Lead Insurance Risk Manager

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Remote work

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Training programs

Paid time off

Conferences

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Insurance Risk Manager to drive the enterprise risk management framework across the insurance portfolio in a fully remote role. You will identify, assess and monitor market, credit, operational, liquidity, and underwriting risks, and lead the team responsible for mitigating these risks.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in risk management within insurance/financial services, a Master’s degree in a quantitative field, and professional certifications such as FRM/PRM.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a quantitative field and relevant risk certifications preferred.
• 8+ years in risk management within insurance/financial services.
• Experience building ERM frameworks and regulatory knowledge (Solvency II, Basel).
• Strong leadership and ability to manage remote teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the enterprise risk management framework for the insurance business.
• Identify, assess, and monitor key risks across the portfolio.
• Design risk controls and mitigation strategies.
• Lead risk reporting to senior management and the board.
• Provide risk training and collaborate with internal audit and compliance.
• Conduct stress testing and scenario analysis.

Skills

ERM framework

Regulatory compliance

Risk modeling

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Remote team leadership

Education

Master's degree (Finance/Economics/Math/Risk Mgmt)

FRM/PRM or actuarial designation

Tools

SAS

R

Python

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial institution renowned for its robust insurance operations, is seeking an experienced and strategic Lead Insurance Risk Manager to spearhead their risk management initiatives. This is a critical, fully remote leadership role focused on identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial and operational risks across the insurance portfolio. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing comprehensive risk management frameworks, policies, and procedures that ensure the stability and compliance of the organization. As a remote‑first position, you will lead a distributed team, fostering collaboration and driving a strong risk‑aware culture throughout the company. We are looking for a seasoned professional with deep expertise in insurance risk, regulatory compliance, and sophisticated risk modeling techniques. This is an exceptional opportunity to exercise leadership and strategic influence within a respected industry leader, contributing directly to its long‑term success and resilience. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical capabilities, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of managing complex risk portfolios in a demanding environment. Embrace the challenges and rewards of a senior leadership role within a company that values innovation and operational excellence through its commitment to a remote work model. Your expertise will be crucial in safeguarding the company’s assets and reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the overall enterprise risk management (ERM) framework for the insurance business.
• Identify, assess, and monitor key risks, including market, credit, operational, liquidity, and underwriting risks.
• Design and implement risk mitigation strategies and controls to manage identified risks effectively.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and industry best practices related to risk management.
• Develop and deliver risk management training programs to employees at all levels.
• Prepare regular risk reports and present findings and recommendations to senior management and the board of directors.
• Lead and mentor a team of risk management professionals, fostering their development and performance.
• Conduct stress testing and scenario analysis to assess the impact of adverse events on the company's financial position.
• Collaborate with internal audit, compliance, and other departments to ensure a cohesive approach to risk management.
• Stay updated on emerging risks and regulatory changes impacting the insurance industry.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Risk Management, or a related quantitative field.
• Professional certifications such as FRM, PRM, or relevant actuarial designations are highly preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in risk management within the insurance or financial services industry.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing ERM frameworks.
• In-depth knowledge of insurance products, operations, and regulatory requirements (e.g., Solvency II, Basel).
• Strong understanding of quantitative risk modeling techniques and tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage complex projects, and lead a remote team effectively.
• Strategic thinking and strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• High level of integrity and ethical conduct.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including a competitive base salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan with significant employer matching.
• Opportunities for extensive professional development and executive training.
• Fully remote work arrangement with a supportive infrastructure.
• Significant influence on strategic decision‑making and risk policies.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Access to industry conferences and networking events.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• A culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence.