Actuarial Manager : Reinsurance

Communicate Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Reinsurance for a prominent client in Johannesburg. The successful candidate will lead negotiations for reinsurance treaties, advise executive management, and manage teams across South Africa and Mauritius. Strong negotiation skills and a degree in Actuarial Science or Finance are essential. The role involves strategic decision-making and risk management to ensure profitability and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations for reinsurance treaties and risk-sharing arrangements.
• Contribute to the execution of the reinsurance strategy in line with business objectives.
• Advise executive management on reinsurance structures and market conditions.
• Conduct experience and risk investigations and recommend strategies.
• Provide technical oversight on reinsurance management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with reinsurers and clients.
• Collaborate with various teams for effective execution of agreements.
• Enforce governance, policies, and controls relating to reinsurance activities.
• Manage and develop direct reports across South Africa and Mauritius.

Skills

Strong negotiation and relationship management skills

Excellent analytical, financial, and actuarial modelling abilities

Proven strategic thinking with a balancing ability of risk, growth, and cost

Leadership skills with experience managing teams

High integrity with sound decision-making ability

Education

Degree in Actuarial Science, Finance, or related field

Qualified Actuary or equivalent qualification

Minimum 7 years’ relevant experience in the life/reinsurance industry

Extensive knowledge of treaty and facultative arrangements

Job description

SUMMARY : Brief Description :

Guardrisk Life is looking for a highly experienced professional to lead its Life Reinsurance function. As the Head of Reinsurance, you will oversee treaty placements, implement strategic initiatives, manage governance, and provide critical recommendations to executive management. This senior role requires deep technical knowledge of reinsurance arrangements, exceptional negotiation skills, and the ability to balance risk, growth, and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations for reinsurance treaties and risk‑sharing arrangements (structuring, pricing, and terms)
• Contribute to the execution of the reinsurance strategy in line with business objectives and risk appetite
• Advise executive management on reinsurance structures, market conditions, and risk transfer options
• Conduct experience and risk investigations and recommend risk / profitability strategies
• Provide technical oversight on reinsurance management, including reporting and agreement interpretation
• Build and maintain strong relationships with reinsurers and clients
• Collaborate with actuarial, underwriting, claims, legal, compliance, and risk teams to ensure effective execution of reinsurance arrangements
• Enforce governance, policies, procedures, and controls relating to reinsurance activities
• Manage and develop direct reports while covering operations in South Africa and Mauritius

Skills & Experience

• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills
• Excellent analytical, financial, and actuarial modelling abilities
• Proven strategic thinking with the ability to balance risk, growth, and cost
• Leadership skills with experience managing teams and engaging stakeholders
• High integrity with sound decision‑making ability

Qualifications

• Degree in Actuarial Science, Finance, or related field
• Qualified Actuary or equivalent qualification (advantageous)
• Minimum 7 years’ relevant experience in the life / reinsurance industry
• Extensive knowledge of treaty and facultative arrangements (quota share, surplus, excess of loss, etc.)