Specialty Lines Underwriter - Construction

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career advancement

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Klerksdorp, North West, is seeking an experienced Specialty Lines Underwriter focusing on Construction. You will evaluate, price, and manage a portfolio of complex construction-related risks, collaborating with brokers and clients to deliver tailored solutions.

The role requires deep knowledge of CAR, PI, and Public Liability, with at least 5 years in underwriting and a track record in construction projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in underwriting with a strong focus on construction specialty lines.
• Deep understanding of construction project lifecycles, contracts and risks (delay in start-up, latent defects).
• Familiarity with CAR, PI and liability insurance principles.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making and risk assessment skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication abilities with brokers and clients.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite construction-related insurance risks including CAR, PI and Public Liability.
• Analyze project scopes, contract terms and contractor financials for risk assessment.
• Determine coverage levels, deductibles and premiums based on risk.
• Develop relationships with brokers and agents specializing in construction insurance.
• Ensure adherence to underwriting guidelines, policies and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor portfolio performance and identify trends.
• Collaborate with claims and risk control on complex accounts.
• Provide underwriting expertise to sales and support teams.
• Contribute to development of new specialty lines products and underwriting strategies.
• Maintain knowledge of the construction industry and related risks.

Skills

Underwriting expertise

Construction risk knowledge

Risk assessment

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Education

Tertiary qualification in Commerce/Finance/Law/Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading insurer specializing in niche markets, is looking for an experienced Specialty Lines Underwriter with a focus on the Construction sector to join their established team in Klerksdorp, North West . This critical role involves evaluating, selecting, and pricing complex construction-related risks, ensuring profitable underwriting outcomes. The successful candidate will leverage their deep understanding of construction projects, associated liabilities, and relevant insurance products to manage a portfolio of specialized risks. You will collaborate closely with brokers and clients to provide expert advice and tailor solutions to meet unique project needs. This position offers a significant opportunity for professional growth within a specialized insurance domain in Klerksdorp . We are seeking a technically proficient and commercially astute individual who can effectively balance risk appetite with business objectives. Become a key contributor to our client's success in underwrting the demanding construction industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite construction-related insurance risks, including Contractors All Risks (CAR), Professional Indemnity, and Public Liability.
• Analyze project scopes, contract terms, financial stability of contractors, and risk management procedures.
• Determine appropriate coverage levels, deductibles, and premiums based on thorough risk assessment.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers and agents specializing in construction insurance.
• Ensure adherence to underwriting guidelines, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor the performance of the construction insurance portfolio and identify trends.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including claims and risk control, to manage complex accounts.
• Provide technical underwriting expertise and support to the sales and support teams.
• Contribute to the development of new specialty lines products and underwriting strategies for the construction sector.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the construction industry and its associated insurance risks.

Requirements

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Commerce, Finance, Law, or Engineering is desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in underwriting, with a significant focus on construction specialty lines.
• Strong understanding of construction project lifecycles, contract types, and associated risks (e.g., delay in start-up, latent defects).
• In-depth knowledge of CAR, PI, and relevant liability insurance principles.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and risk assessment skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication abilities, with the capacity to engage effectively with brokers and clients.
• Familiarity with reinsurance arrangements for specialty lines is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and manage a specialized underwriting portfolio.
• Professional insurance qualifications (e.g., CIP, ACII) are highly regarded.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of industry developments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and life assurance.
• Opportunities for specialization and career advancement in a niche market.
• A professional and collaborative work environment in Klerksdorp .
• Support for ongoing professional development and industry certifications.
• Exposure to challenging and diverse construction projects.