Senior Insurance Underwriter - Fully Remote

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual package

Comprehensive health benefits

Generous leave allowance

Professional development opportunities

Access to remote work tools

Supportive remote culture

Performance-based bonuses

Pension fund contribution

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Insurance Underwriter to join a remote-first team in South Africa. You will assess complex risks across life, health and general lines, set premiums, and help shape underwriting strategy to ensure profitability.

You will mentor junior underwriters, collaborate with brokers, review financials and medical reports, monitor performance, and stay current with regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Actuarial Science or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in insurance underwriting with strong risk assessment.
• Knowledge of products, underwriting principles and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in underwriting software and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and assess complex insurance risks for various policy types.
• Determine premiums and policy terms based on risk data and trends.
• Review financial statements, medical reports, and documentation.
• Collaborate with agents, brokers and internal stakeholders for underwriting guidance.
• Develop underwriting guidelines and ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Monitor performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Stay updated on regulations and market developments.
• Mentor junior underwriters and foster learning.
• Utilize underwriting software and systems to manage data.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Decision making

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance

Economics

Actuarial Science

Tools

Underwriting software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading name in the insurance sector, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Insurance Underwriter to join their dynamic and fully remote team. This is a critical role where you will be responsible for assessing and evaluating risks associated with insurance applications, making informed decisions on policy acceptance, and ensuring profitability for the company. As a remote-first organization, we foster a collaborative and supportive virtual environment, empowering our team members to excel from anywhere in **South Africa**. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to leverage your expertise in a role that offers significant autonomy and professional growth within the thriving **insurance** industry. You will play a pivotal part in shaping the company's underwriting strategy and contributing to its continued success.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and assess complex insurance risks for various policy types, including life, health, and general insurance.
• Determine appropriate premium rates and policy terms based on risk assessment, actuarial data, and market trends.
• Review and interpret financial statements, medical reports, and other relevant documentation.
• Collaborate with agents, brokers, and internal stakeholders to gather necessary information and provide underwriting guidance.
• Develop and implement underwriting guidelines and procedures to ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Monitor underwriting performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Stay updated on industry regulations, market developments, and emerging risks.
• Mentor and guide junior underwriters, fostering a culture of learning and excellence.
• Utilize underwriting software and systems to manage applications and policy data effectively.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Actuarial Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in insurance underwriting, with a strong focus on risk assessment.
• In-depth knowledge of insurance products, underwriting principles, and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in using underwriting software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and manage a demanding workload effectively.
• A strong understanding of the **South African** insurance market is highly advantageous.
• Professional certifications such as ACII or equivalent are a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and remote work tools.
• A supportive and inclusive remote work culture.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Pension fund contribution.