Lead Actuarial Analyst - Life Insurance

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Study leave

Leave provisions

Job summary

Placements24 and our client in Durban seek a Lead Actuarial Analyst to drive pricing, reserving, and financial projections for life insurance products. You will lead key actuarial projects, mentor junior analysts, and provide critical insights for regulatory compliance and strategic decisions.

The role requires an Associate or Fellow of ASSA with at least six years in life insurance, strong technical skills (Prophet, MoSes, R, Python, SQL), and excellent communication to present findings to

Qualifications

• Associate or Fellow of the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA) or equivalent international qualification.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive actuarial experience in the life insurance sector.
• Strong proficiency in actuarial software (Prophet, MoSes, R, Python) and database management (SQL).
• Demonstrated experience in leading actuarial projects and teams.
• In-depth knowledge of life insurance product features, pricing methodologies, and reserving principles.
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts effectively.
• Experience with IFRS 17 implementation or reporting is highly desirable.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and validate actuarial models for pricing, reserving, and financial projections of life insurance products.
• Conduct experience analysis (morbidity, mortality, lapse rates) and update assumptions accordingly.
• Prepare actuarial reports for regulatory bodies (e.g., Solvency II, IFRS 17) and internal management.
• Lead actuarial projects and mentor junior analysts to deliver timely results.
• Collaborate with product development, marketing, and finance teams to support new product launches.
• Perform sensitivity testing and scenario analysis to assess market factors.
• Contribute to enhancement of actuarial systems and processes.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and regulatory changes.
• Present complex actuarial findings to senior management and non-actuarial stakeholders.

Skills

Actuarial modeling

Pricing

Reserving

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

ASSA Associate/Fellow

Tools

Prophet

MoSes

R

Python

SQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the life insurance market, is looking for an accomplished Lead Actuarial Analyst to join their strategic team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior role requires a strong analytical mind and deep expertise in actuarial modeling, pricing, and reserving for life insurance products. You will lead key actuarial projects, mentor junior analysts, and provide critical insights to support business decision-making and regulatory compliance. The role adopts a hybrid work model, offering a balanced approach to work and personal life in the vibrant coastal city of Durban.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and validate actuarial models for pricing, reserving, and financial projections of life insurance products.
• Conduct experience analysis (morbidity, mortality, lapse rates) and update assumptions accordingly.
• Prepare actuarial reports for regulatory bodies (e.g., Solvency II, IFRS 17) and internal management.
• Lead and manage actuarial projects, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of results.
• Mentor and guide junior actuarial staff, fostering their technical and professional growth.
• Collaborate with product development, marketing, and finance teams to support new product launches and business initiatives.
• Perform sensitivity testing and scenario analysis to assess the impact of various economic and market factors.
• Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of actuarial systems and processes.
• Research and stay updated on industry best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging actuarial techniques.
• Present complex actuarial findings to senior management and non-actuarial stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.

Requirements

• An Associate or Fellow of the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA) or equivalent international qualification.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive actuarial experience in the life insurance sector.
• Strong proficiency in actuarial software (e.g., Prophet, MoSes, R, Python) and database management (SQL).
• Demonstrated experience in leading actuarial projects and teams.
• In-depth knowledge of life insurance product features, pricing methodologies, and reserving principles.
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts effectively.
• Experience with IFRS 17 implementation or reporting is highly desirable.
• Ability to work collaboratively across different departments and manage multiple priorities.
• Must be comfortable with a hybrid work arrangement in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary and bonus structure, reflecting the seniority of the role and the candidate's expertise. Comprehensive benefits include excellent medical aid options, a substantial retirement fund, and generous leave provisions. Our client invests heavily in employee development, providing access to advanced actuarial training, conference attendance, and support for further professional qualifications. The hybrid working model in Durban supports a healthy work-life balance. Additional benefits may include study leave, relocation assistance and participation in high-profile strategic initiatives within the company.