Senior Motor Underwriter - Fleet & Commercial Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Bonus opportunities

Medical and retirement benefits

Training and development

Career progression

Advanced underwriting tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Motor Underwriter to join their team in George. The role focuses on underwriting and pricing complex motor risks for fleets and commercial vehicles, ensuring profitability and adherence to underwriting standards.

You will develop portfolios, collaborate with brokers and internal sales teams, and stay ahead of market trends to maintain a competitive edge while delivering high-quality underwriting decisions.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in motor underwriting, with a focus on fleet and commercial lines.
• Expertise in risk assessment, pricing and policy construction for motor insurance.
• Strong understanding of the South African insurance market and regulatory environment.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with brokers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in underwriting software and MS Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and underwrite complex motor insurance proposals for commercial fleets and individual vehicles, assessing risks and determining terms and premiums.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers and agents to generate profitable business.
• Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, risks, and opportunities for growth.
• Ensure adherence to underwriting guidelines, policy wordings, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the claims department to understand loss trends and their impact on underwriting.
• Provide technical underwriting support and guidance to junior underwriters and sales teams.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to inform underwriting strategies.
• Develop and implement underwriting strategies to achieve profitability and market share targets.
• Manage a portfolio of existing business, reviewing renewals and adjusting terms and premiums.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of underwriting tools and processes.

Skills

Motor underwriting

Fleet underwriting

Risk assessment

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

ACII

IISA

Tools

Underwriting software

MS Office

Job description

About the Role Our client, a distinguished insurer, is actively seeking an experienced Senior Motor Underwriter to bolster their operations in George . This pivotal role involves the meticulous assessment and pricing of complex motor insurance risks for both large fleets and commercial vehicles. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of motor underwriting principles, risk management, and market dynamics within the Western Cape . You will be responsible for developing and maintaining profitable underwriting portfolios, ensuring adherence to risk appetite and company guidelines. This position is crucial for driving profitable growth and maintaining the integrity of our client's underwriting standards in a competitive market. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying emerging risks and opportunities, ensuring our client remains at the forefront of motor insurance innovation. You will work collaboratively with brokers and internal sales teams to foster strong relationships and secure high-quality business. The dynamic nature of this role requires continuous learning and adaptation to evolving industry trends, ensuring the company maintains a competitive edge.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and underwrite complex motor insurance proposals for commercial fleets and individual vehicles, assessing risks and determining appropriate terms and premiums.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers and agents to generate profitable business.
• Monitor the performance of the motor insurance portfolio, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for growth.
• Ensure adherence to underwriting guidelines, policy wordings, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the claims department to understand loss trends and their impact on underwriting.
• Provide technical underwriting support and guidance to junior underwriters and sales teams.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to inform underwriting strategies.
• Develop and implement underwriting strategies to achieve profitability and market share targets.
• Manage a portfolio of existing business, reviewing renewals and making necessary adjustments to terms and premiums.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of underwriting tools and processes.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in motor insurance underwriting, with a specialization in fleet and commercial lines.
• Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment, pricing, and policy construction for motor insurance.
• Strong understanding of the South African insurance market and regulatory environment.
• Excellent analytical and decision‑making skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with brokers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in underwriting software and MS Office Suite.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., ACII, IISA) are highly preferred.
• Ability to work independently and manage a demanding workload effectively.
• A commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in underwriting practices.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package, reflecting your expertise and experience.
• Annual performance‑based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Extensive training and professional development programs to enhance your skills.
• A stimulating and supportive work environment in a growing company.
• Opportunities for career progression within the organization.
• Access to advanced underwriting tools and resources.