Insurance Underwriting Manager

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Remote work option

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Insurance Underwriting Manager to lead and optimize underwriting operations from Centurion, Gauteng. The role demands strategic oversight, risk-aware pricing, and hands-on leadership of a dynamic underwriting team.

The ideal candidate has extensive underwriting leadership experience, strong market insight, and a collaborative mindset to drive profitability while maintaining prudent risk discipline.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field; Master’s or ACII/FLMI is a plus.
• 8+ years in insurance underwriting with 3+ years in management/leadership.
• Proven track record in underwriting and portfolio management.
• Strong risk assessment, pricing methods, and product structure knowledge.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in underwriting software and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor underwriting strategies to drive profitability and growth.
• Lead and mentor a team of underwriters; provide regular performance feedback.
• Oversee risk assessment and pricing across product lines.
• Coordinate with actuarial, sales, and claims for cohesive strategy.
• Analyze market trends and regulatory requirements to inform decisions.
• Review and approve complex or high-value risks beyond standard authority.
• Contribute to new product development and enhancements.

Skills

Leadership

Underwriting

Pricing

Portfolio management

Risk assessment

Data analysis

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Economics

Master's degree or professional designation (ACII/FLMI)

Tools

Underwriting software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the insurance industry, is seeking a strategic and experienced Insurance Underwriting Manager to lead their underwriting operations in Centurion, Gauteng . This senior position demands a leader who can develop and execute underwriting strategies that align with the company's growth objectives while maintaining prudent risk selection and pricing. The Underwriting Manager will be responsible for guiding a team of underwriters, setting underwriting guidelines, and ensuring profitability across various insurance lines. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of underwriting principles, market trends, and financial analysis. This role is crucial for driving the success of our client's core insurance business. We are looking for an individual with a proven track record in managing underwriting teams and a passion for innovation in the insurance sector. The role requires strong leadership qualities and the ability to foster a high-performance culture within the underwriting department located in the Gauteng region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor underwriting strategies and guidelines to achieve profitability and growth targets.
• Manage and mentor a team of insurance underwriters, providing guidance and performance feedback.
• Oversee the accurate assessment and pricing of insurance risks across all product lines.
• Collaborate with actuarial, sales, and claims departments to ensure cohesive business strategies.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and economic conditions to inform underwriting decisions.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal underwriting policies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers and agents.
• Review and approve complex or high-value risks that fall outside standard underwriting authority.
• Contribute to the development of new insurance products and enhance existing ones.
• Drive continuous improvement in underwriting processes and systems.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field; a Master's degree or relevant professional designation (e.g., ACII, FLMI) is a plus.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in insurance underwriting, with at least 3 years in a management or leadership role.
• Proven track record of successful underwriting and portfolio management.
• Strong understanding of risk assessment, pricing methodologies, and insurance product structures.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in underwriting software and data analysis tools.
• Strategic thinking and strong decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with the insurance market in Centurion and the broader Gauteng region.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive executive salary, performance-based incentives, a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and retirement plans, and significant opportunities for career advancement.
• This role offers the flexibility of a remote work arrangement, allowing you to manage your responsibilities from anywhere.
• You will be part of an innovative and forward-thinking organization based in Centurion, Gauteng , contributing to shaping the future of the insurance landscape.