Chief Underwriting Leader - Strategy & Risk Growth

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Health benefits and retirement support

Relocation assistance (if applicable)

Professional development and industry-

Leadership engagement with senior team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Underwriting Officer for an esteemed insurance group based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The CUO will set underwriting policies, guide teams, and drive profitable growth while meticulously managing risk across all product lines.

The role demands extensive underwriting experience, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of risk assessment. This is a senior, office-based leadership position with strategic impact and relocation considerations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Insurance, or a related field.
• MBA or relevant professional designation is highly desirable.
• 10–15 years of progressive experience in underwriting, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive underwriting strategies and policies to achieve profitable growth and manage risk exposure.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the underwriting teams across all business segments.
• Oversee the underwriting process, ensuring consistency, adherence to guidelines, and optimal risk selection.
• Monitor underwriting performance, profitability, and key performance indicators, making data-driven adjustments as needed.
• Collaborate with actuarial, claims, product development, and sales departments to ensure cohesive business strategies.
• Set underwriting appetite and tolerance levels for various risks and markets.
• Stay abreast of market trends, competitive landscape, and regulatory changes impacting underwriting.
• Represent the company in industry forums and build strong relationships with reinsurers and brokers.
• Drive innovation in underwriting processes and tools, including the adoption of new technologies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and internal controls.

Skills

Leadership

Underwriting expertise

Risk management

Data analytics

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (Business / Finance / Insurance)

MBA or professional designation

Tools

Underwriting systems

Data analytics tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Underwriting Officer for an esteemed insurance group based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The CUO will set underwriting policies, guide teams, and drive profitable growth while meticulously managing risk across all product lines.

The role demands extensive underwriting experience, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of risk assessment. This is a senior, office-based leadership position with strategic impact and relocation considerations.