Chief Underwriting Officer - Commercial Insurance Leader

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 3,000,000 - 5,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Annual bonus and long-term incentives

Medical aid and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO) to lead underwriting for a major commercial insurer in Rustenburg, North West. The role sets strategic direction, develops robust guidelines, and drives profitability through pricing and risk frameworks.

The CUO will build and mentor high-performing underwriting teams, oversee pricing strategies across lines, and partner with claims and actuarial teams to deliver a competitive, well-managed portfolio.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in business-related field and professional designation preferred (ACII).
• 10–15 years in commercial underwriting with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven ability to develop and implement underwriting strategies that drive profitable growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall underwriting strategy for the commercial insurance division.
• Establish underwriting policies, risk appetite frameworks and pricing structures.
• Lead and develop senior underwriters and underwriting managers.
• Monitor performance metrics and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with claims, actuarial and product teams to ensure cohesive offerings.
• Represent underwriting in broker, client, regulator and industry meetings.
• Drive data-driven decision making and leverage technology to enhance efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with insurance regulations and company policies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Underwriting expertise

Financial analysis

Communication

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Data analytics

Team development

Relocation readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Insurance

MBA or ACII designation (advantageous)

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO) to lead underwriting for a major commercial insurer in Rustenburg, North West. The role sets strategic direction, develops robust guidelines, and drives profitability through pricing and risk frameworks.

The CUO will build and mentor high-performing underwriting teams, oversee pricing strategies across lines, and partner with claims and actuarial teams to deliver a competitive, well-managed portfolio.