Hybrid Underwriting Manager: Lead Growth & Risk

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Bonuses

Relocation assistance

Team-building activities

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks an experienced Underwriting Manager to lead and develop a team of underwriters, shaping underwriting strategies and ensuring profitable growth. This hybrid role balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility, critical for risk assessment and policy optimization.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years in underwriting with leadership experience, strong analytics, and a track record in pricing and policy wording.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in insurance underwriting, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience developing and executing underwriting strategies for multiple lines (Commercial, Personal Lines).
• Strong understanding of risk assessment, pricing, and policy wording.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in underwriting software and data analysis tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Admin, Risk Management, or related field.
• ACII or equivalent designation desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of underwriters.
• Develop, implement, and monitor underwriting guidelines and strategies for profitability and risk mitigation.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and economic conditions to inform decisions.
• Review and approve complex/high-value risks outside standard authority.
• Collaborate with sales/marketing to align underwriting with growth plans.
• Manage the underwriting department’s budget and resources.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Build relationships with brokers and agents to ensure service excellence.
• Oversee underwriting portfolio performance and drive improvements.
• Contribute to development of new insurance products and services.

Skills

Leadership

Underwriting

Risk assessment

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or related field

Tools

Underwriting software

Data analysis tools

Job description

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks an experienced Underwriting Manager to lead and develop a team of underwriters, shaping underwriting strategies and ensuring profitable growth. This hybrid role balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility, critical for risk assessment and policy optimization.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years in underwriting with leadership experience, strong analytics, and a track record in pricing and policy wording.