Lead Underwriter - Commercial Property Division

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonuses

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Career progression within a growing,国际

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Lead Underwriter to spearhead the Commercial Property division in Tembisa, Gauteng. The role requires extensive experience underwriting complex commercial property risks and developing effective underwriting strategies.

The successful candidate will manage risk, set terms and pricing, mentor teammates, and collaborate with brokers and internal stakeholders to drive profitability and growth in a dynamic market.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in commercial property insurance underwriting.
• Proven track record of successful underwriting, risk selection, and portfolio management.
• Strong understanding of commercial property risks, construction types, hazard assessment, and mitigation strategies.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Leadership capabilities with mentoring or managing underwriting teams.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and existing commercial property insurance business, assessing risks and determining appropriate terms, conditions, and pricing.
• Develop and implement underwriting guidelines and strategies for the Commercial Property division, aligned with the company's overall business objectives.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and emerging risks to identify opportunities and threats.
• Manage a portfolio of commercial property risks, ensuring profitability and adherence to risk appetite.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and experienced underwriters within the team.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and other distribution partners.
• Collaborate with claims, actuarial, and product development teams to enhance underwriting profitability and product offerings.
• Review and approve underwriting referrals exceeding delegated authority limits.
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews to monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure compliance.
• Contribute to the development of new insurance products and services for the commercial property market.

Skills

Underwriting

Risk assessment

Portfolio management

Leadership

Data analysis

Negotiation

Communication

Mentoring

Financial modeling

Education

BCom or BBusSc

ACII

CIP

Tools

Underwriting systems

Financial modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished and strategic Lead Underwriter to spearhead their Commercial Property division based in Tembisa, Gauteng.

This senior position requires an individual with extensive experience in underwriting complex commercial property risks, a strong understanding of market dynamics, and the ability to develop and implement effective underwriting strategies. The Lead Underwriter will be responsible for assessing risk, setting appropriate terms and pricing, and managing a portfolio of high-value commercial properties. This role is crucial in driving profitable growth and maintaining the company's competitive edge in the market. The successful candidate will work closely with the underwriting team, brokers, and internal stakeholders to ensure optimal risk selection and portfolio performance. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of commercial property insurance within a reputable organization located in Tembisa, Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and existing commercial property insurance business, assessing risks and determining appropriate terms, conditions, and pricing.
• Develop and implement underwriting guidelines and strategies for the Commercial Property division, aligned with the company's overall business objectives.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and emerging risks to identify opportunities and threats.
• Manage a portfolio of commercial property risks, ensuring profitability and adherence to risk appetite.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and experienced underwriters within the team.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and other distribution partners.
• Collaborate with claims, actuarial, and product development teams to enhance underwriting profitability and product offerings.
• Review and approve underwriting referrals exceeding delegated authority limits.
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews to monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure compliance.
• Contribute to the development of new insurance products and services for the commercial property market.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in commercial property insurance underwriting.
• Proven track record of successful underwriting, risk selection, and portfolio management.
• Strong understanding of commercial property risks, construction types, hazard assessment, and mitigation strategies.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience in mentoring or managing underwriting teams.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., BCom, BBusSc) or professional designation (e.g., ACII, CIP).
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and financial modeling tools.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with potential for significant bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and industry certifications.
• Career progression opportunities within a growing international firm.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• Be part of a key strategic role in Tembisa, Gauteng for a market leader.