Lead Underwriter - Commercial Lines

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and dental cover

Retirement fund

Life assurance

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Underwriter for Commercial Lines in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will develop underwriting strategies, guide a team of underwriters, and drive profitable growth within the portfolio.

This senior role requires strategic thinking, strong analytics, and a track record of handling complex risks. You will collaborate with sales, actuarial, claims and other departments while shaping underwriting policy and performance. A competitive package awaits.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years in commercial lines underwriting with leadership experience.
• Qualification in Insurance or professional designations (ACII/FLMI) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of property, casualty, and specialty lines.
• Excellent leadership, communication and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with underwriting systems and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive underwriting strategies for commercial insurance products.
• Lead, mentor and manage a team of commercial underwriters and foster their development.
• Approve or decline complex risks, ensuring adherence to guidelines and risk appetite.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities and emerging risks to inform decisions.
• Set underwriting authority levels and monitor compliance within the team.
• Collaborate with sales, claims and actuarial teams for cohesive strategy.
• Review and refine underwriting policies, procedures and documentation.
• Contribute to product development and pricing strategies for commercial lines.
• Monitor portfolio performance and identify areas for growth.
• Maintain relationships with brokers and agents, offering expert guidance.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Underwriting expertise

Risk management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Insurance or related field

ACII or FLMI

Tools

Underwriting systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable and expanding insurance provider, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Underwriter to oversee their Commercial Lines department in Tembisa, Gauteng . This senior position requires a strategic thinker with a strong analytical capability and a proven track record in underwriting complex commercial risks. The Lead Underwriter will be responsible for developing and implementing underwriting strategies, managing a team of underwriters, and ensuring profitable growth within the commercial portfolio. This role is critical in shaping the underwriting philosophy and performance of this key business segment. We are looking for a candidate who can drive excellence and contribute significantly to the company's strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive underwriting strategies for commercial insurance products.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of commercial underwriters, fostering their professional development.
• Approve or decline complex risks, ensuring adherence to underwriting guidelines and risk appetite.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and emerging risks to inform underwriting decisions.
• Set underwriting authority levels and monitor compliance among the underwriting team.
• Collaborate with sales, claims, and actuarial departments to ensure a cohesive business approach.
• Review and refine underwriting policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Contribute to product development initiatives and pricing strategies for commercial lines.
• Monitor portfolio performance, identifying areas for improvement and growth.
• Maintain strong relationships with brokers and agents, understanding their needs and providing expert advice.

Requirements

• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., BCom, বিবিA) or professional qualification (e.g., ACII, FLMI) in Insurance or a related field is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in commercial lines underwriting, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in underwriting a diverse range of commercial risks, including property, casualty, and specialty lines.
• Strong understanding of financial principles, risk management, and insurance market dynamics.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced analytical and decision-making capabilities.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and data analysis tools.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective underwriting strategies.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications, along with a substantial performance-based bonus. Our client provides excellent benefits, including comprehensive medical and dental cover, a generous retirement fund, and life assurance. There are ample opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and career advancement within a rapidly growing organisation. Employees can expect a supportive and collaborative work environment in Tembisa , along with access to modern facilities and a commitment to employee well-being. This is a chance to make a significant impact.