Manager : Premier

Old Mutual; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the insurance sector is seeking a senior underwriter to manage a team while driving growth and profitability in Pretoria. Key responsibilities include engaging with brokers, ensuring compliance with underwriting guidelines, and providing technical expertise. Ideal candidates should have extensive underwriting experience and strong leadership skills to foster a high-performance culture.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years in commercial or agricultural underwriting.
• 2-3 years leading a team of underwriters or portfolio managers.
• Experience in reinsurance placements.

Responsibilities

• Manage growth and profitability of the region.
• Engage with brokers and end-customers for technical underwriting.
• Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines.

Skills

Financial management

Change management

Data analysis

Legal practices

Risk management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in insurance

Job description

NaManages a team of market-facing senior underwriters and underwriters. Engages with brokers, end-customers, and liaises with retail distribution to provide technical underwriting expertise with a focus on growth, profitability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Responsible for managing the region in line with the company's risk appetite and business strategy, including profit and premium growth.

Manage the region

Responsible for growth (retention, new business) and profitability of the region.

Ensure accurate and timely placement of reinsurance in the region.

Track, monitor, and report on key metrics such as GWP, cancellations, claims, complaints, etc.

Monitor management expenses for the region.

Stay informed about market conditions, competition, regulatory and technological changes, and provide feedback to ensure offerings remain relevant and competitive.

Manage the implementation of underwriting changes, including setting requirements, obtaining sign-offs, and testing.

Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines and recommend mitigations for risks.

Lead a team resolving technical referrals and monitor service delivery compliance.

Engagement and Negotiation

Build relationships with brokers to ensure profitable growth.

Negotiate terms and conditions with brokers, liaising with retail distribution but making own decisions.

Visit brokers to facilitate large, complex quotes, renewals, and negotiate terms.

Provide solutions to increase portfolio profitability and growth, understanding customer needs.

Discuss and negotiate complex Risk Reduction Requirements (RRR) from survey reports.

Engage with end-customers when necessary, including site visits with surveyors.

Technical and Analytical Responsibilities

Analyze complex accounts using research, experience, and business acumen for strategic decisions.

Provide technical underwriting expertise and approve referrals based on risk understanding.

Monitor adherence to underwriting guidelines and participate in Underwriting Committee meetings.

Continuous Improvement & Customer Service

Maintain current statutory and legislative knowledge to resolve complaints and advise on risk mitigation.

Ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and standards.

Identify ways to improve cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.

Manage service delivery to ensure customer satisfaction, establish relationships, and share knowledge for standards and procedures.

Risk Management & Controls

Implement controls to manage operational risks, identify risks, and recommend mitigations.

Report on breaches or control failures.

Cost Control & Governance

Ensure resource and expenditure use aligns with policies.

Comply with governance policies and operate within mandates.

People Practices

Align behavior with organizational values, coach and mentor underwriters, and share knowledge.

Achieve personal performance objectives, share successes and learnings, and promote a high-performance culture.

Experience, Knowledge & Skills

5-8 years in commercial or agricultural underwriting.

2-3 years leading a team of underwriters or portfolio managers.

Experience in reinsurance placements.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in insurance is advantageous.

Knowledge of Assets All Risk wordings is a plus.

Skills include financial management, change management, data analysis, legal practices, reporting, risk management, leadership, and communication.