Lead Underwriter

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental

Pension fund contributions

Relocation assistance

Professional certifications

Training and development

Cape Town office environment

Wellness programs

Job summary

A prestigious insurance firm in Cape Town seeks a seasoned Lead Underwriter to drive underwriting strategy, lead a team, and ensure profitability of the book. You will assess risks, set pricing, and collaborate with sales, claims, and actuarial teams in a dynamic South African market.

The role is on-site in Cape Town and offers a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development in underwriting leadership.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in insurance underwriting with leadership experience
• Expertise in risk assessment, pricing and portfolio management
• Knowledge of SA insurance market and regulations
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in underwriting software and analytical tools
• Relevant degree in Business, Finance, Actuarial Science or related field
• Ability to make independent decisions under pressure
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of underwriters, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Develop and execute underwriting strategies and guidelines to achieve profitability and growth targets.
• Analyze complex risks, evaluate exposures, and determine appropriate terms, conditions, and pricing for insurance policies.
• Review and approve submissions from underwriters, providing guidance on difficult or unusual cases.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes impacting the underwriting function.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to support business development and retention efforts.
• Ensure compliance with internal underwriting standards and external regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to product development and enhancement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Risk assessment

Pricing

Portfolio management

Communication

Decision making under pressure

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Actuarial Science, or related

Tools

Underwriting software

Analytical tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious insurance firm, is looking for a seasoned Lead Underwriter to spearhead operations in their **Cape Town, Western Cape** office. This senior position involves leading a team of underwriters, developing and implementing underwriting strategies, and ensuring the profitability of the assigned book of business. The successful candidate will be instrumental in assessing risks, setting appropriate premiums, and making critical underwriting decisions. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong analytical acumen and a deep understanding of the insurance market dynamics in South Africa. You will collaborate closely with sales, claims, and actuarial departments to achieve business objectives. This is an on-site position, offering a vibrant and collaborative work environment in the heart of **Cape Town**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of underwriters, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Develop and execute underwriting strategies and guidelines to achieve profitability and growth targets.
• Analyze complex risks, evaluate exposures, and determine appropriate terms, conditions, and pricing for insurance policies.
• Review and approve submissions from underwriters, providing guidance on difficult or unusual cases.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes impacting the underwriting function.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to support business development and retention efforts.
• Ensure compliance with internal underwriting standards and external regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to product development and enhancement initiatives.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in insurance underwriting, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment, pricing, and portfolio management.
• Strong understanding of the South African insurance market and regulatory landscape.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in underwriting software and analytical tools.
• A relevant degree in Business, Finance, Actuarial Science, or a related discipline.
• Ability to make sound, independent decisions under pressure.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Benefits

• Attractive base salary with potential for performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Generous pension fund contributions.
• Opportunities for advanced professional certifications and training.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• A dynamic and forward-thinking work environment in scenic **Cape Town**.
• Employee wellness programs.