Commercial Underwriter

Santam Insurance; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 450 000 - 650 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company is seeking a skilled Commercial Underwriter for its Johannesburg location. The role involves managing complex risks and applying risk management principles. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years experience in the short-term commercial insurance industry and relevant qualifications. This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on relationship building and client service.

Benefits

Equal opportunity employer

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years underwriting experience within the short-term commercial insurance industry.
• Professional membership with IISA is advantageous.
• Completed or in process of completing Santam Academy courses in commercial insurance.

Responsibilities

• Handle escalations outside of binding authority.
• Manage profitability through effective policy screening actions.
• Initiate and implement renewal terms for high risk policies.

Skills

Strong underwriting skills

Good communication skills

Negotiation skills

Analytic skills

Problem-solving

Client focus

Education

Bachelor's Degree or relevant short-term insurance qualification

RE accreditation

FAIS compliance – credits on NQF level 5 Commercial lines

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Persetel

Web-E

Job description

Commercial Underwriter – Commercial Portfolio Management CoE

Santam Broker Services Operations' division – Commercial Portfolio Management CoE is looking for an individual with strong underwriting skills, good communication and negotiation skills, a 'can-do' attitude, and the ability to build good relationships. The successful candidate will be based in Hill on Empire.

Responsibilities

• Handle escalations outside of binding authority, including technical and complex queries.
• Apply risk management and risk mitigation principles.
• Manage profitability through effective policy screening actions at policy and portfolio levels.
• Initiate, provide and implement renewal terms and conditions on identified high risk and high exposure policies.
• Effectively underwrite complex risks (new business, renewals, etc).
• Identify re‑insurance needs and take appropriate action.
• Provide quality and correct feedback on high level technical queries.
• Maintain a strong retention focus (profitability and growth).
• Work within higher level mandates.
• Build networks and relationships with various role players and liaise and influence on various levels.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years underwriting experience within the short‑term commercial insurance industry.
• RE accreditation.
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel.
• Grade 12 or equivalent.
• FAIS compliance – credits on NQF level 5 Commercial lines.
• Relevant system knowledge: Persetel & Web-E.
• Professional membership with IISA (advantageous).
• Risk Identification and Assessment programme (RIA – advantageous).
• Completed or in process of completing the Santam Academy courses in commercial insurance – Santam Commercial product training (SMK's).
• Santam Underwriting level 3 (applicable to Santam Internal Candidates).
• Bachelor's Degree / AIISA / FIISA or comparable short‑term insurance qualification (should be completed with or at least have started the insurance‑related exams via IISA or Milpark).

Knowledge and Skills

• Deliver and results‑oriented.
• Strong analytic skills with attention to detail to identify and mitigate risk.
• Problem solving and creative solution production.
• Adaptable to changing circumstances.
• Performing under pressure.
• Deciding & initiating action.
• Building networks and maintaining relationships.
• Negotiating and getting agreement.
• Goal setting and prioritising.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Drive results.
• Client focus and client service.
• Quality management.
• Reporting.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, Santam encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. Santam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and is dedicated to neuro‑inclusivity and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.