Underwriter

Fnb South Africa; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 4,000,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Job summary

FNB South Africa in Sandton is seeking a strategic Chief Insurance Underwriting Officer to lead the underwriting division. This executive role focuses on setting underwriting strategy, driving profitable growth, and shaping risk appetite within a high‑performing insurance group.

You will oversee underwriting policy, guide portfolio management, and partner with brokers and reinsurers while mentoring a senior team.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior underwriting leadership experience.
• Master's degree in business admin, finance, risk mgmt, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Proven track record of managing complex underwriting operations and financial targets.
• Deep knowledge of multiple insurance lines.

Responsibilities

• Define underwriting strategy and philosophy for the organization.
• Establish and manage the risk appetite framework.
• Oversee underwriting policy, guidelines, and procedures.
• Drive profitable growth through portfolio optimization.
• Develop and maintain relationships with brokers, reinsurers, and partners.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing underwriting team.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and internal controls.
• Monitor market trends and inform strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align underwriting with business objectives.
• Drive innovation in underwriting practices and leverage technology.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Risk management

Underwriting strategy

Portfolio management

Stakeholder relationship management

People leadership

Education

Master's degree in business administration, finance, risk management, or related field

Job description

Chief Insurance Underwriting Officer

Our client, a prominent and innovative insurance group, is seeking a strategic and visionary Chief Insurance Underwriting Officer to lead their underwriting division based in Sandton. This executive role is responsible for setting the overall underwriting strategy, ensuring profitable growth, managing risk appetite, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the underwriting function. The position is offered on a hybrid basis, requiring a balance of on-site leadership presence and remote operational oversight. You will be instrumental in shaping the company's risk-taking approach and ensuring its competitive positioning in the Gauteng market and beyond. We are committed to driving strategic growth through astute risk management and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in senior underwriting leadership, a deep understanding of global insurance markets, and exceptional strategic planning and execution capabilities. Your leadership will guide the underwriting teams in navigating complex market dynamics and achieving ambitious business objectives. This is a career-defining opportunity to hold a key leadership position within a leading insurance enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement the company's overall underwriting strategy and philosophy.
• Establish and manage the organization's risk appetite framework.
• Oversee all aspects of the underwriting function, including underwriting policy, guidelines, and procedures.
• Drive profitable growth by optimizing underwriting performance and portfolio management.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers, reinsurers, and other strategic partners.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of underwriting professionals.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal controls.
• Monitor market trends, competitor strategies, and emerging risks to inform strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align underwriting strategy with overall business objectives.
• Drive innovation in underwriting practices and leverage technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in senior leadership roles within insurance underwriting.
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field; MBA or equivalent preferred.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex underwriting operations and achieving financial targets.
• Deep knowledge of various insurance lines,