Lead Claims Adjuster - Marine & Cargo

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Pension fund contributions

International training programs

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Placements24, a global insurer client, seeks a Lead Claims Adjuster specializing in Marine & Cargo to oversee complex claims from notification to settlement in Cape Town, Western Cape.

You will lead a team of adjusters, collaborate with legal counsel, surveyors and ship owners, and ensure compliant, timely resolutions in a high-stakes marine insurance environment. The role demands 8+ years in Marine & Cargo claims and relevant certifications such as CILA or ACII.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Maritime Law, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
• 8+ years of Marine & Cargo claims experience with leadership exposure.
• Certifications such as CILA or ACII are highly desirable.
• Knowledge of international marine conventions, P&I clubs, hull/machinery, and cargo policies.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, evaluate, and negotiate complex Marine & Cargo insurance claims, ensuring timely and fair settlement.
• Lead and mentor a team of claims adjusters, providing technical expertise, guidance, and performance management.
• Collaborate with legal, underwriting, and risk management to ensure comprehensive claim handling.
• Engage with ship owners, freight forwarders, legal counsel, and marine surveyors to gather information.
• Review policy wordings, bills of lading, and documentation to determine coverage and liability.
• Manage claim reserves and provide financial forecasts to senior management in Cape Town.
• Stay updated on international maritime regulations and trends in marine and cargo insurance.
• Represent the company in claim-related disputes or litigation with legal teams.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Negotiation

Maritime industry knowledge

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Maritime Law, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field

CILA / ACII certifications

Tools

Claims management software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prestigious global insurance provider, is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Lead Claims Adjuster specializing in Marine & Cargo insurance to manage complex claims within their **Cape Town, Western Cape** office. This leadership role is critical for overseeing the entire claims process, from initial notification to final settlement, ensuring efficiency, fairness, and adherence to policy terms and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of maritime law, cargo transportation risks, and the intricacies of marine insurance claims. This is a full-time, on-site position based in the vibrant coastal city of **Cape Town**, offering a unique opportunity to work within a specialized and high-stakes area of the insurance industry. You will be responsible for leading a team of adjusters and working closely with legal experts, surveyors, and ship owners to resolve challenging claims effectively and maintain our client's reputation for excellence in the **Western Cape**.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate, evaluate, and negotiate complex Marine & Cargo insurance claims, ensuring timely and fair settlement.
• Lead and mentor a team of claims adjusters, providing technical expertise, guidance, and performance management.
• Collaborate with internal departments such as legal, underwriting, and risk management to ensure comprehensive claim handling.
• Engage with external stakeholders including ship owners, freight forwarders, legal counsel, and marine surveyors to gather information and facilitate claim resolution.
• Conduct thorough reviews of policy wordings, bills of lading, and other relevant documentation to determine coverage and liability.
• Manage claim reserves effectively and provide accurate financial forecasts to senior management in **Cape Town**.
• Stay updated on international maritime regulations, industry best practices, and emerging trends in marine and cargo insurance.
• Represent the company in claim-related disputes or litigation when necessary, working closely with legal teams.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Maritime Law, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CILA, ACII) are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in handling Marine & Cargo insurance claims, with a significant portion in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• In-depth knowledge of international marine insurance conventions, P&I clubs, hull and machinery insurance, and cargo policies.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills, with the ability to manage high-value and complex claims effectively.
• Experience in leading and motivating a team of professionals.
• Familiarity with the maritime industry and port operations within the Western Cape and beyond.
• Proficiency in claims management software and standard office applications.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required for claim investigations and meetings.

Benefits

• An attractive base salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous pension fund contributions.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and international training programs.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• Exposure to high-profile international claims and a dynamic work environment in **Cape Town**.
• Paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Company-provided tools and resources necessary for success in this role.