Lead Underwriter - Marine Cargo - Cape Town

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement annuity

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Cape Town office

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Lead Underwriter specializing in Marine Cargo for our client in Cape Town, Western Cape. The role requires strategic risk assessment, pricing, and portfolio leadership with a focus on international trade and shipping risks.

You will lead a team, develop underwriting policy, and engage with brokers and clients to drive growth within the Marine Cargo line in the Cape Town market. This is an office-based senior leadership position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management or related field is essential.
• ACII qualification is advantageous for the role.
• Minimum 8–10 years in Marine Cargo underwriting, with leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement underwriting strategies for Marine Cargo.
• Underwrite new and renewal business with risk assessment and pricing.
• Manage a profitable Marine Cargo portfolio and grow key client relationships.
• Lead and mentor a team of Marine Cargo Underwriters.
• Collaborate with brokers, clients and claims to manage risk.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Underwriting systems

Data analysis tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management

ACII certification

Tools

Underwriting software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent global insurance provider, is seeking an experienced and strategic Lead Underwriter specializing in Marine Cargo to join their thriving **Cape Town, Western Cape** office. This senior position demands a deep understanding of marine insurance markets, risk assessment, and underwriting principles. The Lead Underwriter will be responsible for developing and executing underwriting strategies, managing a portfolio of complex marine cargo risks, and building strong relationships with brokers and clients. This role is critical for the growth and profitability of the marine division in **Cape Town**. You will lead a team of talented underwriters, providing mentorship and guidance, while also contributing to the overall underwriting policy and framework. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional analytical skills, a forward-thinking approach, and a proven ability to navigate the complexities of international trade and shipping risks. This is an office-based position, emphasizing direct collaboration and market engagement within the vibrant **Cape Town** business community.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement underwriting strategies for the Marine Cargo line of business in alignment with company objectives and risk appetite.
• Underwrite new and renewal business, assessing risks, determining appropriate terms, conditions, and pricing for complex marine cargo policies.
• Manage and grow a profitable portfolio of Marine Cargo insurance business, focusing on key clients and strategic opportunities within **Western Cape** and beyond.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Marine Cargo Underwriters, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, identifying emerging trends, competitive landscape, and potential opportunities or threats.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key brokers, clients, and other stakeholders in the **Cape Town** insurance market.
• Collaborate with the claims department to ensure effective risk management and loss mitigation strategies.
• Review and approve underwriting guidelines and ensure adherence across the team.
• Participate in senior management meetings, contributing expertise on marine insurance matters.
• Stay abreast of international shipping regulations, trade practices, and geopolitical factors impacting marine cargo risks.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field is essential; professional underwriting qualifications (e.g., ACII) are highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in Marine Cargo underwriting, with a significant portion in a senior or leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment, pricing, and portfolio management for marine cargo insurance.
• Strong understanding of international shipping, logistics, and trade finance.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and negotiation skills.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and data analysis tools.
• A proactive approach to business development and client relationship management.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to **Cape Town**, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package and potential for significant performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance, retirement annuity, and risk benefits.
• Generous annual leave and other paid time off.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, international training, and career progression.
• Exposure to a leading global insurance firm with a strong market presence.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment in beautiful **Cape Town**.