Lead Insurance Underwriter

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus structure

Medical aid and retirement fund

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Generous leave

Access to underwriting tools

Career advancement within growing org

Employee wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Lead Insurance Underwriter to guide a team and shape underwriting standards. This senior role blends strategic oversight with hands-on risk assessment, operating in a hybrid model balancing office and remote work.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years in underwriting, strong leadership, and expertise in commercial or specialized lines, with thorough knowledge of regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field.
• ACII/FLMI designation advantageous.
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in insurance underwriting, with focus on commercial or specialized lines.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing a team of underwriters.
• In-depth knowledge of insurance products, risk assessment techniques, regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of underwriters, guiding on complex cases and performance development.
• Develop and implement underwriting policies and procedures for consistent and profitable risk selection.
• Underwrite and approve complex insurance applications, assess risks, terms, conditions, and pricing.
• Monitor team underwriting performance and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with senior management, actuarial, and claims to align strategies with risk appetite.
• Review portfolio trends, exposures, and growth opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Build relationships with brokers, agents, and distribution partners.
• Analyze market conditions and competitor strategies to adapt approaches.
• Contribute to development and training of underwriting staff.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Risk assessment

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Economics

Tools

Underwriting software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable and established player in the insurance market, is seeking an experienced and decisive Lead Insurance Underwriter to join their esteemed team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This senior position requires a proven track record in assessing and accepting complex insurance risks, particularly within the commercial or high-net-worth segments. You will be responsible for guiding a team of underwriters, setting underwriting standards, and ensuring profitable growth while maintaining adherence to risk appetite. This role offers a compelling blend of strategic oversight and hands‑on underwriting, set against the beautiful backdrop of Stellenbosch. The hybrid work model allows for effective collaboration in the office and the flexibility of remote work, ensuring a balanced professional life. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of expertise and mutual respect.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of insurance underwriters, providing guidance on complex cases and performance development.


• Develop and implement underwriting policies, guidelines, and procedures to ensure consistent and profitable risk selection.


• Underwrite and approve complex insurance applications, assessing risks, determining terms, conditions, and pricing.


• Monitor the underwriting performance of the team and individual underwriters, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.


• Collaborate with senior management, actuarial, and claims departments to align underwriting strategies with overall business objectives and risk appetite.


• Conduct regular reviews of the insurance portfolio to identify trends, potential exposures, and opportunities for growth.


• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal policies governing underwriting practices.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and other distribution partners.


• Analyze market conditions and competitor strategies to adapt underwriting approaches as necessary.


• Contribute to the development and training of underwriting staff.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.


• Relevant professional designations (e.g., ACII, FLMI) are highly advantageous.


• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in insurance underwriting, with a significant focus on commercial or specialized lines of business.


• Demonstrated leadership experience, managing a team of underwriters.


• In-depth knowledge of various insurance products, risk assessment techniques, legal and regulatory requirements.


• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.


• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to interpret financial statements and conduct thorough risk analysis.


• Familiarity with underwriting software and systems.


• Commitment to maintaining a hybrid work schedule, balancing office presence with remote flexibility in Stellenbosch.


• High level of integrity and ethical conduct.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.


• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.


• Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance between office collaboration and remote flexibility.


• Opportunities for continuous professional development and leadership training.


• Generous leave allowance.


• Supportive team environment and a strong company culture.


• Access to advanced underwriting tools and resources.


• Potential for career advancement within a growing organization.


• Employee wellness programs.


• Be part of a well-respected institution in the insurance sector.