Senior Commercial Underwriter — Risk & Growth Leader

Old Mutual Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent financial services provider in Johannesburg is looking for an experienced Commercial Underwriter. You'll assess and analyze commercial risks, make key underwriting decisions, and maintain strong relationships with brokers and clients. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of commercial underwriting experience and be well-versed in short-term insurance regulations. This role offers a competitive salary and professional work environment in the heart of Gauteng.

Benefits

Market-related compensation

Contribution toward Medical Insurance Scheme

Retirement Annuity

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of relevant commercial underwriting experience.
• Strong knowledge of short-term insurance legislation and regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess and analyze data related to commercial risks and insurance applications.
• Make informed underwriting decisions and negotiate terms with clients.
• Develop and maintain client relationships with brokers and agents.

Skills

Risk Assessment

Decision Making

Client Relationship Management

Regulatory Compliance

Negotiation

Commercial Insurance Knowledge

Education

Matric

Commercial Lines Class of Business

Regulatory Exam Level 1

NQF 5 in Short-Term Insurance

Tools

TIAL

Microsoft Office

Job description

COMMERCIAL UNDERWRITER

Johannesburg, Gauteng | HR Genie | Posted 4 days ago

Job Description

• Risk Assessment and Analysis:
  • Analyse and interpret data related to commercial risks, including property, liability, motor, engineering, and other short‑term insurance lines.
  • Review applications, inspection reports and financial statements to determine the degree of risk for potential clients.
  • Assess external factors affecting risk, such as economic trends, regulatory changes and claims history.
• Underwriting Decisions:
  • Make informed decisions about whether to accept or decline insurance applications.
  • Determine appropriate terms, coverage limits, premiums and conditions for policies.
  • Negotiate terms and conditions with brokers and clients within delegated authority.
  • Manage an assigned book of business, monitoring performance and profitability.
  • Regularly review the portfolio for adverse trends and take corrective action where necessary.
  • Renew existing policies and adjust terms based on updated risk evaluations.
• Broker and Client Relationship Management:
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with insurance brokers, agents and direct clients.
  • Provide expert advice and guidance on insurance solutions, policy wording and claims processes.
  • Deliver responsive, professional service to ensure high levels of broker and client satisfaction.
  • Conduct client and broker visits as required to deepen understanding of risks and business operations.
• Compliance and Documentation:
  • Ensure all underwriting activities comply with company policies, regulatory requirements and best practices.
  • Accurately document decisions, correspondence and policy details in the underwriting system.
  • Participate in internal and external audits as required.
• Product Development and Innovation:
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of insurance products by providing underwriting insights and suggestions.
  • Keep abreast of emerging risks, technologies and trends in the commercial insurance market.
  • Participate in product launches and training sessions for brokers and clients.
  • Work closely with the claims department to understand loss trends and improve underwriting guidelines.
  • Assist in complex claim investigations where underwriting input is required.
• Formal Education and Experience:
  • Matric
  • Commercial Lines Class of Business
  • Regulatory Exam Level 1
  • NQF 5 in Short‑Term Insurance
  • A minimum of five years of relevant commercial underwriting experience.

PERSONAL LINES UNDERWRITER

Johannesburg, Gauteng | Mirror Images | Posted 4 days ago

Job Description

• Qualifications and Compliance Requirements:
  • Minimum three to five years relevant work experience in Short‑Term Insurance.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Ability to function independently and under pressure.
  • Assertiveness.
  • Continuous Learning.
  • Commitment.
  • Customer Driven.
  • Excellent Communication skills.
  • Flexible and Adaptable to change.
  • Goal oriented.
  • High attention to detail.
  • Honesty, Integrity and Ethical Behaviour.
  • Results oriented.
  • Self‑Starter / Proactive / Ability to use own initiative.
  • Team player.
• Securing New Business:
  • Capture and collate client and risk details received from Sales.
  • Binder Insurers: Quote and underwrite in line with Insurer Underwriting Guide and mandates.
  • Other Insurers: Approach market for quotes.
  • Provide Sales with quotes from Insurers.
  • Ensure all FAIS documents are completed by Client and Sales.
  • On confirmations from client / sales arrange cover with Insurer.
  • Process policy documents raise debits where applicable.
  • New business pack to be emailed to AE / Client.
  • Where applicable: New Business packs to be printed and bound for delivery to client by AE.
• Renewals:
  • Renewal listing, claims experience and ratio will be provided 6 weeks prior to renewal (renewals are created automatically in accordance with renewal rule set).
  • Check to see if all relevant FAIS documents are on file.
  • Review the latest record of advice on the policy.
  • Review correctness of cover and insured details on policy.
  • Send the renewal comparison and schedule to the insurer for review and sign off (Personal Only).
  • Obtain / Negotiate terms with insurers (Domestic Insurer collect).
  • Assist AE with market exercise where necessary complete comparison.
  • Confirm renewal discussion with client to AE or vice‑versa Underwriter to be reduced to in writing.
  • Lay off cover with Insurer (Personal).
  • Update summary with renewal information.
  • Process policy documents raise debits where applicable ensuring debit is raised in correct financial period.
  • Send renewal to client (copying in AE) or Complete pack to AE for delivery both Domestic and Personal.
  • Domestic: Domestic Renewals to be prepped by the renewal team from prepping to sending to client ensuring all relevant documents are attached.
  • Where applicable, to discuss with relevant Underwriter / AE.
• Confirmations:
  • Cover confirmation to be processed immediately py to AE, client and Insurer (Insurer: Personal only).
  • Diarise if there is outstanding information.
  • Process amendment directly if all information available.
• Amendments:
  • Acknowledge receipt of amendment request advise AE.
  • Binder Insurers: Process amendment in line with Insurer Underwriting Guide and mandates.
  • Other Insurers: Obtain terms and process amendment.
  • Send copy to Insurers this is applicable to Personal only.
  • Email updated schedule to client, copying the AE.
• Cancellations:
  • Advise AE immediately.
  • Send to Team Leads / Underwriting Managers for cancellation to be actioned.
  • Prep refund requisition to be sent to Underwriting Managers to be authorised and sent to finance.
• Multi‑Claimants / Portfolio Management:
  • Process corrective endorsement / cancellation on Insurers advices; li>
    
  • Or Process corrective endorsement / cancellation as part of the renewal (rule set) raised.
• MANAGE OWN AREA OF CONTROL:
  • Annual leave: Ensure all outstanding mails/tasks have been attended to prior to going on leave.
  • Be punctual, keeping to prescribed hours / timekeeping.
  • Deadlines: Ensure all turnaround times and target dates are adhered to.
  • Display personal accountability for own actions, quality of work and personal development.
  • Effectively and efficiently maintain filing system.
  • Ensure that accurate record is kept of all new matters received in the department.
  • Ensure that all deadlines are met, and that SLAs are adhered to.
  • Ensure required response times to emails and telephonic messages are adhered to.
  • Ensure that all relevant Procedure Manuals (Standard Operating Procedures) are adhered to.
  • Exhibit Com(any Core Values at all times (Professionalism, Integrity, Perseverance, Positive Attitude).
  • Maintaining professional behaviour and work ethic.
  • Perform adhoc duties as allocated from time to time.
  • Team player and adhere to the backup arrangement as required by department to ensure cohesion.
• Commercial Lines Underwriter (Role Overview):
  • You will underwrite, issue and service commercial lines policies end‑to‑end owning quotes, new business, renewals, amendments and queries while safeguarding quality, compliance and client retention.
  • You'll work closely with brokers, clients and internal stakeholders to deliver against service level agreements and uphold company standards.
• Key Responsibilities (Commercial Lines Underwriter):
  • Receive, interpret and finalise instructions from clients, brokers and stakeholders per SLA.
  • Issue policies in line with the new business workflow.
  • Process quotes, new business, amendments and client queries.
  • Action renewals, cancellations, endorsements and corrective actions.
  • Adhere to internal/external processes, guidelines, mandates and SLAs.
  • Drive client retention through responsive, solutions‑focused service.
• Requirements (Commercial Lines Underwriter):
  • 3‑5 years' commercial lines underwriting experience.
  • RE5, Class of Business Commercial Lines, and full NQF4 with relevant FAIS credits.
  • Preferred system experience: TIAL.
  • Strong knowledge of short‑term insurance legislation, regulations and compliance.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proactive, organised, and calm under pressure.
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Relationship builder who aligns with the company's ethos and values.
• What’s In It for You (Commercial Lines Underwriter):
  • Market‑related compensation.
  • Great family culture.
  • Contribution toward Medical Insurance Scheme or Retirement Annuity.

Commercial Underwriter – Insurance Industry

Johannesburg, Gauteng | Professional Career Services | Posted 25 days ago

Job Description

• A leading short‑term insurance provider, specialising in commercial and motor insurance solutions.
• Seeking an experienced Commercial Underwriter to join the professional underwriting team.
• Provides comprehensive technical underwriting support across commercial lines, assists senior management with loss ratio and claims analysis and maintains exceptional service standards with brokers and clients.
• Requirements:
• Minimum 5 years experience in Commercial Underwriting (short‑term insurance).
• Sound understanding of Motor and Non‑Motor commercial risks.
• Proven technical underwriting experience within an insurance company or underwriting management agency (UMA) preferred.
• Strong computer literacy particularly TIAL and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and time‑management abilities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• RE5 Qualification (Advantageous).
• Class of Business: Commercial Lines (Advantageous).
• Exposure to risk surveys and underwriting audits (Advantageous).
• Additional competencies (optional):
• Lead and maintain the underwriter's performance and compliance metrics.
• Conduct product launches and training for brokers and clients.

Junior Commercial Underwriter

Posted 25 days ago

• Seeking a motivated Junior Commercial Underwriter.
• Minimum two years commercial underwriting experience.
• Solid foundation in short‑term insurance.
• Experience on TIAL or similar underwriting system.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong administrative and organisational abilities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage deadlines.
• Class of Business: Commercial Lines (Advantageous).
• Exposure to risk surveys and underwriting audits.

Commercial Underwriter – Roodepoort, Gauteng

Posted 12 days ago | Recruitment: CFS

Job Description

• Assess and evaluate risks for commercial insurance applications.
• Generate accurate and competitive quotes for new business.
• Handle policy endorsements and modifications.
• Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with brokers and clients to provide underwriting support.
• Receive, interpret, and finalise instructions for new business, renewals, amendments and queries per SLA.
• Issue policies in line with the new business workflow.
• Process quotes, new business and handle client queries.

Health Insurance Underwriter – Discovery Ltd.

Sandton, Gauteng – R***** – R****** Y Discovery Ltd. | Posted today

Job Description

• Reviews and evaluates policy applications to determine risk acceptability and coverage.
• Responsibilities include assessment of risk for covers above free cover limit, through assessment of Declaration of Health or standard medicals or additional requirements.
• Liaises with members and brokers to obtain required information.
• Provides reasons for underwriting decisions to members and their doctors.
• Liaises with reinsurer for cases above relevant treaty limits.

UNDERWRITER: PERSONAL LINES

Bryanston, Gauteng | HR Genie | Posted 10 days ago

Job Description

• Formal Education: Matric; NQF 5 in Short‑Term Insurance; Regulatory Exam Level 1; Personal Lines Class of Business.
• Minimum four years personal underwriting experience.
• DOFA confirmation from FSB.
• Cardinal system experience will be an advantage.
• Key Duties:
• Issue new policies, renewals and endorsements on the C System.
• Prepare new business quotes.
• Underwrite in accordance with standards, policies and procedures.
• Support sales team in acquiring and retaining profitable business.
• Attend to administration and written communication.
• Ensure all documentation is processed accurately.
• Resolve queries per company standards.
• Negotiate renewal terms and prepare renewal documentation.
• Ensure renewals reviewed timely.
• Ensure retention calculations.
• Request and monitor survey requirements as per procedures.
• Correct unprofitable policies.
• Ensure policies not overexposed.
• Check policies before sending to clients.
• Telephonic contact with clients for queries or amendments.
• Save all work electronically.
• Service Delivery:
• Maintain service, quality and desired outputs in functional process.
• Resolve escalated customer queries and complaints.
• Continuous process improvement and knowledge sharing.

Underwriter: SME Casualty

Posted today

• Key Responsibilities:
• Underwrite SME Casualty products (General Liability, Professional Indemnity, D&O) within delegated authority and defined parameters.
• Apply sound judgement and commercial insight to assess, select and price risks responsibly.
• Re‑underwrite renewals with focus on quality, retention and evolving risk profile.
• Comply with mandates, guidelines and SOPs.
• Maintain accuracy and attention to detail in data capture, quotations and documentation.
• Qualifications and Experience:
• Minimum 5 years experience.
• NQF 5 in short‑term insurance or relevant qualification.
• Matric (Grade 12).
• RE 5.
• FAIS & CPD compliant.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite.
• Strong understanding of SME markets, risk assessment, pricing and claims trends.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Proactive, solutions‑driven mindset with analytical and decision‑making ability.
• Highly organised, meticulous attention to detail and passion for deliverables.

Cyber Risks Underwriter

• Responsibilities:
• Risk Assessment & Underwriting: analyse and assess new and renewal submissions for Cyber Risk insurance with focus on ransomware, data breach, business interruption and network security liabilities.
• Apply deep technical knowledge of cyber risk exposures and evaluate likelihood and potential severity.
• Determine coverage terms, limits and pricing strategies using proprietary models, market data and broker insights.
• Align with Santam's cyber risk appetite, pricing tools and guidelines.
• Structure bespoke cyber insurance solutions where standard wordings are inadequate.
• Qualifications & Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in risk management, Law, Insurance, IT Security, Finance or related field (LLB, Bm etc.).
• Cyber Insurance underwriting experience (minimum 2–3 years) essential.
• Broad knowledge of specialist insurance products and underwriting.
• FAIS compliant with RE5 qualification.
• Admitted Attorney or experience in data protection, cyber law or IT governance = strong advantage.
• Strong understanding of global and local cyber risk landscape, threats and regulatory frameworks (POPIA, GDPR).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and data tools.
• Recruitment ID: #J-*****-Ljbffr

Employment Equity Statement

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY: The Company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.

Contact & Apply

Apply through the job portal or contact the recruiter indicated in the posting.