Senior Underwriter

PPS Recruitment; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 502,000 - 781,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

PPS Recruitment represents a leading insurer in Sandton, Gauteng, seeking a Senior Insurance Underwriter to manage complex commercial risks and pricing strategies. The role demands extensive underwriting expertise, strong risk assessment, and leadership to guide junior underwriters in a hybrid work setup.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Business or Finance, ACII designation preferred, and 7+ years of progressive underwriting experience across major lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, actuarial science, or related field
• ACII or equivalent certifications highly valued
• Significant underwriting experience required

Responsibilities

• Underwrite and manage a portfolio of complex and large commercial insurance risks including property, casualty, liability, and specialty lines
• Conduct in‑depth risk analysis using financial data, loss histories, and hazard assessments
• Develop innovative underwriting strategies and solutions for challenging exposures
• Negotiate terms, conditions, and pricing with brokers and clients to secure profitable business
• Collaborate with risk engineers and claims teams to provide holistic risk management advice
• Maintain and develop relationships with key brokerage partners and corporate clients in Sandton and beyond
• Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and provide insights to senior management
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal underwriting guidelines
• Mentor junior underwriters and contribute to departmental development
• Contribute to strategic development of underwriting products and offerings

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Negotiation

Risk management

Financial modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Risk Management

ACII designation

Tools

Underwriting systems

Job description

• What Senior Underwriter Jobs are in Johannesburg

Senior underwriters in Johannesburg can expect to earn between R45,000 and R70,000 per month, depending on experience, specific industry, and the size of the employing organization. This range reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with the role.

A relevant degree in finance , actuarial science , or a related field is often preferred. Professional certifications such as ACII or equivalent are highly valued. Significant experience in underwriting, with a proven track record, is essential.

Primary duties involve evaluating complex insurance applications, assessing risk, determining policy terms and premiums, and managing a portfolio of clients. They also provide guidance to junior underwriters and contribute to underwriting policy development.

Key skills include strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and a thorough understanding of insurance products and regulations. Proficiency in risk management and financial modeling is also vital.

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Senior Insurance Underwriter - Complex Risks

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Job Description

About the Role Our client, a leading insurer known for its expertise in complex risks, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Insurance Underwriter to join their prestigious office in **Sandton, Gauteng**. This role requires a sophisticated understanding of underwriting principles applied to challenging and high‑value risks across various industries. You will be responsible for evaluating, pricing, and accepting substantial insurance exposures, developing tailored solutions, and building strong relationships with key brokers and clients. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of commercial insurance, risk engineering, and financial analysis, coupled with exceptional decision‑making capabilities. We are looking for a strategic thinker and proven leader who can contribute significantly to our market‑leading position in **Sandton**. This is a prime opportunity for an accomplished underwriter to drive growth and impact within a highly respected organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite and manage a portfolio of complex and large commercial insurance risks, including property, casualty, liability, and specialty lines.
• Conduct in-depth risk analysis, utilizing financial data, loss histories, and hazard assessments.
• Develop innovative and competitive underwriting strategies and solutions for challenging exposures.
• Negotiate terms, conditions, and pricing with brokers and clients to secure profitable business.
• Collaborate with risk engineers and claims teams to provide holistic risk management advice.
• Maintain and develop strong relationships with key brokerage partners and corporate clients in **Sandton** and beyond.
• Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and provide insights to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal underwriting guidelines, and risk appetite.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior underwriters, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the underwriting department and product offerings.

Requirements

• A relevant Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field; relevant professional designations (e.g., ACII) are highly valued.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in underwriting complex commercial risks.
• Deep expertise in at least one major line of commercial insurance (e.g., Property, Liability, Marine, Energy).
• Strong understanding of financial markets, risk transfer mechanisms, and legal/regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional analytical, quantitative, and strategic thinking skills.
• Superior negotiation, communication, and relationship management abilities.
• Proven ability to make sound underwriting judgments under pressure.
• Proficiency in underwriting support systems and advanced analytical tools.
• Ability to operate effectively in a hybrid work model