Senior Insurance Underwriting Manager

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical benefits

Executive leadership training

Professional development

Generous leave provisions

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, is seeking a seasoned Senior Insurance Underwriting Manager to lead our underwriting operations. You will set strategy, manage a team of underwriters, and drive profitable growth across commercial and personal lines.

The role requires deep SA market knowledge, strong leadership, and expertise in risk assessment, pricing strategies, and contracts. You will refine guidelines, monitor performance, and collaborate with claims, actuarial, and sales to achieve

Qualifications

• 10+ years in insurance underwriting with progression in leadership.
• Experience across commercial and personal lines underwriting.
• Strong knowledge of SA regulatory environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day underwriting department operations.
• Develop and enforce underwriting policies and guidelines.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of underwriters.
• Analyze complex risks and decide on coverage, pricing and terms.
• Monitor performance against key metrics and drive improvements.
• Collaborate with claims, actuarial and sales to hit objectives.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and industry best practices.
• Contribute to strategic planning and business development.
• Manage relationships with brokers and agents; provide underwriting support.
• Stay updated on market trends and emerging risks.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Team management

Education

Tertiary qualification in Insurance/Finance/Business

Tools

Underwriting software

Analytics tools

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a seasoned and strategic Senior Insurance Underwriting Manager to lead their underwriting operations in Randburg, Gauteng . This leadership role is pivotal in setting underwriting strategy, managing a team of experienced underwriters, and ensuring the profitable growth of the company's insurance portfolio. You will be instrumental in refining underwriting guidelines, assessing complex risks, and maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. The ideal candidate possesses extensive expertise in underwriting across various lines of business, strong leadership acumen, and a deep understanding of the South African insurance market. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact within a reputable firm in the bustling economic hub of Gauteng , based in Randburg .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the underwriting department.
• Develop, implement, and enforce underwriting policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of underwriters to ensure high performance and professional growth.
• Analyze complex risks and make critical decisions on coverage, pricing, and terms.
• Monitor underwriting performance against key metrics, identifying areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with other departments, including claims, actuarial, and sales, to achieve business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Contribute to strategic planning and business development initiatives.
• Manage relationships with brokers and agents, providing expert underwriting support.
• Stay abreast of market trends, economic conditions, and emerging risks that may impact underwriting.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in insurance underwriting, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in underwriting various insurance products (e.g., commercial lines, personal lines).
• Strong leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• In-depth knowledge of risk assessment, pricing strategies, and insurance contracts.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Understanding of the South African insurance regulatory environment.
• Proficiency in underwriting software, analytics tools, and MS Office Suite.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Insurance, Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing office and remote responsibilities.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and executive leadership training.
• A sophisticated and collaborative work environment.
• Hybrid work model enhancing work-life balance.
• Access to advanced analytical tools.
• Generous leave provisions.