Remote Commercial Lines Underwriting Manager

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home office setup allowance

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings contributions

Executive leadership training

Full remote work flexibility

Performance-based bonus opportunities

Direct impact on company strategy

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Remote Commercial Lines Underwriting Manager to lead underwriting operations from a remote setting for a national insurer. The role focuses on strategy, team leadership, and guideline development to ensure profitable growth of the commercial lines portfolio.

Based in Pretoria, the position is remote-friendly with a Gauteng anchor and distributed team dynamics. The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in commercial lines underwriting, with 5+ years in

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Commerce, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years in commercial lines insurance underwriting, with at least 5 years in a management or leadership role.
• Proven experience developing and implementing underwriting strategies and guidelines.
• In-depth knowledge of commercial insurance products (property, liability, motor fleet, D&O).
• Strong understanding of financial analysis, risk assessment, and pricing methodologies.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing remote teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement underwriting strategies for commercial lines to achieve profitable growth.
• Lead and mentor a team of remote underwriters, fostering high performance.
• Set and update underwriting policies, procedures, and guidelines for consistency.
• Monitor portfolio performance, analyze metrics, and take corrective actions.
• Build relationships with brokers and distribution partners to support underwriting matters.
• Oversee assessment and pricing of complex risks, ensuring appropriate coverage.
• Identify market trends and adapt underwriting strategies accordingly.
• Collaborate with product development, claims, and actuarial teams for alignment.
• Implement and optimize underwriting processes and systems for efficiency.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to the team.

Skills

Remote leadership

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Underwriting software

CRM systems

Financial analysis

Pricing methodologies

Education

Commerce/Finance/Risk Management degree

Tools

Underwriting software

CRM systems

Office applications

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding national insurer, is seeking an experienced and strategic Remote Commercial Lines Underwriting Manager to lead their underwriting operations. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be responsible for setting underwriting strategy, managing underwriting teams, developing and implementing underwriting guidelines, and ensuring the profitable growth of the commercial lines portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the commercial insurance market, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record of success in driving underwriting excellence. This role requires a proactive individual who can effectively manage a distributed team and foster a high-performance culture in a remote-first environment. This position is based in Pretoria, Gauteng , but the work is conducted entirely remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive underwriting strategies for commercial lines of business to achieve profitable growth targets.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of remote commercial lines underwriters, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Establish, review, and update underwriting policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
• Monitor portfolio performance, analyze key metrics, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers and distribution partners, providing guidance and support on underwriting matters.
• Oversee the assessment and pricing of complex commercial risks, ensuring appropriate coverage and terms.
• Identify market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging risks, adapting underwriting strategies accordingly.
• Collaborate with product development, claims, and actuarial teams to ensure alignment and synergy.
• Implement and optimize underwriting processes and systems to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to the underwriting team.

Requirements

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Commerce, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in commercial lines insurance underwriting, with at least 5 years in a management or leadership role.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing underwriting strategies and guidelines.
• In-depth knowledge of various commercial insurance products (e.g., property, liability, motor fleet, D&O).
• Strong understanding of financial analysis, risk assessment, and pricing methodologies.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing remote teams effectively.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in underwriting software, CRM systems, and standard office applications.
• Ability to work autonomously and drive results in a remote setting.
• Strategic thinking and strong decision-making capabilities.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package, reflecting the senior nature of the role.
• Significant performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Allowance for home office setup and operational expenses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings contributions.
• Opportunities for continued professional development and executive leadership training.
• Full remote work flexibility, enabling a superb work-life balance.
• Direct impact on company strategy and growth.