Senior Underwriter - Commercial Lines

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 680,000 - 980,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Medical and retirement benefits

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Underwriter specializing in Commercial Lines for a hybrid role based in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will evaluate, select, and price commercial risks, build broker relationships, and guide underwriting strategy to drive profitable growth.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in underwriting, strong knowledge of property, casualty and liability, excellent negotiation and communication skills, and proficiency with underwriting software and MS Office.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of underwriting experience in commercial lines.
• Strong knowledge of commercial property, casualty and liability.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess and underwrite a diverse portfolio of commercial risks (property, casualty, liability).
• Analyze financial statements, loss history and data to determine risk acceptability and pricing.
• Develop and maintain relationships with insurance brokers and agents; provide expert advice.
• Ensure adherence to underwriting policies, procedures and authority limits.
• Collaborate with claims and risk control to manage the claims lifecycle and mitigate losses.
• Identify market trends and competitive intelligence to inform underwriting strategies.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior underwriters and support staff.
• Contribute to development of new commercial insurance products and programs.
• Represent the company at broker forums and industry events.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Underwriting expertise

Education

CIP or ACII desirable

Tools

Underwriting software

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading insurance provider, is seeking an experienced Senior Underwriter specializing in Commercial Lines to join their dynamic team. This role is based in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA, and operates on a hybrid model, offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. The successful candidate will be responsible for evaluating, selecting, and pricing commercial insurance risks, ensuring profitable growth and adherence to underwriting guidelines. You will leverage your expertise to make sound underwriting decisions, build strong broker relationships, and contribute to the strategic direction of the commercial lines portfolio. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned underwriter to advance their career within a reputable organization and make a significant impact in the Limpopo region.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and underwrite a diverse portfolio of commercial insurance risks, including property, casualty, and liability.
• Analyze financial statements, loss history, and other relevant data to determine risk acceptability and pricing.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with insurance brokers and agents, understanding their needs and providing expert advice.
• Ensure adherence to underwriting policies, procedures, and authority limits.
• Collaborate with claims and risk control departments to manage the claims lifecycle and mitigate potential losses.
• Identify market trends and competitive intelligence to inform underwriting strategies and product enhancements.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior underwriters and support staff.
• Contribute to the development of new commercial insurance products and programs.
• Participate in broker forums and industry events to represent the company and enhance its market presence.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of underwriting experience, with a strong focus on commercial insurance lines.
• In-depth knowledge of commercial property, casualty, and liability insurance principles and practices.
• Proven ability to analyze complex risks and make sound underwriting decisions.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in underwriting software and MS Office Suite.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or professional designation (e.g., CIP, ACII) is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing office and remote responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of the South African commercial insurance market.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive broker relationships.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and continuing education.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave and other paid time off.
• Access to modern office facilities and technology.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Career advancement opportunities within a leading insurance company.