Lead Underwriter (Remote)

Placements24; Richards Bay; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Lead Underwriter to join their entirely remote team. Based in South Africa, the role leads underwriting, pricing, and risk decisions while guiding a team of underwriters and developing guidelines.

The ideal candidate holds a relevant degree, 7+ years underwriting with 3+ in leadership, strong market knowledge of commercial lines, and proven remote-work success. Excellent analytical and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and professional underwriting experience.
• 7+ years in underwriting with at least 3 years in leadership or supervision.
• Strong grasp of commercial lines, market dynamics, and risk assessment.
• Proven ability to make sound underwriting decisions under pressure.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of underwriters in a remote setting.
• Develop, implement, and refine underwriting policies for profitability.
• Review and approve complex risks beyond standard authority.
• Analyze market trends to guide underwriting strategy.
• Collaborate with sales and claims to align processes.
• Monitor portfolio performance and drive improvements.
• Conduct case reviews to ensure compliance with standards.
• Provide expert underwriting guidance to stakeholders.
• Contribute to product development with underwriting insights.
• Manage relationships with reinsurers and brokers on large accounts.

Skills

Team leadership

Underwriting

Risk assessment

Policy development

Remote team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Finance

Tools

CRM systems

Underwriting software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the insurance sector, is actively seeking a highly experienced and proactive Lead Underwriter to join their entirely remote team. This critical role involves overseeing the underwriting process, ensuring profitable growth by accurately assessing and pricing risks. The Lead Underwriter will be responsible for guiding a team of underwriters, developing underwriting guidelines, and making complex risk decisions. As a remote-first position, we are looking for a self-disciplined and motivated professional who thrives in a virtual environment and possesses exceptional analytical and decision-making capabilities. The Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA region's industrial and commercial activities provide a relevant context for risk assessment, though the role is fully remote. This is an outstanding opportunity to take on a leadership role, contribute significantly to risk management strategy, and advance your career within a forward-thinking and supportive organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of underwriters, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Develop, implement, and refine underwriting policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure consistency and profitability.
• Review and approve complex risks that fall outside standard underwriting authority.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and emerging risks to inform underwriting strategy.
• Collaborate with sales and claims departments to ensure seamless integration of underwriting processes.
• Monitor the performance of the underwriting portfolio, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
• Conduct case reviews and audits to ensure adherence to underwriting standards and regulatory compliance.
• Provide expert advice and technical support on underwriting matters to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to product development initiatives by providing underwriting insights and recommendations.
• Manage relationships with reinsurers and brokers on complex or large accounts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in underwriting, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Strong understanding of commercial lines insurance products, market dynamics, and risk assessment techniques.
• Proven ability to make sound underwriting decisions under pressure and manage complex risks.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems, CRM, and standard office software.
• Demonstrated experience thriving in a fully remote work environment, with strong organizational and self-management skills.
• Familiarity with the insurance landscape in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, and its associated industries is advantageous.
• Relevant professional designations (e.g., ACII, CPCU) are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, reflective of your expertise and leadership capabilities.
• Performance-based bonuses are structured to reward exceptional results.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans are provided.
• You will benefit from a generous retirement savings plan and life insurance coverage.
• Ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays, is standard.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development are a key focus, with funding available for advanced certifications, workshops, and industry conferences.

This role is fully remote, offering unparalleled flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere within South Africa. Our client champions a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative virtual culture, complete with regular team interactions and development opportunities.