7 or in progress)

Job description

Let’s Write Africa's Story Together! Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Let’s Write Africa's Story Together! Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Job Description

Responsible for risk evaluation, pricing and selection / rejection of renewal business for all assigned accounts within the portfolio. Research problems and take initiative in recommending solutions for customer and financial issues that will enable the organisation to profitably accept the risk that our policies cover.

• Responsible for risk evaluation, pricing and selection / rejection of new and renewal business for all assigned accounts within the portfolio.
• Perform risk and contract evaluation on renewal business using rating guidelines, industry and occupational classifications, financial statements, manual rating, experience information (e.g. premium, claims, reserves, rate history and average exposure) for all assigned accounts.
• Determine required premium level based on experience and manual rates, plan design, services, and competitive information in accordance with organisational guidelines.
• Demonstrate a high degree of knowledge regarding underwriting quantitative and qualitative tools and communicate the outcomes clearly to Sales and Claims functions.
• Research all problems and risk related issues by using initiative in problem solving that involves management in decision making as necessary.
• Responsible for monitoring profitability as measured by loss ratio improvement.
• Complete semi-annual and ad hoc profitability analysis for all assigned cases and provide summary of analysis to management and Sales.
• Analysis to include but not limited to action plans for moving accounts to profitability and complete assessment of claim trends and services. Analyse all necessary historical account information.
• Determine renewal terms including required premium level and policy plan change recommendations and deliver complete renewal package to Sales according to organisational department guidelines.
• Accountable for the accuracy and completeness of all renewal data.
• Negotiate all subsequent appeals with Sales regarding premium levels and policy plan provisions and involve appropriate people in decision making and negotiating as necessary.
• Participate in interdepartmental discussions between Sales, Claims and Underwriting on renewal business issues and make recommendations regarding policy plan provisions and claims and administrative procedures.
• Communicate recommendations to Sales for delivery to customer.
• Review all customer and Sales requests for policy and plan changes.
• Determine contract and pricing changes necessary according to underwriting guidelines and use independent judgment.
• Negotiate with Sales subsequent appeals and manage changes according to organisational procedures.
• Qualification
• Grade 12
• Tertiary qualification in Commerce (NQF Level 6-7 or
• equivalent) or studying towards a Commercial degree
• Must have passed the Mark 4 Underwriting Technical Test
• Must have experience as an Underwriter at Mark 4 level
• Must have a mandate and prior experience will be required
• Have in depth knowledge of the commodities in the industry and must have worked with policy holders
• Underwriting skills at policy holder level
• Must have excellent communication skills
• Must have a Code 8 Drivers License

Competencies

• Action Oriented
• Business Insight
• Communicates Effectively
• Decision Quality
• Financial Acumen
• Instills Trust
• Manages Complexity
• Optimizes Work Processes

Closing Date

19 October 2026 , 23:59

The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.

The Old Mutual Story!