Senior Insurance Underwriter - Personal Lines

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Career development

Wellness programs

Team incentives

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Insurance Underwriter to assess and price risks for personal lines (home, auto, travel). You will make underwriting decisions, develop pricing strategies, and contribute to profitable growth in a leading financial services group.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years of personal lines underwriting experience, strong analytical skills, and professional designations such as ACII or CIP are desirable.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive experience in personal lines underwriting.
• Proven expertise in assessing and pricing risks for home/auto/travel.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of insurance principles, market dynamics, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and renewal business for personal lines, ensuring profitability targets.
• Analyze risks, terms, and premiums; set appropriate pricing.
• Develop underwriting guidelines and risk management strategies.
• Review financial data, loss histories, and client information.
• Collaborate with sales teams, brokers and agents to provide underwriting expertise.
• Mentor junior underwriters and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Personal lines underwriting

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership potential

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Business

ACII/CIP desirable

Tools

Underwriting software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent insurer renowned for its customer-centric approach, is seeking an experienced Senior Insurance Underwriter to join their dynamic team in Sandton, Gauteng. This critical role involves evaluating and pricing risks for personal lines insurance products, including home, auto, and travel insurance. You will be responsible for making sound underwriting decisions, developing pricing strategies, and contributing to the profitable growth of the business. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in personal lines underwriting, strong analytical capabilities, and a deep understanding of risk assessment principles. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact within a leading financial services organization in the prestigious Sandton business district.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and renewal business for personal lines insurance policies, ensuring adherence to profitability targets.
• Analyze complex risks, assess policy terms and conditions, and determine appropriate premiums.
• Develop and implement underwriting guidelines and strategies to manage risk exposure effectively.
• Review and interpret financial data, loss histories, and client information.
• Collaborate with sales teams, brokers, and agents to provide underwriting expertise and support.
• Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and recommend adjustments to underwriting strategy.
• Contribute to product development and refinement for personal insurance lines.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior underwriters.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Stay abreast of market trends, competitor activities, and emerging risks in personal insurance.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in personal lines insurance underwriting.
• Proven expertise in assessing and pricing risks for various personal insurance products (home, auto, travel, etc.).
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and decision-making skills.
• In-depth knowledge of insurance principles, market dynamics, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in underwriting software and relevant data analysis tools.
• A relevant professional designation (e.g., ACII, CIP) is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a book of business and achieve financial objectives.
• Strong leadership potential and the ability to mentor junior staff.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or a related field.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with significant performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced professional development and leadership training.
• A hybrid work model offering flexibility between office and remote work.
• Prime office location in Sandton with modern facilities.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Access to employee wellness programs and financial advisory services.
• Career growth prospects within a leading insurance group.
• Regular team incentives and social events.