Chief Underwriting Officer - Specialty Lines

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 3,500,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Executive medical aid

Top-tier retirement fund

International travel

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton seeks a Chief Underwriting Officer to lead the Specialty Lines division, shaping underwriting vision, strategy, and operations for a diverse portfolio.

You will drive profitability, risk management, and regulatory compliance while guiding senior teams and collaborating with claims, actuarial, and product development leaders to foster innovation.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in underwriting for specialty lines.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans in dynamic markets.
• Strong understanding of global and SA insurance landscapes.

Responsibilities

• Define and oversee underwriting strategy for all specialty lines.
• Lead, mentor, and develop underwriting teams across portfolios.
• Ensure profitability, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with executive teams to drive growth and innovation.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Underwriting strategy

Risk management

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Influencing skills

Regulatory knowledge

Education

ACII or MBA

Tertiary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading international insurer with a significant presence in Sandton , is seeking a highly strategic and accomplished Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO) to lead their Specialty Lines division. This executive-level position is responsible for setting the underwriting vision, strategy, and operational framework for a diverse portfolio of specialty insurance products. The CUO will ensure underwriting excellence, profitable growth, and effective risk management across all specialty lines. This is a pivotal leadership role offering the opportunity to shape the future direction of our client's specialty insurance business in South Africa and drive innovation in a complex market.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, implement, and oversee the underwriting strategy for all specialty lines of business, including professional indemnity, cyber, construction, and marine.
• Establish robust underwriting guidelines, risk appetite statements, and pricing philosophies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-caliber team of underwriting professionals and managers.
• Monitor underwriting performance, profitability, and market share, taking decisive action to optimize results.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal governance standards across all underwriting functions.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, claims, actuarial, and product development teams to foster a cohesive approach to risk management.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key brokers, clients, and industry stakeholders.
• Drive innovation in underwriting processes and leverage technology to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
• Represent the company on underwriting matters at industry forums and conferences.

Requirements

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in underwriting, with at least 8 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., CUO, Head of Underwriting) within specialty lines insurance.
• A strong track record of successfully managing complex underwriting portfolios and achieving profitable growth.
• Deep technical expertise across multiple specialty insurance lines.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans in a dynamic market environment.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams at all levels.
• A comprehensive understanding of the global and South African insurance markets and regulatory landscapes.
• Relevant tertiary qualification or professional designations (e.g., ACII, MBA) are highly desirable.
• Strong financial acumen and analytical capabilities.
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive remuneration package, including a significant performance-based bonus, comprehensive executive medical aid, and a top-tier retirement fund.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development are extensive.
• This role provides a unique opportunity for strategic influence and career advancement within a globally recognized organization.
• Be part of our client's leadership team in Sandton and shape the future of specialty insurance.
• Enjoy a stimulating and challenging work environment.