Senior Underwriter

Sanlam Limited; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Underwriter to join their Risk Acceptance Department. This role involves managing underwriting for corporate property insurance, interacting with brokers, and contributing to business growth. The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation skills and a proven track record in underwriting, with the ability to operate under pressure. This position offers a unique opportunity to enhance the company’s brand and engage in meaningful industry interactions. If you are self-motivated and possess excellent communication skills, this could be the perfect role for you.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of relevant experience in underwriting.
• IISA qualification and/or equivalent professional qualification.

Responsibilities

• Manage underwriting of new and renewal corporate property insurance.
• Engage in technical analysis and negotiations on policy wordings.

Skills

Underwriting Skills

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Networking Skills

Education

IISA Qualification

RE Examination

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Senior Underwriter in our Risk Acceptance Department at Emerald.

What will make you successful in this role?

The individual will be responsible for managing the underwriting of new and renewal corporate property insurance business and placing the necessary facultative reinsurance. The suitable candidate will be expected to interact and work effectively with members of the management team, play an effective role in the improvement of the company's product and department documentation, and assume marketing and business growth targets. Additionally, the candidate will interact with business partners, brokers, and potential new clients.

The candidate must have strong underwriting and negotiation skills, the ability to operate under demanding deadlines, and be able to prioritise and organise tasks efficiently. Effective follow-up with brokers, reinsurance brokers, underwriters, managers, and other departments within the company is essential. The candidate will contribute to sustaining and growing a profitable book of business while enhancing Emerald's brand and reputation. The individual should be self-disciplined, professional, well-presented, self-motivated, and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Key Performance Areas

1. Enhance the Emerald brand and promote sustainable, ethical practices.
2. Support all financial and growth objectives of Emerald.
3. Assist marketing efforts to achieve growth and profitability aligned with company objectives and business plans, including supporting the Emerald/Santam Specialist office in London.
4. Manage underwriting files to support risk administration efficiency.
5. Maintain underwriting standards based on information such as loss ratios, risk concerns, policy limits, deductibles, and policy wordings.
6. Assess risks through analysis of reports, discussions with risk managers and engineers, and implementing risk improvement recommendations.
7. Engage in technical analysis, discussions, and negotiations on policy wordings.
8. Implement and negotiate facultative reinsurance within company appetite and monitor placements.
9. Prepare technical reviews, client risk profiles, and claims history reviews.
10. Participate in broker visits, industry functions, and marketing events to develop broker relationships.
11. Consult with management on unique risks to minimize adverse selection and maintain portfolio quality.
12. Stay informed on industry trends, developments, and regulatory changes.
13. Travel as required by management.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5–7 years of relevant experience.
• IISA qualification and/or equivalent professional qualification.
• Successful completion of RE Examination.
• Experience with African and South African retail and reinsurance brokers, reinsurers, and clients.
• Strong networking skills with national and international brokers/reinsurers.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to compile and present business proposals and reports.
• Analysis of broker submissions for profitability.
• Preparation and submission of business to reinsurers and brokers.
• Lead technical discussions and negotiations on policy wordings.
• Provide underwriting input on claims matters.
• Manage documentation related to new and renewal business within authority limits.
• Monitor and control documentation workflows.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and mandates.
• Generate data and reports as required.
• Coordinate with internal and external Risk Engineering teams.
• Adhere to Emerald underwriting guidelines and peer review processes.