Construction Leader

WTW; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A global advisory and solutions firm is seeking a Construction Leader in Cape Town to provide strategic direction and leadership for the construction business. This role involves driving growth, managing client relationships, and ensuring operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in construction insurance with strong expertise in risk management and a proven track record in a leadership position. The position offers flexible work options aligned with company needs.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Equal employment opportunity

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in construction insurance broking or underwriting.
• Strong knowledge of construction insurance and risk management practices.
• Fluent in English with good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the construction business strategy.
• Lead business development initiatives and build senior-level relationships.
• Drive innovation in placement solutions and risk management strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Risk Management

Insurance Broking

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

The Construction Leader will provide strategic direction, leadership, and oversight for WTW’s construction business in South Africa. This role is responsible for driving growth, ensuring operational excellence, managing key client relationships, and positioning WTW as the leading construction risk and insurance advisor in the region. The Construction Leader will collaborate with global and regional teams to deliver innovative solutions, strengthen market presence, and develop talent within the business unit.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the construction business strategy for South Africa, aligned with regional and global objectives.
• Identify growth opportunities, market trends, and emerging risks to position WTW as a trusted advisor.
• Lead business development initiatives, including RFPs, tenders, and strategic partnerships.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with clients, cedants, and insurers.
• Provide expert guidance on complex construction risks, contract conditions, and insurance solutions.
• Represent WTW at industry forums, conferences, and client meetings to enhance visibility and credibility.
• Oversee broking, placement, and servicing activities to ensure high-quality delivery.
• Ensure compliance with WTW policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive innovation in placement solutions and risk management strategies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing construction team.
• Foster collaboration across business units and encourage cross-selling opportunities.
• Deliver revenue growth and profitability targets for the construction business.
• Monitor performance metrics, pipeline development, and client satisfaction.
• Ensure efficient resource allocation and cost management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in construction insurance broking or underwriting, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing complex construction clients and delivering innovative risk solutions.
• Strong knowledge of construction insurance, contract conditions, and risk management practices.
• Fluent in English.
• A proven track record in insurance broking or underwriting.
• Must be capable of providing cost estimation for insurance classes on projects.
• Must have worked on projects within Africa.
• An in-depth knowledge of construction insurance to address client questions and technical issues.
• Good communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience handling and managing complex construction clients.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally as required.
• Ability to assimilate and apply large volumes of information rapidly.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a wider team.
• Able to prioritise, manage deadlines, and work under pressure.
• Comfortable explaining complex concepts and making recommendations to client servicing teams and clients.
• Ability to adapt personal style to work effectively with a wide range of clients, colleagues and underwriters.
• Must be prepared to work with integrity and openness, complying at all times with local regulatory and WTW requirements.
• Good IT skills with excellent Word and Excel usage capability.

The Company

WTW is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, WTW has 45,000 employees serving more than 140 countries and markets. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas – the dynamic formula that drives business performance. Together, we unlock potential. Learn more at wtwco.com.

Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups, in line with the South African Employment Equity Act.

WTW is committed to finding opportunities to promote workplace flexibility when possible based on the needs of our customers and the company. We are pleased to say that this role meets the criteria for flexible work.

We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email [e-mail]