Lead Claims Adjuster - Property Insurance

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous leave

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Training and certifications

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a seasoned Lead Claims Adjuster to manage the property claims department. This senior role requires strong leadership, expert knowledge of property damage assessment, and the ability to guide a team through complex settlements.

You will oversee end-to-end claims, interpret policy language, mentor adjusters, and collaborate with legal counsel to ensure timely, fair outcomes while upholding regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in property insurance claims adjusting, with supervisory experience.
• Expertise in property damage assessment, construction methods and building codes.
• Strong knowledge of SA insurance policies, regulatory compliance, and litigation handling.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of property claims adjusters.
• Manage end-to-end claims process for complex property damage incidents.
• Conduct investigations, site inspections, and determine coverage and liability.
• Review and approve claim settlements within authority limits.
• Interpret policy language for complex scenarios and negotiate settlements.
• Identify potential fraud indicators and escalate as needed.
• Maintain thorough claim file documentation for regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with legal counsel on litigated claims.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Conflict resolution

Mentorship

Team management

Decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Law

Tools

Claims management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a seasoned Lead Claims Adjuster to manage and oversee the property insurance claims department in their vibrant Cape Town, Western Cape office. This senior position requires exceptional leadership skills, a profound understanding of property insurance claims, and a commitment to delivering outstanding service to policyholders during challenging times. The Lead Claims Adjuster will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient and equitable settlement of claims, while also mentoring a team of adjusters and driving operational excellence. This role is critical for maintaining our client's reputation for reliability and integrity within the insurance market in Cape Town . You will be the point person for complex claims, policy interpretation, and team guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of property claims adjusters, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Manage the end-to-end claims process for complex property damage incidents, ensuring timely and accurate assessments.
• Conduct thorough investigations, including site inspections, to determine coverage, liability, and the extent of damages.
• Review and approve claim settlements within established guidelines and authority limits.
• Interpret policy language and apply it accurately to individual claims scenarios.
• Negotiate settlements with policyholders and their representatives.
• Identify potential fraud indicators and escalation suspicious claims for further investigation.
• Maintain detailed and accurate claim file documentation, adhering to regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with legal counsel on litigated claims and provide expert testimony when required.
• Contribute to the development of claims handling best practices and training programs.
• Analyze claims data to identify trends and recommend process improvements.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Law, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in property insurance claims adjusting, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in property damage assessment, construction methods, and building codes.
• In-depth knowledge of insurance policies, legal principles, and regulatory compliance in South Africa.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proven leadership abilities with experience in team management and development.
• Proficiency in claims management software and standard office applications.
• Ability to work independently and make sound judgments under pressure.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Western Cape region for inspections.
• Professional designations such as CCLA or equivalent are advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and leadership responsibilities.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave and sick leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advanced claims certifications.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance provided.
• A stimulating and supportive work environment in Cape Town .
• Access to continuous training and development programs.
• Performance-based bonuses.