Senior Lead Underwriter (Hybrid) – Commercial/HNW

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus structure

Medical aid and retirement fund

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Generous leave

Access to underwriting tools

Career advancement within growing org

Employee wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Lead Insurance Underwriter to guide a team and shape underwriting standards. This senior role blends strategic oversight with hands-on risk assessment, operating in a hybrid model balancing office and remote work.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years in underwriting, strong leadership, and expertise in commercial or specialized lines, with thorough knowledge of regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field.
• ACII/FLMI designation advantageous.
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in insurance underwriting, with focus on commercial or specialized lines.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing a team of underwriters.
• In-depth knowledge of insurance products, risk assessment techniques, regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of underwriters, guiding on complex cases and performance development.
• Develop and implement underwriting policies and procedures for consistent and profitable risk selection.
• Underwrite and approve complex insurance applications, assess risks, terms, conditions, and pricing.
• Monitor team underwriting performance and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with senior management, actuarial, and claims to align strategies with risk appetite.
• Review portfolio trends, exposures, and growth opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Build relationships with brokers, agents, and distribution partners.
• Analyze market conditions and competitor strategies to adapt approaches.
• Contribute to development and training of underwriting staff.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Risk assessment

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Economics

Tools

Underwriting software

Job description

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Lead Insurance Underwriter to guide a team and shape underwriting standards. This senior role blends strategic oversight with hands-on risk assessment, operating in a hybrid model balancing office and remote work.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years in underwriting, strong leadership, and expertise in commercial or specialized lines, with thorough knowledge of regulatory requirements.