Senior Underwriting Manager - Commercial Lines

Placements24; Durban; In loco; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.800.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a Senior Underwriting Manager to lead the commercial lines division. You will shape underwriting strategy, guide the team, and drive profitable growth while ensuring regulatory compliance.

The role requires 8+ years in commercial underwriting, including 3+ years in management, with strong leadership and analytical capabilities to deliver superior portfolio performance in a dynamic Durban market.

Competenze

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Risk Management or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive commercial lines underwriting experience, with at least 3 years in a management role.
• Demonstrated expertise in assessing and underwriting a wide range of commercial insurance risks.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills; ability to guide a team.
• Proficiency with underwriting systems and MS Office Suite.

Mansioni

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the commercial lines underwriting department.
• Develop and implement underwriting guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and economic conditions to inform strategies.
• Review and approve complex or large-risk accounts with expert judgment.
• Set performance targets and coach the underwriting team.
• Collaborate with sales, claims and actuarial departments to align objectives.
• Manage broker and agent relationships and promote products.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and internal controls.
• Mentor and develop junior underwriters for excellence.

Conoscenze

Leadership

Underwriting

Analytical skills

Decision making

Communication

Formazione

Bachelor's degree in Business Admin/Finance/Risk

Professional underwriting designations desirable

Strumenti

MS Office Suite

Underwriting systems

Descrizione del lavoro

About the Role

Our client, a well-respected insurance provider operating in Durban, is seeking a seasoned Senior Underwriting Manager to lead their commercial lines division. This executive position requires a deep understanding of risk assessment, market dynamics, and strategic leadership within the insurance industry. You will be responsible for guiding the underwriting team, developing profitable underwriting strategies, and ensuring the financial health of the commercial portfolio. The role demands strong analytical skills, exceptional decision‑making capabilities, and a proven ability to foster a high‑performing team environment in Durban. This is an excellent opportunity to shape the underwriting function of a growing company and contribute significantly to its success.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the day‑to‑day operations of the commercial lines underwriting department.
• Develop and implement underwriting guidelines, policies, and procedures to ensure profitable growth and risk mitigation.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and economic conditions to inform underwriting strategies.
• Review and approve complex or large‑risk accounts, providing expert judgment and guidance to the underwriting team.
• Set performance targets for the underwriting team and monitor their achievement, providing coaching and development.
• Collaborate with sales, claims, and actuarial departments to ensure alignment and achieve business objectives.
• Manage broker and agent relationships, fostering strong partnerships and promoting the company’s products.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls.
• Mentor and develop junior underwriters, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field. Professional underwriting designations are highly desirable.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in commercial lines underwriting, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in assessing and underwriting a wide range of commercial insurance risks.
• Strong understanding of financial statements, loss data analysis, and risk engineering principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to develop and implement successful underwriting strategies.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and MS Office Suite.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage a diverse team.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, a performance‑based bonus structure, comprehensive medical aid, and a robust retirement fund.
• Employees also benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities, career advancement prospects, and a supportive team environment.
• The role is based in Durban, offering a chance to work within a vibrant coastal city.
• This is a permanent, full‑time position with significant responsibility and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the company's success.