Commercial Lines Underwriting Manager

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking an experienced Commercial Lines Underwriting Manager to lead a high-caliber team in a hybrid Gauteng role. You will shape underwriting strategy, mentor underwriters, and drive profitable growth across the commercial portfolio.

The successful candidate will have a strong leadership track record, 10+ years in underwriting, and expertise across property, casualty, fleet, and liability products. Hybrid work flexibility is available.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of commercial lines underwriting experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven portfolio management and profitability track record.
• Strong knowledge of commercial insurance products (property, casualty, fleet, liability).
• Excellent leadership and coaching skills.
• Hybrid work experience in Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of commercial lines underwriters.
• Develop and implement effective underwriting strategies and guidelines aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee the underwriting process for new business and renewals, ensuring accuracy, profitability, and compliance.
• Manage the commercial lines portfolio, monitoring performance, identifying trends, and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with brokers and agents to build strong relationships and ensure market penetration.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to the underwriting team in Pretoria .
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal underwriting policies.
• Analyze market conditions and competitor activities to inform underwriting decisions.
• Contribute to product development and innovation within the commercial lines segment.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Analytical thinking

Communication

Negotiation

Education

ACII / CIP (desirable)

Tools

Underwriting systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established insurance firm, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Commercial Lines Underwriting Manager to lead their team in Pretoria . This leadership role is pivotal in shaping underwriting strategy, managing a team of skilled underwriters, and driving profitable growth within the commercial insurance portfolio. You will be responsible for setting underwriting guidelines, mentoring your team, and ensuring adherence to risk appetite and compliance standards. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of a respected insurance company and foster a high-performance culture in Gauteng . The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership acumen and a deep understanding of the commercial insurance market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of commercial lines underwriters.
• Develop and implement effective underwriting strategies and guidelines aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee the underwriting process for new business and renewals, ensuring accuracy, profitability, and compliance.
• Manage the commercial lines portfolio, monitoring performance, identifying trends, and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with brokers and agents to build strong relationships and ensure market penetration.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to the underwriting team in Pretoria .
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal underwriting policies.
• Analyze market conditions and competitor activities to inform underwriting decisions.
• Contribute to product development and innovation within the commercial lines segment.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in commercial lines underwriting, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of successful portfolio management and profitable underwriting results.
• Strong understanding of various commercial insurance products (e.g., property, casualty, fleet, liability).
• Excellent leadership, team management, and coaching skills.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., ACII, CIP) are highly desirable.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing office and remote responsibilities in Gauteng .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, provident fund, performance bonuses, and opportunities for continuous professional development. This role provides the chance to lead a talented team, shape underwriting strategies, and contribute significantly to the success of the business in Pretoria , with the flexibility of a hybrid work model.