Claims Manager - Commercial Insurance

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 950,000 - 1,250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Medical + retirement

Generous leave

Development programs

Company car

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking a highly experienced Claims Manager to lead the Commercial Insurance claims department and drive results for our clients this region. This role requires a strategic thinker with a proven ability to manage a team, optimize processes, and deliver exceptional service.

You will oversee the full claims lifecycle, ensure regulatory compliance, mentor staff, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to maintain service excellence and

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in commercial insurance claims handling, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of Property, Liability, Business Interruption, Marine.
• Proven leadership and staff development abilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Experience with claims management software and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of claims adjusters and staff.
• Oversee investigation, evaluation, negotiation, and settlement of complex claims.
• Develop and implement efficient claims handling strategies.
• Ensure compliance with SA insurance laws and regulations.
• Monitor performance metrics and drive improvements.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders.
• Control expenses and reserves with financial accuracy.
• Provide training and development for the team.
• Contribute to product and underwriting guidelines.
• Represent claims in cross-functional meetings in Stellenbosch office.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Claims Manager to lead their Commercial Insurance claims department in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This critical role demands a strategic thinker with a proven ability to manage a team, optimize claims processes, and ensure the delivery of exceptional service to commercial clients. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire claims lifecycle, from initial reporting to final settlement, ensuring compliance with policy terms, regulatory requirements, and company standards. The successful candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, exceptional analytical skills, and a deep understanding of commercial insurance products and claims management best practices. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact within a respected insurance firm located in the beautiful Stellenbosch region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of claims adjusters and support staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Oversee the investigation, evaluation, negotiation, and settlement of complex commercial insurance claims across various lines of business.
• Develop and implement effective claims handling strategies, policies, and procedures to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant South African insurance legislation, regulations, and internal company guidelines.
• Monitor claims department performance metrics, identify trends, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including legal counsel, loss adjusters, and service providers.
• Control claims expenses and reserves, ensuring financial accuracy and integrity.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing training and development opportunities for the claims team.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of commercial insurance products and underwriting guidelines.
• Represent the claims department in cross-functional meetings and strategic initiatives within the Stellenbosch office.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in commercial insurance claims handling, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of various commercial insurance lines (e.g., Property, Liability, Business Interruption, Marine).
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in claims management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Understanding of South African insurance law and regulatory frameworks.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Insurance, Law, Business, or a related field is essential.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Stellenbosch, Western Cape area.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and attractive performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life cover, and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance and other paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, including industry certifications and leadership training.
• A stable and reputable company with a strong market presence in Stellenbosch .
• Supportive management and a collaborative team environment.
• Company-provided vehicle or car allowance.