Head of Insurance Claims Management

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Executive pension fund

Life and disability insurance

Hybrid work model

Annual leave

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Head of Insurance Claims Management in Upington, Northern Cape. You will lead a team of claims professionals, shaping end-to-end processes and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

The role focuses on driving performance, leveraging KPIs, and balancing customer service with cost efficiency in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Law, or a related field is required.
• Master's degree or relevant professional qualification is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 10 years in insurance claims management with at least 5 years in leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive claims management strategies.
• Lead and mentor the claims department to maintain high performance.
• Oversee end-to-end claims process ensuring compliance with policy terms and regulations.
• Establish KPIs for claims handling, resolution times and customer satisfaction.
• Manage relationships with external service providers and budget considerations.
• Drive continuous improvement for customer service and cost control.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Decision making

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Claims systems proficiency

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Law, or related field

Master's degree or relevant professional qualification

Tools

Claims management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished and strategic leader to serve as the Head of Insurance Claims Management in Upington, Northern Cape. This senior executive role is responsible for overseeing the entire claims function, ensuring efficient, fair, and accurate claims handling across all product lines. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in claims operations, a strong understanding of insurance law and best practices, and exceptional leadership capabilities. You will lead a team of claims professionals, implement best-in-class processes, and drive continuous improvement to enhance customer satisfaction and manage operational costs. This position is critical for maintaining the reputation and operational integrity of our client in the Northern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive claims management strategies to align with business objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the claims department, fostering a high-performance culture focused on efficiency and customer service.
• Oversee the end-to-end claims process, from initial reporting to final settlement, ensuring compliance with policy terms and regulatory requirements.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for claims handling, resolution times, and customer satisfaction.
• Implement robust fraud detection and prevention measures within the claims process.
• Manage relationships with external service providers, including loss adjusters, repair networks, and legal counsel.
• Ensure the claims team possesses the necessary skills and knowledge through training and development initiatives.
• Analyze claims data to identify trends, root causes of losses, and opportunities for underwriting or product improvements.
• Manage the claims budget effectively and identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Represent the claims department in senior management meetings and contribute to strategic planning.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Law, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or relevant professional qualification is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in insurance claims management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of claims handling best practices, insurance law, and regulatory frameworks in South Africa.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large claims operations and teams.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and decision‑making abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in claims management systems and relevant technologies.
• Experience in developing and implementing claims strategies that balance customer service with cost control.
• Ability to drive change and foster a culture of continuous improvement is essential for this Upington role.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial base salary and significant performance‑based bonuses. Comprehensive benefits include premium medical aid, an executive pension fund, and life and disability insurance. This role provides exceptional opportunities for career growth and professional impact within a leading insurance organization. The company supports ongoing learning through advanced training, leadership development programs, and industry conferences. The hybrid work model offers flexibility and autonomy. Upington, Northern Cape provides a unique regional focus for this vital role. Employees will also receive a generous annual leave allowance and access to extensive wellness programs.