Senior Underwriter - Personal Lines

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Underwriter for Personal Lines to join remotely. The role focuses on evaluating and underwriting complex personal insurance risks, setting terms, and ensuring portfolio profitability.

You will work autonomously from a home office, leveraging deep knowledge of personal lines and strong decision-making to drive results. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in underwriting, strong analytical skills, and professional qualifications (ACII/CIP preferred).

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in underwriting personal lines insurance.
• Proven track record of making sound underwriting decisions and managing a profitable portfolio.
• Deep knowledge of personal insurance products, risk assessment, and pricing methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and relevant software applications.
• Ability to work independently and manage time in a remote setting.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience.
• ACII or CIP is highly desirable.
• Stable internet connection and dedicated home office environment.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and underwrite new and renewal personal insurance applications (household, travel, etc.).
• Analyze risk factors, determine policy terms, conditions, and pricing to ensure profitability.
• Make sound underwriting decisions within delegated authority limits.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers and agents, providing expert advice.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities through broker engagement.
• Monitor portfolio performance and identify trends or emerging risks.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of underwriting guidelines and strategies.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior underwriters and support staff.
• Stay abreast of market developments, regulatory changes, and competitor activities.
• Collaborate effectively with claims, product development, and other relevant departments.

Skills

Underwriting

Risk assessment

Communication

Negotiation

Leadership

Mentoring

Remote work

Education

ACII / CIP (professional qualification)

Tools

Underwriting software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the insurance industry, is seeking an experienced Senior Underwriter for their Personal Lines division. This role is designed for a seasoned professional to operate on a fully remote basis, leveraging their expertise to assess and underwrite complex personal insurance risks. Based remotely, you will be instrumental in evaluating applications, setting appropriate terms and conditions, and ensuring profitability for the portfolio. We are looking for an individual with a deep understanding of the personal insurance market, strong decision‑making capabilities, and a commitment to upholding our client's high standards. This is an exceptional opportunity for a remote‑first professional to excel in their career and contribute significantly to a leading insurer, regardless of their physical location.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and underwrite new and renewal personal insurance applications (household, travel, etc.).
• Analyze risk factors, determine policy terms, conditions, and pricing to ensure profitability.
• Make sound underwriting decisions within delegated authority limits.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers and agents, providing expert advice.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities through effective broker engagement.
• Monitor portfolio performance and identify trends or emerging risks.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of underwriting guidelines and strategies.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior underwriters and support staff.
• Stay abreast of market developments, regulatory changes, and competitor activities.
• Collaborate effectively with claims, product development, and other relevant departments.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in underwriting personal lines insurance.
• Proven track record of making sound underwriting decisions and managing a profitable portfolio.
• In-depth knowledge of personal insurance products, risk assessment, and pricing methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and relevant software applications.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote work setting.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and experience in mentoring others.
• A professional qualification in insurance (e.g., ACII, CIP) is highly desirable.
• Must have a stable internet connection and a dedicated home office environment.

Benefits

This fully **remote** position offers a highly competitive salary, performance‑based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our client provides excellent medical aid, a substantial retirement fund, and generous leave allowances. Continuous professional development is strongly encouraged, with opportunities for advanced training and certifications. You will join a forward‑thinking company that embraces modern work practices and values employee autonomy. This is a fantastic chance to build a rewarding career from the comfort of your home, contributing to the success of a leading insurance provider.