Lead Underwriter - Commercial Lines

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous annual leave

Leadership development and executive‑t

Cutting-edge underwriting tools

Job summary

Placements24 represents a prominent insurer in Randburg, Gauteng, seeking a seasoned Lead Underwriter for the Commercial Lines division. The role directs a team of underwriters, shaping guidelines, pricing, and risk selection to drive profitable growth.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in commercial insurance, strong leadership, and a track record of strategic decision‑making, with emphasis on broker and client relationships and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Risk Management, or related field.
• Professional designations (e.g., ACII, FLMI) are advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in commercial lines underwriting, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in underwriting various commercial insurance classes.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and decision‑making capabilities.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with the South African insurance market and regulatory landscape in Randburg.
• A results‑oriented mindset with a strong focus on financial performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Commercial Lines underwriting team, setting performance objectives and providing regular feedback.
• Develop and implement underwriting guidelines, strategies, and pricing models to ensure profitability and competitiveness in the Gauteng market.
• Underwrite large, complex, and high-value commercial risks, including property, liability, and business interruption.
• Analyze financial statements, market trends, and risk exposures to make informed underwriting decisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and key clients to understand their needs and promote our client's offerings.
• Monitor portfolio performance, identifying trends, and recommending adjustments to underwriting strategies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal underwriting standards.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as claims and actuarial, to enhance product development and risk management.

Skills

Leadership

Underwriting

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Risk management

Client/broker relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Economics/Risk Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent insurer, is seeking an experienced and strategic Lead Underwriter to oversee their Commercial Lines division in Randburg, Gauteng. This senior position demands a deep understanding of commercial insurance products, risk management, and market dynamics. You will be responsible for guiding a team of underwriters, developing underwriting strategies, and ensuring profitable growth for the business unit. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping underwriting policies, managing complex risks, and fostering strong relationships with brokers and clients. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead and innovate within a respected financial services institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Commercial Lines underwriting team, setting performance objectives and providing regular feedback.
• Develop and implement underwriting guidelines, strategies, and pricing models to ensure profitability and competitiveness in the Gauteng market.
• Underwrite large, complex, and high-value commercial risks, including property, liability, and business interruption.
• Analyze financial statements, market trends, and risk exposures to make informed underwriting decisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and key clients to understand their needs and promote our client's offerings.
• Monitor portfolio performance, identifying trends, and recommending adjustments to underwriting strategies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal underwriting standards.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as claims and actuarial, to enhance product development and risk management.

Requirements

• A relevant Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Professional designations (e.g., ACII, FLMI) are advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in commercial lines underwriting, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in underwriting various commercial insurance classes.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and decision‑making capabilities.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful underwriting strategies.
• Familiarity with the South African insurance market and regulatory landscape in Randburg.
• A results‑oriented mindset with a strong focus on financial performance.

Benefits

• Attractive base salary with performance‑based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Opportunities for leadership development and executive training.
• Access to cutting‑edge underwriting tools and resources.