Lead Insurance Underwriter - Commercial

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based incentive program

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement annuity fund

Generous leave allowances

Professional development programs

Membership reimbursements

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Lead Insurance Underwriter to spearhead the commercial underwriting division in Mahikeng, North West. The role requires strategic thinking, mentoring a team, and driving profitable growth in commercial lines.

You will develop underwriting strategies, price complex risks, and collaborate with brokers to expand the client base while ensuring regulatory compliance and sound risk management practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years' progressive experience in commercial insurance underwriting.
• Proven leadership experience in managing a team.
• Strong understanding of commercial lines (General Liability, Property, Workers' Compensation).
• Advanced analytical, financial assessment and risk evaluation skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and decision-making abilities.
• Tertiary qualification in Finance, Business, or related field.
• ACII or equivalent professional designation is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement underwriting guidelines and strategies for commercial products.
• Evaluate and price complex risks while meeting profitability targets.
• Mentor and manage a team of commercial underwriters.
• Collaborate with brokers and agents to grow the client base.
• Monitor market trends and regulatory changes; adapt underwriting approaches.
• Review large or complex accounts beyond standard authority.
• Contribute to product development and pricing model enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and internal policies.
• Analyze portfolio performance and report insights to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Underwriting

Risk assessment

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Business

ACII designation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned Lead Insurance Underwriter to spearhead their commercial underwriting division in Mahikeng, North West . This senior role demands a strategic thinker with a proven track record in assessing and pricing complex commercial risks. The Lead Underwriter will be responsible for developing underwriting strategies, mentoring a team of underwriters, and ensuring profitable growth within the commercial lines of business. This position is crucial for maintaining our client's competitive edge and reinforcing its commitment to sound risk management practices. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of our commercial underwriting operations in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement underwriting guidelines and strategies for commercial insurance products.
• Evaluate and price complex commercial risks, ensuring adherence to profitability targets and risk appetite.
• Mentor, train, and manage a team of commercial underwriters, fostering their professional development.
• Collaborate with brokers and agents to build strong relationships and expand the client base.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes to adapt underwriting approaches.
• Review and approve large or complex commercial accounts that fall outside standard underwriting authority.
• Contribute to product development initiatives and pricing model enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and internal policies.
• Analyze portfolio performance and provide insights to senior management.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in commercial insurance underwriting.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with a proven ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Strong understanding of commercial insurance lines (e.g., General Liability, Property, Workers' Compensation).
• Excellent analytical, financial assessment, and risk evaluation skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and decision-making abilities.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Business, or a related field is essential.
• Professional designations such as ACII or equivalent are highly advantageous.
• Familiarity with the Mahikeng, North West market dynamics is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

Benefits

• This role offers an attractive salary package commensurate with experience, along with a performance-based incentive program.
• Our client provides comprehensive health insurance, a retirement annuity fund, and generous leave allowances.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including advanced underwriting courses and leadership training, are provided.
• The company culture promotes collaboration, innovation, and a strong sense of community.
• This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in underwriting with a leading insurance provider in the North West province.
• Employees are also eligible for annual performance bonuses and professional membership reimbursements.