Remote Senior Underwriter - Specialty Lines

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer matching

Professional development opportunities

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Remote Senior Underwriter specializing in Specialty Lines to join their client, a distinguished insurance provider. This role focuses on underwriting E&O, Cyber, D&O, and Environmental risks, with autonomy in a remote work environment.

You will analyze complex applications, interpret policy wording, advise brokers, and collaborate with actuarial and legal teams to balance profitability and competitiveness.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years in commercial lines underwriting with a strong specialty focus (E&O, Cyber, D&O or Environmental).
• Excellent risk analysis, pricing methodologies, and policy construction for complex products.
• Strong understanding of insurance regulations and compliance requirements.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with underwriting systems, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with remote rapport-building ability.
• CPCU or AU designations are highly desirable.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and underwrite new and renewal specialty lines business, assessing risks and determining coverage and pricing.
• Develop and maintain relationships with brokers and agents, providing expert guidance.
• Interpret complex policy wordings and legal documents for accuracy and compliance.
• Conduct thorough financial and operational analysis of potential clients to understand risk.
• Use guidelines, actuarial data, and market intelligence to inform decisions.
• Negotiate terms and pricing with brokers to secure profitable business.
• Monitor performance of assigned book of business and identify trends.
• Collaborate with claims, legal, and actuarial teams to manage risk exposures.
• Stay updated on industry developments, regulatory changes, and emerging risks.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished and rapidly expanding insurance provider, is actively seeking a highly experienced Remote Senior Underwriter specializing in Specialty Lines to join their fully remote workforce. This critical role involves the comprehensive evaluation and risk assessment of complex insurance applications across niche markets, including but not limited to professional liability, cyber insurance, and environmental risks. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of underwriting principles, advanced analytical skills, and a proven track record of making sound underwriting decisions that balance profitability and market competitiveness. As a remote employee, you will leverage technology to collaborate effectively with brokers, agents, and internal teams, contributing significantly to the company's growth and success from anywhere. This is a remote-first opportunity, emphasizing autonomy and trust within a supportive virtual environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and underwrite new and renewal specialty lines insurance business, assessing risks and determining appropriate coverage and pricing.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers and agents, providing expert guidance and service.
• Interpret complex policy wordings and legal documents to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Conduct thorough financial and operational analysis of potential clients to understand their risk profiles.
• Utilize underwriting guidelines, actuarial data, and market intelligence to make informed decisions.
• Negotiate terms, conditions, and pricing with brokers to secure profitable business.
• Monitor the performance of assigned book of business, identifying trends and potential issues.
• Collaborate with claims, legal, and actuarial departments to manage complex claims and risk exposures.
• Stay abreast of industry developments, regulatory changes, and emerging risks within specialty lines insurance.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of underwriting strategies and appetite.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in commercial lines underwriting, with a significant focus on specialty lines such as E&O, Cyber, D&O, or Environmental.
• Demonstrated expertise in risk analysis, pricing methodologies, and policy construction for complex insurance products.
• Strong understanding of insurance regulations and compliance requirements.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with underwriting systems, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport remotely.
• Relevant professional designations (e.g., CPCU, AU) are highly desirable.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous learning.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package and potential for annual bonuses.
• Fully remote work arrangement offering significant flexibility and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan (pension) with employer matching.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, advanced certifications, and career growth.
• Allowance for home office setup and professional development.
• A dynamic and collaborative virtual team environment.