Senior Insurance Underwriter

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Career advancement

Leadership opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Senior Insurance Underwriter for our Benoni team. You will assess and price risk on complex policies, guide junior underwriters, and help shape underwriting guidelines.

The role emphasizes collaboration with brokers and internal teams to balance profitability and market competitiveness. Ideal candidates bring 6+ years in underwriting, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and familiarity with underwriting software and ERM tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Actuarial Science or related field
• Minimum of 6 years in insurance underwriting, with experience handling complex cases and large accounts
• Deep understanding of insurance products, risk assessment techniques, and regulatory requirements
• Strong analytical, decision-making and problem-solving abilities, plus excellent communication and negotiation skills

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex insurance applications, evaluating risks and determining terms and premiums
• Develop and maintain underwriting guidelines aligned with strategy and market conditions
• Mentor junior underwriting staff and provide technical guidance
• Build and manage relationships with brokers and agents for profitable business
• Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and adjust underwriting strategy
• Collaborate with claims and actuarial teams for holistic risk management

Skills

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Problem solving

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Underwriting software

ERM tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Business/Actuarial Science

Professional insurance designations

Tools

Underwriting software

Enterprise risk management tools

Job description

Our client is seeking a seasoned and highly skilled Senior Insurance Underwriter to join their established team in Benoni . In this critical role, you will be responsible for assessing and pricing risk for complex insurance policies, making informed decisions that balance profitability with market competitiveness. You will provide guidance to junior underwriters, contribute to the development of underwriting guidelines, and work closely with brokers to foster strong business relationships. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional to make a significant impact within the Gauteng insurance market, working within an organization that values expertise, sound judgment, and collaborative growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze complex insurance applications, evaluating risks and determining appropriate terms, conditions, and premiums.
• Develop and maintain underwriting guidelines, ensuring they align with company strategy and market conditions.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior underwriting staff, fostering their professional development.
• Build and manage relationships with brokers and agents, offering expert advice and seeking profitable business.
• Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and recommend adjustments to underwriting strategy.
• Collaborate with claims and actuarial teams to ensure a holistic approach to risk management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Actuarial Science, or a related field; professional insurance designations are highly valued.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in insurance underwriting, with a proven ability to handle complex cases and large accounts.
• Deep understanding of insurance products, risk assessment techniques, and regulatory requirements.
• Exceptional analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills for effective broker and internal stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency in underwriting software and enterprise risk management tools.

Benefits

• Competitive senior-level salary with attractive performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous pension fund contributions and other retirement benefits.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles.
• A supportive and professional work environment in Benoni .