Lead Underwriter - Financial Lines - Cape Town

Placements24; Cape Town; Presencial; ZAR 1.000.000 - 1.600.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Executive health benefits

Pension contribution

International assignments

Cape Town office

Company car / allowance

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Lead Underwriter specializing in Financial Lines to drive underwriting strategy and profitable growth for D&O, PI, and Cyber products. The role requires mentoring underwriters, developing guidelines, and building strong broker and client relationships while navigating South Africa's regulatory landscape and evolving market risks.

You will analyse complex financial statements, set terms and pricing, and collaborate with claims, actuarial and product teams to

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Law, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in underwriting, with Financial Lines focus (D&O, PI, Cyber).
• Proven leadership and ability to manage a team.
• Strong knowledge of SA financial markets and regulatory framework.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.

Responsabilidades

• Underwrite new and renewal Financial Lines business with authority.
• Develop underwriting strategies to drive profitable growth.
• Mentor and guide junior underwriters.
• Build broker and client relationships.
• Review policies and procedures to reflect market changes.
• Collaborate with claims and actuarial teams.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Mentoring

Team management

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Law, Business, or related field

Herramientas

Underwriting systems

Microsoft Office

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client is a prestigious international insurance firm seeking a highly experienced and strategic Lead Underwriter specializing in Financial Lines to join their esteemed team in Cape Town, Western Cape . This leadership role is critical in driving profitable growth and managing the underwriting strategy for a portfolio including Directors & Officers (D&O), Professional Indemnity (PI), and Cyber liability insurance. The successful candidate will be responsible for underwriting complex risks, developing underwriting guidelines, mentoring junior underwriters, and fostering strong relationships with brokers and clients. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact within a globally recognized organization, contributing to its expansion and success in the South African market. You will be at the forefront of assessing intricate financial risks, ensuring the company maintains a robust and competitive market position. The role demands a keen understanding of financial markets, regulatory landscapes, and emerging risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and renewal business for Financial Lines insurance products, adhering to underwriting guidelines and authority levels.
• Analyze complex financial statements, business operations, and risk exposures to determine appropriate terms, conditions, and pricing.
• Develop and implement underwriting strategies to achieve profitable growth targets.
• Mentor, train, and provide technical guidance to a team of junior and experienced underwriters.
• Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with key brokers, agents, and clients.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive threats.
• Collaborate with claims, actuarial, and other departments to ensure cohesive product delivery and risk management.
• Review and update underwriting policies and procedures to reflect market changes and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in client and broker meetings, presenting the company's capabilities and solutions.
• Contribute to the development of new financial lines products and services.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Law, Business, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in underwriting, with a specialization in Financial Lines (D&O, PI, Cyber).
• Demonstrated leadership experience with a proven ability to manage and motivate a team.
• In-depth knowledge of financial markets, corporate governance, and relevant legal and regulatory frameworks in South Africa.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required for business needs.
• Professional designations (e.g., ACII, FLMI) are highly desirable.
• Understanding of risk management principles and their application to financial risks.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary ranging from to ZAR , based on expertise and experience.
• Significant annual bonus potential tied to individual and company performance.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits package.
• Generous contribution to a pension fund.
• Opportunities for international assignments and extensive professional development.
• Prime office location in Cape Town with state-of-the-art facilities.
• Company car or car allowance provided.