Commercial Insurance Underwriter

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based incentives

Health and retirement benefits

Hybrid work arrangements

Professional development

Cutting-edge underwriting tools

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Commercial Insurance Underwriter in Pietermaritzburg. The role focuses on evaluating, pricing, and underwriting commercial risks while building strong broker relationships and delivering expert guidance.

Ideal candidates have 4+ years in commercial underwriting, knowledge of major lines, and a proactive, analytical mindset. Hybrid work options and ongoing professional development are available.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in commercial insurance underwriting.
• Knowledge of General Liability, Commercial Property, Business Interruption, Fleet.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making abilities.
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal communication skills.
• Professional insurance designations (ACII, CIP) advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assess and underwrite a diverse range of commercial insurance risks, including property, liability, and specialty lines.
• Analyze financial statements, business operations, and loss history to determine coverage and pricing.
• Develop underwriting guidelines and strategies in line with company objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with brokers, agents, and clients.
• Provide timely quotes and policy endorsements.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities within the commercial sector.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes.
• Collaborate with the claims department to understand loss trends and underwriting impact.
• Ensure compliance with underwriting policies and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to training and development of junior underwriting staff.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Business/Finance related qualification

Tools

Underwriting tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable insurance firm with a strong presence in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking to recruit a skilled Commercial Insurance Underwriter. This role is essential for evaluating, selecting, and pricing commercial risks to ensure the company's profitable growth. The ideal candidate will possess a keen understanding of commercial insurance products, market dynamics, and risk assessment techniques. You will be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with brokers and agents, providing them with expert underwriting advice and solutions. This is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented and analytical individual to contribute significantly to our client's commercial lines portfolio in Pietermaritzburg . We are looking for a proactive professional who can identify opportunities, manage risks effectively, and deliver exceptional service to our business partners. Join our client's team and play a key role in shaping the future of commercial insurance in the region, fostering strong partnerships and ensuring sustainable business development.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and underwrite a diverse range of commercial insurance risks, including property, liability, and specialty lines.
• Analyze financial statements, business operations, and loss history to determine appropriate coverage and pricing.
• Develop and implement underwriting guidelines and strategies in line with company objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with insurance brokers, agents, and clients.
• Provide timely and accurate quotes and policy endorsements.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities within the commercial sector.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes affecting commercial insurance.
• Collaborate with the claims department to understand loss trends and their impact on underwriting.
• Ensure compliance with all underwriting policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the training and development of junior underwriting staff.

Requirements

• A relevant qualification in Business, Finance, or a related field is advantageous.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in commercial insurance underwriting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of various commercial insurance products (e.g., General Liability, Commercial Property, Business Interruption, Fleet).
• Strong analytical and decision‑making skills, with the ability to assess complex risks.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong broker relationships.
• Familiarity with underwriting tools, systems, and relevant legislation.
• A proactive approach to identifying business opportunities and managing risk.
• Ability to work independently and manage a portfolio of accounts effectively.
• Professional designations in insurance (e.g., ACII, CIP) will be an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within a leading insurance company in Pietermaritzburg.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Access to cutting‑edge underwriting tools and resources.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements to support work‑life balance.