Head Of Valuations / Head Of Actuarial Function

Gen Re; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Valuations to lead their actuarial function. This role requires a qualified actuary with a strong background in life insurance or reinsurance, focusing on regulatory compliance, valuations, and strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate will manage a high-performance team, engage with stakeholders, and provide insights to senior management. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence key financial decisions and contribute to the growth of the organization in a dynamic environment. If you have a passion for actuarial excellence and a commitment to delivering results, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Qualified actuary with 5+ years in life insurance or reinsurance roles.
• Ability to lead teams and drive results while fostering innovation.

Responsibilities

• Manage the valuation team and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Issue annual reserve and capital adequacy opinions based on actuarial calculations.

Skills

Actuarial modeling

Financial reporting

Regulatory reporting

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Communication skills

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Education

Qualified actuary

Tools

MS Office

SQL Server

R

Python

GGY AXIS

Job description

General Re Corporation, a subsidiary of, is a holding company for global reinsurance and related operations, with more than 2,000 employees worldwide. It owns General Reinsurance Corporation and General Reinsurance AG, which conducts business as Gen Re.

Gen Re delivers reinsurance solutions to the Life / Health and Property / Casualty insurance industries. Represented in all major reinsurance markets through a network, we have earned superior financial strength ratings from each of the major rating agencies. We value diversity, equality, and inclusion and promote a culture that supports professional and personal growth.

General Reinsurance, Cape Town Branch (a subsidiary of General Reinsurance AG) is offering an opportunity for Head of Valuations / Head of Actuarial Function in our Life Australia, UK, SA, Canada division.

The Role

The role is the Head of the Actuarial Function as set out in the Long-Term Insurance Act. An important aspect of the role is the management of the Gen Re South Africa valuation team and their delivery. The role also involves collaborating closely with other Gen Re South Africa teams in fulfilling the necessary duties as well as with international colleagues. Effective stakeholder engagement across multiple levels within Gen Re and with members of the Board of Directors and the regulator is an important aspect of the role.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance :

• Ensure compliance with legal requirements, including the fulfilment of the requirements of the Actuarial Function as set out in Prudential Standard GOI 3.
• Prepare reports and documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Participate in peer reviews and external and internal audits as needed.

Valuations and Reserving :

• Issue annual reserve opinions based on actuarial calculations, considering assets, liabilities, and risk exposure.
• Evaluate the adequacy of reserves for insurance policies.
• Collaborate with finance and risk management teams to ensure accurate reporting for published, regulatory, and tax purposes.
• Review and enhance actuarial models used for valuation purposes.
• Conduct annual assumption updates.

Capital Adequacy :

• Issue annual capital adequacy opinion on the solvency position of the company.
• Provide input into the ORSA process.
• Provide input and opinion on annual dividend declarations.

Risk Assessment and Strategy :

• Assess risk exposure related to insurance products and retrocession arrangements.
• Develop and recommend retrocession strategies to optimise risk transfer and capital management.
• Analyze reinsurance treaties, pricing, and terms to enhance profitability.

Strategic Decision-Making :

• Provide insights to senior management on actuarial matters, including profitability, financial projections, and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with the business development team and client managers to ensure client results are understood.
• Stay informed about industry trends and changes in regulations affecting insurance business.
• Provide required input and feedback across Gen Re South Africa executive team as well as wider Gen Re regional and global executive teams.
• Providing assurance to the Gen Re South Africa board of directors with regards to the actuarial reserves and capital adequacy.
• Involvement and feedback in interactions with regulators.

Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for applicants that offer the following skills and experience:

• Qualified actuary with at least five years post-qualification experience in life insurance or reinsurance roles.
• Holding a practicing certificate, or being in the process of obtaining one, is advantageous. Requirement to work towards one if not a current practicing certificate holder.
• Ability to lead a high-performance team, driving results and fostering innovation.
• Expertise in actuarial modeling, reserving, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of regulatory reporting under SAM and Solvency II will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of financial reporting under IFRS17 and USGAAP / LDTI will be advantageous.
• Familiarity with South African regulatory requirements (GOI and FSI).
• Excellent IT skills (MS Office, SQL Server, working with large datasets).
• Excellent skills in actuarial modelling, data, and statistical analysis (Knowledge of R, Python, and GGY AXIS will be advantageous).
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to convey complex concepts to non-actuarial stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work effectively as part of a team, deal with people at all levels and in all areas of the business, and engage with clients.
• Consistent pursuit of excellence in execution and delivery.
• Self-motivated with a flexible attitude and enthusiasm for the role.
• Able to work under pressure in meeting internal and external deadlines.