Senior Underwriter (Specialty Lines)

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement savings options

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Underwriter in Benoni, Gauteng to evaluate and price complex specialty risks. The role focuses on building profitable broker and client relationships while maintaining regulatory compliance.

The candidate will leverage deep underwriting expertise across lines such as Professional Indemnity, D&O, Cyber, and Construction All Risks to drive profitable growth for the business. Hybrid work in Benoni is offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management or related field.
• ACII or CIP qualifications desirable.
• 5–7 years in underwriting with specialty lines.
• Strong analytical, pricing and risk assessment skills.
• Good negotiation and client relationship abilities.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite complex specialty risks per guidelines and risk appetite.
• Develop accurate pricing and terms for new and renewal business.
• Build and maintain relationships with brokers, agents and clients.
• Conduct due diligence and risk assessments for potential policyholders.
• Collaborate with claims, legal and product teams for service delivery.

Skills

Analytical skills

Pricing

Risk assessment

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and growing specialty insurance provider, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Underwriter to join their expert team in Benoni, Gauteng. This role focuses on evaluating, selecting, and pricing complex risks across a portfolio of specialty insurance lines. The successful candidate will possess deep technical knowledge in specific specialty areas, strong analytical skills, and the ability to build and maintain profitable relationships with brokers and agents. This position requires a proactive approach to risk assessment, a keen understanding of market trends, and the ability to develop innovative underwriting solutions. You will play a vital role in driving profitable growth for our client within Benoni, Gauteng and contributing to the expansion of their specialty lines offering. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned underwriter looking to advance their career in a challenging and rewarding niche of the insurance market.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and underwrite complex specialty insurance risks in accordance with company guidelines and risk appetite.
• Develop accurate pricing and terms for new and renewal business to ensure profitable underwriting results.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and clients, acting as a key point of contact.
• Conduct thorough due diligence and risk assessments for potential policyholders.
• Collaborate with claims, legal, and product development teams to ensure seamless service delivery and product enhancement.
• Stay informed about industry developments, market trends, and competitor activities within specialty lines.
• Identify opportunities for new product development or enhancements based on market needs and underwriting expertise.
• Mentor junior underwriters and share technical expertise within the team.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and company underwriting policies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field; relevant professional insurance qualifications (e.g., ACII, CIP) are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in underwriting, with a significant focus on one or more specialty insurance lines (e.g., Professional Indemnity, Directors & Officers, Cyber, Construction All Risks).
• Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment, pricing, and policy wording for specialty insurance products.
• Strong understanding of the South African insurance market and the specific nuances of specialty lines.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with external partners.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and thoroughness in underwriting.
• Ability to work independently and manage a demanding workload in a hybrid work environment in Benoni, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including performance incentives, medical aid, and retirement savings options.
• Professional development opportunities, including support for industry certifications, are provided.
• This role offers the chance to work in a dynamic specialty insurance environment in Benoni, Gauteng, with clear paths for career progression.
• Join a team dedicated to excellence in underwriting.