Engineering Assistant Level 1 Sf (Fixed Term)

Valterra Platinum Limited; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level salary with bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Remote leadership role

Job summary

Valterra Platinum Limited is seeking an experienced Underwriting Manager to lead a remote short-term underwriting team. You will shape underwriting strategy, set guidelines, and drive profitable growth from a home office.

Responsibilities include mentoring a high-performance team, monitoring portfolio performance, and collaborating with sales, claims, actuarial, and product teams to ensure strategic alignment and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive short-term insurance underwriting experience.
• At least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• In-depth knowledge of short-term lines (Commercial, Personal, Marine, Liability).
• Strong understanding of risk management, pricing, reserving, and SA regulatory frameworks.
• Proven track record in profitable underwriting portfolios and strategy development.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and refine underwriting strategies and guidelines for all short-term products.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performance underwriting team.
• Monitor portfolio performance, analyze metrics, identify trends and inform decisions.
• Collaborate with sales, claims, actuarial, and product development teams.
• Oversee risk assessment for complex accounts and provide final approval where needed.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and alignment with internal policies.
• Manage underwriting budget and resources.
• Drive innovation in processes and tools using technology.
• Represent underwriting in senior management meetings and planning sessions.
• Maintain relationships with brokers and distribution partners.
• Communicate effectively across a fully remote team.

Skills

Leadership

Underwriting

Portfolio management

Regulatory knowledge

Data analytics

Remote leadership

Excellent communication

Strategic thinking

Education

ACII

CIP

MBA

Tools

Underwriting systems

Data analytics tools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading national insurer committed to innovation and excellence, is seeking an experienced and strategic Underwriting Manager to lead their short-term insurance underwriting team. This is a fully remote position, offering the ideal candidate the opportunity to shape underwriting strategy and manage a high-performing team from their home office. You will be responsible for developing underwriting guidelines, ensuring profitable growth, managing risk appetite, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role demands strong leadership, deep technical knowledge of short-term insurance, and a proven ability to drive results in a remote-first environment. You will play a critical role in guiding the company's underwriting philosophy and ensuring its long-term success. Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and refine underwriting strategies and guidelines for all short-term insurance products to ensure profitable growth and manage risk appetite.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of underwriters, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring consistent application of underwriting principles.
• Monitor portfolio performance, analyze key metrics, and identify trends to inform underwriting decisions and strategies.
• Collaborate closely with sales, claims, actuarial, and product development teams to ensure alignment and support business objectives.
• Oversee the risk assessment process for complex and large accounts, providing expert guidance and final approval where necessary.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and best practices in underwriting.
• Manage the underwriting budget and resources effectively.
• Drive innovation in underwriting processes and tools, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
• Represent the underwriting function in senior management meetings and strategic planning sessions.
• Maintain strong relationships with key brokers and distribution partners, providing insights and support.
• Effectively manage and communicate across a fully remote team, ensuring clear direction and collaboration.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in short-term insurance underwriting, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing profitable underwriting portfolios and developing underwriting strategy.
• In-depth knowledge of various short-term insurance lines (e.g., Commercial, Personal, Marine, Liability).
• Strong understanding of risk management, pricing, reserving, and regulatory frameworks in South Africa.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, vital for remote leadership.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems, data analytics tools, and standard office software.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., ACII, CIP, MBA) are highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive and lead effectively in a fully remote work environment.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a dedicated, professional home office setup.

Benefits

• Highly attractive executive-level salary with significant bonus potential.
• Comprehensive executive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance.
• Generous annual leave and executive leave allowances.
• Exceptional opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
• The ultimate flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote leadership position.
• Work with a progressive and forward-thinking insurance organization.
• Contribute to shaping the strategic direction of a major insurer.