Commercial Underwriter

Santam Insurance; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Santam Broker Solutions Operations: Commercial Portfolio Management CoE is seeking a skilled Commercial Underwriter based in Parktown (Hill on Empire). The role focuses on managing risk with strong client focus and complex underwriting expertise.

Responsibilities include handling escalations, renewal terms, and profitability initiatives while building influential networks across stakeholders. 5+ years of underwriting experience and RE accreditation are preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years underwriting experience within a short-term Commercial insurance industry
• RE accreditation and FAIS compliance qualifications
• Strong communication, negotiation and relationship-building abilities
• Knowledge of Santam products and internal systems is advantageous

Responsibilities

• Handle escalations outside binding authority and address complex queries
• Apply risk mitigation and risk management techniques
• Manage profitability via policy screening at policy and portfolio levels
• Initiate renewal terms and conditions for high risk/exposure policies
• Underwrite complex risks including new business and renewals
• Identify re-insurance needs and take appropriate action
• Provide accurate feedback on high-level technical queries
• Maintain strong retention and growth within the portfolio
• Collaborate with various stakeholders and build networks

Skills

Underwriting

Negotiation

Communication

Relationship building

Risk assessment

Can-do attitude

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelors’ Degree/AIISA/FIISA or comparable short-term insurance qualification

FAIS compliance – 120 credits on NQF level 5 Commercial lines

RE accreditation

Santam Academy courses in commercial insurance

Tools

Persetel & Web-E

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

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Santam Broker Solutions Operations: Commercial Portfolio Management CoE is looking for an individual with strong underwriting skills and an ability to build good relationships. The successful candidate must have good communication and negotiation skills, with a ‘can-do’ attitude and will be based in Parktown (Hill on Empire).

What will make you successful in this role?

This job family stream is concerned with managing risk by providing specialist technical underwriting advice . TheCommercial Underwriter is a highly technical role with strong client focus. The successful incumbent will be responsible for managing risk administered on external systems to achieve, maintain and grow profitability of the Commercial Portfolio Management channel.

Key accountabilities of this role will include:

• Handling of escalations outside of binding authority, including technical and complex queries.
• Understanding of Risk management and the ability to apply risk Mitigation.
• Managing profitability through the application of effective policy screening actions on policy and portfolio levels.
• The initiation, provision and implementation of renewal terms and conditions on identified high risk and high exposure policies.
• Effective underwriting of complex risks (new business, renewals, etc).
• Identifying re-insurance and taking appropriate action.
• Providing quality and correct feedback on high level technical queries.
• Strong retention (profitability and growth) focus.
• Working within higher level mandates.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for building networks and relationships with the various role players and are required to liaise and influence on various levels. The position requires of the incumbent to embrace a culture of learning and development.

Qualification and Experience

• A minimum of 5 years underwriting experience within a short-term Commercial insurance industry required;
• RE accreditation;
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel;
• Grade 12 or equivalent;
• FAIS compliance – 120 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 the 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);
• Bachelors’ Degree/AIISA/FIISA or comparable short-term insurance qualification (should be completed with or at least have started the Insurancerelated exams via IISA or Milpark).

Knowledge and Skills

• Delivery and resultsoriented;
• Attention to detail – strong analytic skills required to identify and mitigate risk;
• Problem solving;
• Producing creative solutions;
• Adapting to changing circumstances;
• Performing under pressure;
• Deciding & initiating action;
• Building networks and good relations;
• Negotiating and getting agreement;
• Building networks and ability to maintain relationships;
• Goal setting and prioritising;
• Flexible and Adaptable;
• Drives Results;
• Client Focus;
• Client Service;
• Quality Management;
• Reporting.

Our commitment to transformation

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. As a large, diversified, and expanding company, we are committed to transformation and growth. While our headquarters are in South Africa, we are rapidly extending our presence into emerging markets across Africa and Asia.

With a client base of over 1 million policyholders, Santam serves individuals, commercial enterprises, specialist business owners, and institutions—including 80 of the Top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Our commitment to Insurance, Good and Proper goes beyond just providing cover—we offer peace of mind, ensuring our clients can focus on living in the moment, not worrying about the unexpected. Because at Santam, we believe the freedom to seize every day is worth protecting.

People drive our business, and we are committed to attracting the best talent, whether for permanent roles or short-term opportunities.

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

Our recruitment process

Onboarding

You made it. Here we ensure we receive all your documents to get you onto our payroll system.

Our recruitment process

Advertise

Step 1

Our vacancies are advertised between 3-5 days depending on the market availability of the skills required.

Our recruitment process

Step 2

Could take a couple of days depending on the volume and the screening process, which various according to the complexity of the role.

Our recruitment process

Step 3

Long listed candidates are sent to the hiring manager to review and consider for the next stage of the selection process.

Our recruitment process

Telephonic screening

Step 4

Candidates may be contacted for a short screening interview to get to know them better and to ask any clarity seeking questions.

Our recruitment process

Your interview

Step 5

We use a competency interview model. Interview dates will be confirmed via e-mail. During the interview you will be introduced to the panel and the process will be explained. Remain calm and sell yourself. This is our opportunity to match your skills to the job. You only get one shot!

Our recruitment process

Assessment

Step 6

Should we like what you bring to the table, depending on the job you are being considered for, you may be invited to complete a psychometric assessment. Further employment checks are conducted the ensure the validity of your credentials.

Our recruitment process

Step 7

Prior to an offer being made, there may be a second interview to meet with the Head of Department.Should there be a need for any further interviews, be sure to bring the same charm that got you through your first interview.

Our recruitment process

Onboarding

Step 8

You made it. Here we ensure we receive all your documents to get you onto our payroll system.

Our recruitment process

Advertise

Step 1

Our vacancies are advertised between 3-5 days depending on the market availability of the skills required.

Our recruitment process

Step 2

Could take a couple of days depending on the volume and the screening process, which various according to the complexity of the role.

Our recruitment process

Step 3

Long listed candidates are sent to the hiring manager to review and consider for the next stage of the selection process.

Our recruitment process

Telephonic screening

Step 4

Candidates may be contacted for a short screening interview to get to know them better and to ask any clarity seeking questions.

Our recruitment process

Your interview

Step 5

We use a competency interview model. Interview dates will be confirmed via e-mail. During the interview you will be introduced to the panel and the process will be explained. Remain calm and sell yourself. This is our opportunity to match your skills to the job. You only get one shot!

Our recruitment process

Assessment

Step 6

Should we like what you bring to the table, depending on the job you are being considered for, you may be invited to complete a psychometric assessment. Further employment checks are conducted the ensure the validity of your credentials.

Our recruitment process

Step 7

Prior to an offer being made, there may be a second interview to meet with the Head of Department.Should there be a need for any further interviews, be sure to bring the same charm that got you through your first interview.

Our recruitment process

Onboarding

Step 8

You made it. Here we ensure we receive all your documents to get you onto our payroll system.

TIPS & TRICKS

Getting ready for your interview

There is not just one way to be successful at Santam, nor is there one way to interview with us. Interviewing is a two-way process - it helps us learn about you, and it helps you learn about us, our people, and what you could do here.

Santam has been officially recognised by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer 2025 for excellence in people practices. This is the ninth consecutive year that we have achieved this accolade.