Senior Actuarial Manager

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive remuneration package

Performance-based bonuses

Premium medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous leave provisions

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Actuarial Manager to lead pricing, reserving, and financial modelling for a diverse insurance portfolio. You will guide a team of actuaries and analysts, shaping strategic decisions and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will bring Fellowship or near-Fellowship, 8–12 years’ experience, strong leadership, and expertise in Prophet or Risk Agility, Python/R/VBA for advanced analytics.

Qualifications

• Fellowship or near-fellowship of a recognized actuarial society is required.
• 8–12 years of progressive actuarial experience in insurance/financial services.
• Proven leadership of actuarial teams and complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the actuarial team responsible for pricing, reserving, and financial projections.
• Develop, implement, and validate complex actuarial models for various insurance products.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards (IFRS 17, Solvency II).
• Refine pricing structures for profitability and market competitiveness.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management and regulatory bodies.

Skills

Leadership

Actuarial pricing & reserving

Actuarial modelling

IFRS 17

Python

R

VBA

Education

Fellowship or near-fellowship of a recognized actuarial society

Tools

Prophet

Risk Agility

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading and highly respected financial services group, is seeking a distinguished Senior Actuarial Manager to join their esteemed team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This critical role involves leading actuarial functions related to pricing, reserving, and financial modeling for a diverse portfolio of insurance products. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional analytical acumen, extensive experience in actuarial science, and strong leadership capabilities to guide a team of actuaries and analysts. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic decision‑making processes of the company and to drive innovation in actuarial methodologies. You will be instrumental in ensuring the financial health and solvency of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the actuarial team responsible for pricing, reserving, and financial projections. Develop, implement, and validate complex actuarial models for various insurance products. Perform regular analysis of reserves, ensuring adequacy and compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., IFRS 17, Solvency II principles). Develop and refine pricing structures for new and existing insurance products, ensuring profitability and market competitiveness. Conduct sensitivity analyses and scenario testing to assess financial risks and opportunities. Present complex actuarial findings and recommendations to senior management, the board, and regulatory bodies. Mentor and develop junior actuarial staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning. Collaborate with other departments, including finance, risk management, and business development, to provide actuarial insights. Stay abreast of the latest actuarial techniques, software, and regulatory developments. Ensure the accuracy and integrity of all actuarial data and reporting.

Requirements

Fellowship or near-fellowship of a recognized actuarial society (e.g., Actuarial Society of South Africa, Institute and Faculty of Actuaries). A minimum of 8-12 years of progressive experience in actuarial roles within the insurance or financial services industry. Proven experience in leading actuarial teams and managing complex projects. Deep understanding of actuarial principles, life, or non-life insurance products, and relevant regulations. Expertise in actuarial modeling software (e.g., Prophet, Risk Agility) and statistical analysis tools. Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, R, VBA) are highly advantageous. Exceptional analytical, quantitative, and problem‑solving skills. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business insights.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly attractive executive remuneration package, including a competitive base salary, significant performance-based bonuses, and long-term incentives. Comprehensive benefits include premium medical aid, an exceptional retirement fund, and generous leave provisions. This role provides unparalleled opportunities for career advancement and leadership within a prestigious financial institution. The work environment in the picturesque setting of Stellenbosch is intellectually stimulating, collaborative, and supportive, promoting innovation and excellence. Join a company that values deep expertise and rewards contribution.