Insurance Underwriter - SME Commercial Lines

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 540,000 - 780,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid & retirement contributions

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Insurance Underwriter to join our SME commercial lines team in a hybrid role based in Benoni, Gauteng. You will evaluate risks, set terms and pricing, and drive profitable SME growth while working closely with brokers.

The role requires strong analytical and decision‑making skills, proficiency with underwriting systems and MS Office, and the ability to manage a diverse book of business. Hybrid work supports office and remote tasks.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years in commercial insurance underwriting focused on SME.
• Knowledge of property, general liability, and business interruption.
• Proficient in underwriting systems and MS Office.
• Hybrid work readiness and commutable to Benoni.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and renewal SME commercial policies (property, liability, related coverages).
• Assess risk exposures from financial information, operations and industry factors.
• Determine premiums, terms and conditions per risk and guidelines.
• Develop and maintain broker/agent relationships and provide underwriting support.
• Monitor SME portfolio performance and identify trends.
• Collaborate with claims on risk factors and loss trends.
• Stay updated on market, regulatory changes and competitors in SME insurance.
• Contribute to underwriting guidelines and product offerings.
• Manage portfolio within authority limits.
• Mentor junior underwriters as needed.

Skills

Analytical skills

Decision-making

Communication

Negotiation

Time management

Education

Insurance qualification (NQF Level 5)

Progress towards qualification

Tools

Underwriting systems

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Insurance Underwriter to join their team, focusing on Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) commercial lines. This hybrid role, based in Benoni, Gauteng , requires an individual with a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of business risks. You will be responsible for evaluating and selecting risks, determining appropriate terms and pricing for commercial policies, and ensuring profitable growth of the SME portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, excellent decision‑making abilities, and a commercial mindset. You will work closely with brokers and agents to understand their clients' needs and provide responsive underwriting services. This position offers a dynamic work environment where your expertise in commercial insurance is highly valued. Your ability to build strong broker relationships and manage a diverse book of business will be key to success. We are looking for a proactive underwriter who can contribute to the strategic objectives of the company and maintain a balanced risk appetite.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and renewal business for SME commercial insurance policies, including property, liability, and related coverages.
• Assess risk exposures by analyzing financial information, business operations, and industry-specific factors.
• Determine appropriate premium rates, terms, and conditions based on risk assessment and company guidelines.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers and agents, providing timely and professional underwriting support.
• Monitor the performance of the SME portfolio, identifying trends and potential areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with the claims department to share insights on risk factors and loss trends.
• Stay current with market developments, regulatory changes, and competitor activities in the SME commercial insurance sector.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of underwriting guidelines and product offerings.
• Manage a designated portfolio of accounts, ensuring adherence to underwriting authority limits.
• Provide guidance and support to junior underwriting staff as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in commercial insurance underwriting, with a focus on SME business.
• Strong understanding of various commercial insurance products, including property, general liability, and business interruption.
• Excellent analytical, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and MS Office Suite.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with brokers.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing office and remote tasks.
• A relevant insurance qualification (e.g., NQF Level 5) or progress towards one is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a workload efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Reside in or be able to commute to Benoni, Gauteng for office‑based work.
• Commercial acumen and a client‑focused approach.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• Hybrid work model promoting work‑life balance.
• Access to a broad range of commercial insurance products.
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing company.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Be part of a key insurance hub in Gauteng .