Lead Underwriting Specialist

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid plan

Retirement annuity with employer for

Life assurance benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Career progression potential

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting for a Lead Underwriting Specialist in Gauteng. Based in Tembisa, you will guide underwriters, refine guidelines, and mentor junior staff while handling complex cases in a fast-paced insurer environment.

You will lead risk assessment, pricing strategies, and cross-functional collaboration with actuarial and claims teams to drive profitable growth and adherence to risk appetite.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, insurance or related field.
• 7+ years underwriting experience with 2+ years in a lead/supervisory role.
• Deep knowledge of property, casualty, life and health insurance products.
• Strong leadership, decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day underwriting department operations.
• Develop and enforce underwriting policies and guidelines.
• Review and approve complex/high-risk applications.
• Mentor and train underwriters; provide technical guidance.
• Collaborate with actuarial and claims to analyze portfolio performance.
• Assess and manage risks for new and existing products.
• Conduct audits to ensure quality and compliance.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and market trends.
• Build relationships with brokers and agents.
• Contribute to product development and pricing strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Risk assessment

Communication

Decision-making

Problem-solving

Negotiation

Underwriting software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Finance/Insurance

Tools

Underwriting software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent insurer with a strong presence in the Gauteng region, is actively recruiting for a Lead Underwriting Specialist to join their team in Tembisa, Gauteng . This senior position is crucial for guiding the underwriting function, ensuring profitable growth and adherence to risk appetite. You will be responsible for developing and refining underwriting guidelines, training and mentoring junior underwriters, and managing complex cases. The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in insurance underwriting principles, a keen eye for detail, and a strong understanding of the local market dynamics. This is a fantastic opportunity for a seasoned professional to take on leadership responsibilities and make a tangible impact on the company's success. The role is based in our Tembisa office, fostering a collaborative team environment essential for effective underwriting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the underwriting department.
• Develop, implement, and enforce underwriting policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Review and approve complex or high-risk insurance applications, ensuring adherence to company standards.
• Mentor, train, and provide technical guidance to a team of underwriters.
• Collaborate with actuarial and claims departments to analyze portfolio performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Assess and manage the underwriting risks associated with new and existing products.
• Conduct regular audits of underwriting files to ensure quality and compliance.
• Stay updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitive landscape.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers and agents.
• Contribute to the development of new insurance products and pricing strategies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Insurance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in insurance underwriting, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• In-depth knowledge of various insurance products (e.g., property, casualty, life, health).
• Strong understanding of risk assessment, pricing, and policy wording.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Familiarity with underwriting software and systems.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to operating within the Gauteng region.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive salary package and a performance-based bonus structure.
• Employees are provided with a comprehensive medical aid plan, a retirement annuity with employer contributions, and life assurance benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced underwriting certifications and leadership training, are readily available.
• Our client values work-life balance and provides a supportive work environment.
• This role offers significant career progression potential within a respected insurance organization.