Chief Insurance Risk Officer

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 3,000,000 - 5,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive level compensation

Relocation assistance

Company car

Health benefits

Long-term incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Insurance Risk Officer for a leading global insurer in Pretoria, Gauteng. This executive role leads enterprise-wide risk management, shaping risk appetite and ensuring regulatory compliance in a complex market.

You will develop risk frameworks, oversee stress testing, advise the Board, and guide governance with a strong insurance background and professional certifications. This on-site role offers executive incentives and relocation support across underwriting,

Qualifications

• Extensive 10+ years in risk management within the insurance industry.
• Proven track record developing and implementing enterprise-wide risk frameworks.
• Strong governance, strategic thinking and executive communication skills.
• Experience engaging with Boards, regulators and senior management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the company's enterprise-wide insurance risk management framework, policies and procedures.
• Identify, assess, monitor, and report material risks across markets and functions.
• Lead stress testing and scenario analysis to test resilience under adverse conditions.
• Advise the Board and senior management on risk appetite and strategy.
• Foster a risk-aware culture and collaborate with underwriting, claims, finance and legal.

Skills

Insurance risk management

Strategic leadership

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Stress testing

Board liaison

Governance

Education

Master's degree in Finance, Economics or MBA

FRM/PRM/ACII/FCII certification desirable

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading global **insurance** provider, is actively seeking a seasoned and visionary Chief Insurance Risk Officer (CIRO) to lead their enterprise-wide risk management functions based in **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA**. This executive-level position requires a strategic leader with a profound understanding of the **insurance** landscape and a proven track record in developing and implementing robust risk frameworks. The CIRO will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating all material risks faced by the organization, ensuring financial stability and regulatory compliance. This is a critical on-site role demanding significant leadership presence and the ability to influence at the highest levels of the company. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's risk appetite and strategy, safeguarding its long-term success and reputation in a complex market. This role demands full commitment to the physical office location.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee the company's comprehensive **insurance** risk management framework, policies, and procedures.
• Identify, assess, monitor, and report on all material risks, including market, credit, operational, strategic, and reputational risks.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and industry best practices related to risk management.
• Lead the stress testing and scenario analysis programs to assess the resilience of the company under adverse conditions.
• Advise the Board of Directors and senior management on risk-related matters and the company's risk appetite.
• Foster a strong risk-aware culture throughout the organization, promoting risk management principles at all levels.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including underwriting, claims, finance, and legal departments, to integrate risk management into business processes.
• Manage the risk management team, providing leadership, guidance, and professional development.
• Represent the company in discussions with regulators, auditors, and industry bodies on risk-related issues.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10-15 years of extensive experience in risk management, with a significant portion within the **insurance** industry at a senior leadership level.
• In-depth knowledge of **insurance** operations, financial markets, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., Solvency II, Basel Accords relevant to **insurance**).
• Proven experience in developing and implementing enterprise-wide risk management frameworks.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and influencing abilities, with the capacity to engage effectively with executive management and the Board.
• Relevant professional certifications such as FRM, PRM, or ACII/FCII are highly desirable.
• A Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex challenges and drive cultural change within a large organization.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance principles.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including base salary, significant bonus, and long-term incentives.
• Opportunity to lead risk management for a major **insurance** entity.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits.
• Generous relocation assistance if applicable.
• Access to state-of-the-art corporate facilities.
• Significant opportunities for strategic influence and professional impact.
• Company car and other executive perks.
• Retirement plan and share ownership options.