Commercial Lines Underwriter - Specialist Risks

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund benefits

Performance-based incentive program

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks an experienced Commercial Lines Underwriter to evaluate and price complex risks, and to develop tailored insurance solutions for brokers. The role emphasizes building broker relationships and collaborating with internal teams to ensure profitable offerings.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years in commercial underwriting, strong analytical abilities, and professional ACII/CIP qualifications.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in commercial lines underwriting.
• Proven expertise in underwriting a variety of commercial risks (e.g., Property, Liability, Fleet, Professional Indemnity).
• Strong analytical and financial analysis skills.
• Excellent understanding of insurance principles, products, and market dynamics.
• Superior communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong broker relationships.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and standard office software.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., ACII, CIP) are highly desirable.
• A proactive and results-oriented approach to work.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment in Cape Town.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and renewal commercial insurance business, assessing risks and determining appropriate terms, conditions, and premiums.
• Analyze financial statements, loss history, and other relevant data to evaluate risk exposure.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and other distribution partners.
• Communicate underwriting decisions clearly and concisely to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with claims, actuarial, and product development teams to ensure competitive and profitable offerings.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify new business opportunities and potential threats.
• Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of underwriting strategies and processes.
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior underwriters and support staff.
• Manage a portfolio of commercial risks, ensuring optimal risk-return profile.

Skills

Analytical skills

Financial analysis

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Broker relationships

Underwriting systems

Education

ACII

CIP

Tools

Underwriting software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading insurer with a strong presence in the South African market, is seeking a highly skilled and analytical Commercial Lines Underwriter to join their esteemed team in Cape Town . This challenging role focuses on evaluating and pricing complex commercial risks, developing tailored insurance solutions, and building strong relationships with brokers and agents. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of various commercial insurance products, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to make sound underwriting decisions that balance risk and profitability. You will be instrumental in growing the commercial portfolio by effectively assessing market trends and identifying profitable opportunities. This position offers a fantastic career path within the financial services sector in the vibrant city of Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and renewal commercial insurance business, assessing risks and determining appropriate terms, conditions, and premiums.
• Analyze financial statements, loss history, and other relevant data to evaluate risk exposure.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and other distribution partners.
• Communicate underwriting decisions clearly and concisely to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with claims, actuarial, and product development teams to ensure competitive and profitable offerings.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify new business opportunities and potential threats.
• Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of underwriting strategies and processes.
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior underwriters and support staff.
• Manage a portfolio of commercial risks, ensuring optimal risk-return profile.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in commercial lines underwriting.
• Proven expertise in underwriting a variety of commercial risks (e.g., Property, Liability, Fleet, Professional Indemnity).
• Strong analytical and financial analysis skills.
• Excellent understanding of insurance principles, products, and market dynamics.
• Superior communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong broker relationships.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and standard office software.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., ACII, CIP) are highly desirable.
• A proactive and results-oriented approach to work.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment in Cape Town .

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, reflecting your expertise and contribution, along with a performance-based incentive program.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund benefits are provided.
• Opportunities for continuous professional growth, including advanced underwriting certifications and leadership training, are a key feature.
• The role is office-based in Cape Town , allowing for close collaboration and team synergy.

You will join a reputable and stable organization that values innovation and professional excellence in the Western Cape's thriving insurance sector.

This is a position for an ambitious underwriter looking for significant career progression.