Lead Underwriter - Marine Cargo

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Pension fund

Annual leave

Professional development

High-performance culture

George coastal lifestyle

Job summary

Placements24, recruiting for a prominent global insurer, seeks a Lead Underwriter to spearhead the Marine Cargo division from our George office. This senior role requires a seasoned professional to develop underwriting strategies, manage high‑value accounts, and lead a team of underwriters.

You will drive profitability, ensure adherence to guidelines, and stay ahead of market and regulatory changes while building broker/client relationships and supporting product development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years underwriting experience, 5+ years in Marine Cargo.
• Strong risk assessment, pricing, and structuring skills.
• In-depth knowledge of international shipping and logistics.
• Leadership experience to manage and develop a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement underwriting strategies for Marine Cargo portfolio.
• Assess and underwrite complex marine cargo risks and routes.
• Price risks and negotiate terms with brokers and clients.
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of marine cargo underwriters.
• Collaborate with claims to understand loss trends affecting underwriting.
• Maintain relationships with brokers, clients and stakeholders.
• Support product development and ensure compliance with guidelines.
• Occasional travel for client meetings and industry events.

Skills

Marine Cargo Underwriting

Risk Assessment

Pricing & Negotiation

Leadership

Financial Modelling

International Shipping

Education

Degree in Business/Finance/Maritime

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent global insurer, is seeking an accomplished Lead Underwriter to spearhead their Marine Cargo insurance division in **George**. This senior position requires a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in assessing and pricing marine cargo risks. You will be instrumental in developing and executing underwriting strategies, managing a portfolio of high-value accounts, and leading a team of skilled underwriters. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining profitability, driving business growth, and ensuring compliance with underwriting guidelines. This role is based in our **George** office and requires a dedicated presence to foster team collaboration and client relationships. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of international trade, shipping, and logistics, coupled with a robust financial acumen.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement underwriting strategies for the Marine Cargo portfolio to achieve growth and profitability targets.


• Assess and underwrite complex marine cargo insurance risks, including evaluating vessel types, cargo commodities, transit routes, and carrier performance.


• Price risks accurately and negotiate terms and conditions with brokers and clients.


• Manage a portfolio of existing marine cargo accounts, ensuring retention and identifying opportunities for expansion.


• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of marine cargo underwriters, providing technical guidance and performance management.


• Collaborate with the claims department to understand loss trends and their impact on underwriting decisions.


• Stay abreast of market developments, regulatory changes, and emerging risks in the marine insurance sector.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with key brokers, clients, and industry stakeholders.


• Contribute to product development and refinement for marine cargo insurance offerings.


• Ensure adherence to underwriting guidelines, risk appetite, and compliance requirements.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in underwriting, with at least 5 years specifically focused on Marine Cargo insurance.


• Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment, pricing, and structuring of complex marine cargo insurance policies.


• Strong understanding of international shipping operations, logistics, and associated risks.


• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to manage, motivate, and develop an underwriting team.


• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.


• Strong analytical and financial modelling capabilities.


• A relevant degree in Business, Finance, Maritime Studies, or a related field is highly desirable.


• Familiarity with relevant international maritime conventions and trade practices.


• Ability to travel occasionally for client meetings and industry events.


• Must be based in or willing to relocate to **George**.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive base salary and performance-based bonuses.


• Comprehensive benefits include private medical aid, a generous pension fund, and significant annual leave.


• Professional development opportunities, including specialized training and certifications, are readily available.


• You will work in a high-performance culture within a well-respected financial institution, contributing to significant business decisions and international markets.


• The **George** location provides a unique coastal lifestyle opportunity alongside a challenging and rewarding career.