Head of Claims

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Executive coaching

Medical aid

Life cover

Pension fund

Flexible working

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a visionary Head of Claims to lead the claims division in Mahikeng, North West. This senior role directs strategic direction, operations, and performance across multiple lines of business.

You will oversee a large team, drive innovation, ensure compliance, and manage costs while delivering timely, fair settlements and excellent customer outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in insurance claims management with 5+ in senior leadership.
• Experience across lines: short-term, long-term, commercial, personal.
• Strong strategic, operational, and financial oversight of a large claims function.
• Deep knowledge of insurance law, regulatory compliance, and best practices.
• MBA or Law degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Proficiency in claims management systems and data analytics tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the claims department to align with company objectives.
• Oversee daily operations of all claims functions for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead and mentor a large team of claims professionals to sustain a high-performance culture.
• Implement best practices in claims handling, process optimization, and QA.
• Develop and manage the claims department budget and financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with insurance regulations, legal requirements, and internal policies.
• Drive innovation in claims management through new technologies and analytics.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including external service providers and regulators.
• Analyze claims data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Champion a customer-centric approach throughout the claims experience.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Data analytics

Regulatory compliance

Digital transformation

Negotiation

Education

MBA

Law degree

Tools

Claims management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent and forward-thinking insurance company, is seeking a visionary and highly experienced Head of Claims to lead their comprehensive claims division in Mahikeng, North West. This senior leadership position is responsible for the strategic direction, operational efficiency, and overall performance of the entire claims function. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in managing large, complex claims operations, driving innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence, customer focus, and compliance. You will oversee all aspects of claims handling across multiple lines of business, ensuring timely, fair, and accurate settlements while managing costs effectively. This is a critical role with significant influence, offering the opportunity to shape the future of claims management within a respected organization. We are looking for an inspirational leader with exceptional strategic acumen and a deep understanding of the insurance claims landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the claims department to align with company objectives.
• Oversee the daily operations of all claims functions, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage and mentor a large team of claims professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Implement best practices in claims handling, process optimization, and quality assurance.
• Develop and manage the claims department budget and financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant insurance regulations, legal requirements, and internal policies.
• Drive innovation in claims management, including the adoption of new technologies and data analytics.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including external service providers, reinsurers, and regulatory bodies.
• Analyze claims data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Champion a customer-centric approach throughout the claims experience.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in insurance claims management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Director, Head of Claims).
• Extensive experience managing claims across various insurance lines (e.g., short-term, long-term, commercial, personal).
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, operational management, and financial oversight of a large claims department.
• Strong understanding of insurance law, regulatory compliance, and claims best practices.
• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and motivational skills.
• Proven ability to drive change, innovation, and digital transformation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., MBA, Law, Business) or equivalent professional experience.
• Proficiency in claims management systems and data analytics tools.
• High level of integrity and commitment to ethical conduct.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive remuneration package, including significant performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive executive benefits, including top-tier medical aid, life cover, and pension fund.
• Exceptional opportunities for strategic leadership and professional growth.
• The chance to lead a major function within a reputable and stable insurance company in Mahikeng.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• Access to executive coaching and development programs.
• Generous leave provisions and flexible working arrangements.
• A dynamic and collaborative executive team environment.
• Significant influence on company strategy and operations.
• Annual review of compensation and benefits.