Remote Insurance Operations Manager

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Retirement matching

Home office allowance

Flexible hours

Unlimited PTO

Laptop provided

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Remote Insurance Operations Manager to oversee daily operations and optimize workflows for a remote-first team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, with full remote work. You will lead policy administration, claims support, and customer service while implementing efficiencies and technology-driven improvements across the operation.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years in insurance operations, proven leadership of distributed teams, and a strong background in

Qualifications

• 7–10 years in insurance operations with leadership experience.
• Experience managing remote or distributed teams.
• Strong understanding of underwriting, claims and policy administration.
• Demonstrated data-driven decision making and budgeting skills.
• Proven track record in process improvement and project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of insurance operations including policy administration and claims support.
• Develop, implement and monitor strategies to boost efficiency and reduce costs.
• Oversee remote teams, providing guidance and performance management.
• Identify automation opportunities and drive implementation of new technologies.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and manage operational budgets.
• Collaborate with IT and product teams to deploy new platforms.
• Track KPIs and report progress to senior management.
• Foster a positive remote-working culture and team engagement.
• Manage relationships with third-party service providers as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Remote work leadership

Operations management

Insurance processes

Data-driven decision making

Process improvement

Project management

CRM systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

MBA or related postgraduate qualification

Tools

CRM systems

Slack

Zoom

Asana

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking insurance provider with a strong remote-first culture, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Remote Insurance Operations Manager to oversee their operational efficiency. This position, based out of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, but fully remote, will be responsible for managing daily operations, optimizing workflows, and ensuring the seamless delivery of services to policyholders and partners. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in operations management within the insurance sector, coupled with exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills. You will be instrumental in driving process improvements, implementing new technologies, and fostering a high-performance culture among a distributed team. This is a unique opportunity to lead significant operational initiatives from anywhere, contributing to the company's growth and commitment to exceptional service delivery. We are looking for a proactive leader who thrives in a virtual environment, can motivate teams remotely, and has a deep understanding of insurance operational best practices. Your role will be critical in maintaining and enhancing our operational excellence across all aspects of the business, supporting our strategic goals in the dynamic insurance market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of insurance operations, including policy administration, claims processing support, and customer service functions.


• Develop, implement, and monitor operational strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service quality.


• Oversee the performance of operational teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management.


• Identify opportunities for process automation and system improvements, and manage their implementation.


• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and internal policies.


• Develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring financial targets are met.


• Collaborate with IT and product development teams to integrate new technologies and enhance existing systems.


• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics, providing regular reports to senior management.


• Foster a positive and productive remote work environment, promoting collaboration and engagement among team members.


• Manage relationships with third-party service providers as necessary.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field; an MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is a plus.


• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in insurance operations management, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.


• Proven experience successfully managing operations in a remote or hybrid work environment.


• Deep understanding of insurance processes (underwriting, claims, policy administration) and relevant technologies.


• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and communication skills, suited for a remote setting.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.


• Demonstrated experience in process improvement, project management, and change management.


• Proficiency with various operational software, CRM systems, and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Asana).


• Ability to strategize and execute effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.


• A self-starter with a high degree of autonomy and accountability.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.


• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.


• Generous retirement savings plan matching.


• Significant opportunities for career growth and leadership development within a remote-first company.


• Generous home office setup allowance.


• Flexible working hours and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.


• Unlimited paid time off policy.


• Access to cutting-edge operational tools and platforms.


• Virtual team-building activities and social events.


• Company-provided laptop and essential equipment.