Chief Underwriting Officer: Specialty Risk & Strategy Leader

Old Mutual Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Mutual Limited seeks an exceptional Chief Underwriting Officer to lead Specialty’s underwriting function in Johannesburg. You will establish underwriting standards, controls and capabilities to ensure sustainable risk-adjusted returns, while guiding pricing, governance and portfolio strategy across commercial and specialist risks.

You will drive technical pricing, risk selection, and performance reviews, partnering with actuarial and business leaders, and embedding automation and data-driven

Qualifications

• Extensive non-life underwriting experience, 12+ years; including substantial experience in commercial or specialist risks.
• At least 5 years leading technical teams; demonstrated authority in technical risk selection and governance.
• Strong understanding of South Africa insurance regulation and pricing concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain The Specialty underwriting philosophy, policies, class guidelines and delegated authorities.
• Oversee technical pricing methodologies, portfolio profitability and risk selection in collaboration with actuarial and business teams.
• Maintain underwriting quality controls, governance, audits and appropriate oversight of delegations.
• Lead automation, data initiatives and use analytics to support underwriting decisions and monitoring.
• Provide technical challenge and guidance to business lines while maintaining accountability for commercial execution.

Skills

Non-life underwriting

Leadership of technical teams

Regulatory compliance

Pricing strategy

Risk assessment

Reinsurance knowledge

Data analytics

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Policy development

Delegated authorities

Audit and controls

Education

Masters

Job description

Old Mutual Limited seeks an exceptional Chief Underwriting Officer to lead Specialty’s underwriting function in Johannesburg. You will establish underwriting standards, controls and capabilities to ensure sustainable risk-adjusted returns, while guiding pricing, governance and portfolio strategy across commercial and specialist risks.

You will drive technical pricing, risk selection, and performance reviews, partnering with actuarial and business leaders, and embedding automation and data-driven