Chief Underwriting Officer

Placements24; Durban; Híbrido; ZAR 3.500.000 - 6.000.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Executive bonus

Health benefits

Company car

Relocation assistance

Leadership coaching

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 seeks a visionary Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO) to lead underwriting from Durban, driving strategy, risk management and profitability across the portfolio.

The role demands deep knowledge of global markets, financial modeling and regulatory environments, with a track record of leading large, multi-disciplinary teams and delivering innovative underwriting solutions. International and domestic travel are expected.

Formación

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Actuarial Science, or related field.
• PhD or designation such as FCAS/FCAA is highly advantageous.
• Minimum 15 years in the insurance industry with substantial senior underwriting leadership experience.

Responsabilidades

• Develop and implement the company's global underwriting strategy and risk appetite.
• Oversee underwriting functions ensuring best practices and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and mentor under-writing teams to achieve performance and excellence.
• Drive innovation in underwriting frameworks, tools, and analytics for pricing accuracy.
• Collaborate with CEO, CFO and CRO on strategic planning and capital allocation.

Conocimientos

Strategic leadership

Risk management

Financial modeling

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Educación

Master's degree (MBA/Finance/Actuarial)

PhD or professional designation (FCAS/FCAA)

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the insurance industry, is seeking a visionary Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO) to lead its underwriting operations from their strategic base in Durban , KwaZulu-Natal . This executive position is responsible for setting the overall underwriting strategy, managing risk appetite, and ensuring the long-term profitability and sustainability of the company's insurance portfolio. The CUO will drive innovation in underwriting practices and lead a high-calibre team. This is a unique opportunity to influence the direction of a significant insurance business in one of South Africa 's key economic centers. The role will require a blend of strategic leadership and operational oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's global underwriting strategy, aligning with corporate objectives.
• Define, monitor, and manage the company's risk appetite and tolerance levels.
• Oversee all underwriting functions, ensuring adherence to best practices and regulatory compliance across all lines of business.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire the underwriting teams to achieve exceptional performance and foster a culture of excellence.
• Drive innovation in underwriting frameworks, tools, and analytics to enhance risk selection and pricing accuracy.
• Collaborate closely with the executive team, including CEO, CFO, and Chief Risk Officer, on strategic planning and capital allocation.
• Represent the company in industry forums, regulatory discussions, and key stakeholder engagements.
• Develop and implement robust underwriting guidelines and controls.
• Oversee the financial performance of the underwriting portfolio, including premium growth, loss ratios, and expense management.
• Ensure the effective deployment of underwriting talent and resources.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Actuarial Science, or a related field.
• A Ph.D. or relevant professional designation (e.g., FCAS, FCAA) is highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 15 years of extensive experience in the insurance industry, with a significant portion in senior underwriting leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing successful underwriting strategies in complex markets.
• Deep understanding of global insurance markets, financial modeling, risk management, and regulatory environments in South Africa and other key regions.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including board members and regulators.
• Strong analytical and quantitative capabilities.
• Experience managing large, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel internationally and domestically as required for business needs related to Durban operations.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including significant bonus potential and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits.
• Company-provided vehicle and other executive perks.
• Relocation assistance if applicable for this Durban based role.
• Opportunity to shape the future of a leading insurance organization.
• Generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements.
• Access to executive coaching and leadership development programs.