Head of Life Underwriting & Risk Innovation

FNB South Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

FNB South Africa seeks an exceptional Chief Underwriter to lead underwriting governance, risk assessment, and sustainable growth for the life insurance division. You will shape underwriting policy, mentor teams, and influence senior stakeholders to drive value while maintaining sound risk governance.

You will collaborate with reinsurers, distribution partners, and industry bodies to deliver excellence in underwriting analytics and governance across the organization.

Qualifications

• Experience leading underwriting teams in life insurance.
• Strong knowledge of risk assessment and governance.
• Proven stakeholder engagement with reinsurers.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for underwriting governance across the business.
• Lead and develop a high-performing underwriting function.
• Drive underwriting innovation and modernisation to improve efficiency and risk management.
• Partner with business, actuarial, medical, reinsurance, product, and distribution teams.
• Represent the organisation in engagements with reinsurers and industry bodies.
• Provide expert oversight on complex underwriting decisions and trends.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and governance frameworks.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Underwriting governance

Risk assessment

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Education

Matric

Bachelor's degree

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

FNB South Africa seeks an exceptional Chief Underwriter to lead underwriting governance, risk assessment, and sustainable growth for the life insurance division. You will shape underwriting policy, mentor teams, and influence senior stakeholders to drive value while maintaining sound risk governance.

You will collaborate with reinsurers, distribution partners, and industry bodies to deliver excellence in underwriting analytics and governance across the organization.