Senior Underwriter - Marine Cargo

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus opportunities

Private medical insurance

Retirement annuity

Study support for professional dev.

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Underwriter specializing in Marine Cargo for on-site role in Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will underwrite complex marine cargo risks, price terms, and build profitable broker relationships to grow the portfolio.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in marine cargo underwriting, ACII or equivalent, strong negotiation and analytical skills, and a proactive, client-focused approach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in maritime, business, finance or related field.
• ACII or equivalent professional insurance qualifications advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years underwriting marine cargo insurance experience.
• In-depth knowledge of marine cargo risks, logistics and international trade practices.
• Proven ability to assess complex risks and structure insurance solutions.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for international clients.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and data analysis.
• Residing in or willing to relocate to Kimberley, Northern Cape.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite marine cargo insurance risks, assessing exposures and pricing.
• Manage and develop a profitable marine cargo portfolio.
• Build and maintain relationships with brokers and clients.
• Analyze shipment details, trade routes, commodity types and hazards.
• Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines, company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with claims on complex or high-value marine cargo claims.
• Contribute to market analysis and development of new marine cargo products or services.
• Provide technical expertise to less experienced underwriters.
• Stay abreast of global trade dynamics and shipping industry trends.
• Represent the company at industry functions and client meetings.

Skills

Underwriting

Negotiation

Analytical

Decision making

Communication

Client relations

Market analysis

Data analysis

Maritime knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Business, Finance, or related field

Tools

Underwriting systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized specialist insurer, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Underwriter with a focus on Marine Cargo insurance. This role requires an on-site presence in Kimberley, Northern Cape.

The successful candidate will be responsible for underwriting complex marine cargo risks, developing profitable business relationships with brokers, and contributing to the strategic growth of the marine portfolio. You will leverage your deep understanding of maritime trade, logistics, and associated risks to provide expert underwriting judgment. We are looking for a commercially astute professional with excellent analytical and negotiation skills, dedicated to upholding the highest standards of underwriting excellence. Join a leading international firm and play a key part in their specialized insurance operations in Kimberley.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite marine cargo insurance risks, assessing exposures and determining appropriate terms, conditions, and pricing.
• Manage and develop a profitable portfolio of marine cargo business.
• Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with brokers and clients.
• Analyze shipment details, trade routes, commodity types, and potential hazards.
• Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the claims department on complex or high-value marine cargo claims.
• Contribute to market analysis and the development of new marine cargo products or services.
• Provide technical expertise and support to less experienced underwriters.
• Stay abreast of global trade dynamics, shipping industry trends, and relevant geopolitical factors.
• Represent the company at industry functions and client meetings as required.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional insurance qualifications (e.g., ACII) are highly advantageous.
• A minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience in underwriting marine cargo insurance.
• In-depth knowledge of marine cargo risks, logistics, international trade practices, and relevant legal frameworks.
• Proven ability to assess complex risks and structure appropriate insurance solutions.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with international clients and brokers.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and data analysis.
• Demonstrated success in managing a profitable underwriting portfolio.
• Residing in or willing to relocate to Kimberley, Northern Cape.
• A proactive, client-focused approach with a strong business acumen.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, a retirement annuity, and study support for professional development.
• This role offers significant career growth potential within a specialist insurance market leader.
• You will work with a highly experienced team and have the opportunity to influence underwriting strategy in Kimberley.
• Be part of an organization that values expertise and provides a stable, professional working environment.