Commercial Underwriter

What will you do?

Santam Broker Services Operations’ division – Commercial Portfolio Management CoE is seeking an individual with strong underwriting skills and the ability to build good relationships. The successful candidate must possess excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a ‘can-do’ attitude. The position is based in Hill on Empire.

What will make you successful in this role?

This job family stream focuses on managing risk by providing specialist technical underwriting advice. The Commercial Underwriter role is highly technical and client-focused. The incumbent will manage risk on external systems to achieve, maintain, and grow the profitability of the Commercial Portfolio Management channel.

Key Accountabilities of this role include:

1. Handling escalations outside of binding authority, including technical and complex queries.
2. Understanding risk management and applying risk mitigation strategies.
3. Managing profitability through effective policy screening at policy and portfolio levels.
4. Initiating, providing, and implementing renewal terms and conditions on high-risk and high-exposure policies.
5. Effectively underwriting complex risks (new business, renewals, etc.).
6. Identifying re-insurance needs and taking appropriate actions.
7. Providing accurate feedback on high-level technical queries.
8. Maintaining a strong focus on retention, profitability, and growth.
9. Working within higher-level mandates.

The candidate will also build networks and relationships with various stakeholders, liaising and influencing at different levels. The role requires embracing a culture of learning and development.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years underwriting experience in short-term Commercial insurance.
• RE accreditation.
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel.
• Grade 12 or equivalent.
• FAIS compliance – 120 credits on NQF level 5 in Commercial lines.
• Knowledge of Persetel & Web-E systems.
• Membership with IISA (advantageous).
• Risk Identification and Assessment programme (RIA) (advantageous).
• Completion or ongoing completion of Santam Academy courses in commercial insurance.
• Santam Underwriting level 3 (applicable to internal candidates).
• Bachelor’s Degree, AIISA, FIISA, or comparable short-term insurance qualification.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Results-oriented delivery.
• Attention to detail with strong analytical skills.
• Problem-solving and creative thinking.
• Adaptability to change.
• Performance under pressure.
• Decisiveness and initiative.
• Networking and relationship-building.
• Negotiation skills.
• Goal setting and prioritization.
• Effective communication.

Core Competencies:

• Collaboration.
• Innovation.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Results-driven.
• Client focus.
• Profitable underwriting.
• Client service.
• Quality management.
• Reporting.

Our Commitment to Transformation

Santam is a market leader in the Southern African general insurance industry, committed to transformation and growth. While headquartered in South Africa, we are expanding into emerging markets across Africa and Asia. We serve over 1 million policyholders, including many top-listed companies, with a focus on providing peace of mind and protecting our clients’ peace of mind.

We value diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Take the next step in your career—apply now and join a company shaping the future of insurance. This is Freedom!