Underwriter

FirstRand Limited; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstRand Limited is seeking a Senior Personal Lines Underwriter in Randburg to evaluate, analyse, and approve personal insurance applications, balancing risk with business growth and ensuring regulatory compliance. You will support brokers, agents, and internal teams while leveraging data and technology to improve efficiency.

The role emphasizes collaboration with product development and actuarial teams to align underwriting practices with market needs and to drive profitability in a compliant

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in insurance, risk management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of underwriting experience in personal lines.
• RE5 qualification and FAIS compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain underwriting frameworks, policies, and procedures.
• Provide training to brokers, agents, and internal teams on criteria.
• Leverage data analytics to streamline underwriting processes and risk assessments.
• Balance risk with profitability while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in insurance, Risk Management, Finance

RE5 qualification

FAIS compliant

Job description

To provide an effective and efficient service to clients by obtaining the correct medical and setting of underwriting requirements telephonically, that need to be referred to a Senior Underwriter for sign-off. Facilitation of such requirements related to new and existing business.

Hello , future, Personal Lines Insurance Underwriter ,

Welcome to FNB, we design for the shapeshifters and deliver products and services that make us incredibly proud of the people that make it happen.

As part of our team in FNB Short Term Insurance , you will be surrounded by unique talents, diverse minds, and an adaptable environment that lives up to the promise of staying curious. Now’s the time to imagine your potential in a team where experts come together and ignite effective change.

The Personal Lines Insurance Underwriter is responsible for evaluating, analysing, and approving insurance applications for personal insurance products such as building, contents, motor, portables and personal liability. This is not limited to new business only this role requires balancing risk assessment with business growth objectives, ensuring compliance with underwriting guidelines, and delivering exceptional service to clients, brokers, sales, servicing, retentions, and claims.

Underwriting Operational Enablement

• Develop and maintain underwriting frameworks, policies, and procedures that support consistent decision-making.
• Provide guidance and training to brokers, agents, and internal teams to ensure clarity on underwriting criteria.
• Leverage technology platforms and data analytics to streamline underwriting processes and enable faster, more accurate risk assessments.
• Collaborate with product development teams to align underwriting practices with evolving market needs and customer expectations.

Underwriting Operational Efficiencies

• Continuously review and refine underwriting workflows to reduce turnaround times without compromising quality.
• Implement automation tools and digital solutions to minimize manual tasks and improve productivity.
• Monitor performance metrics (e.g., quote-to-sale ratios, loss ratios, service levels) to identify bottlenecks and optimize resource allocation.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback and adopting best practices across the underwriting team.

Risk Mitigation

• Assess applications thoroughly to identify potential risks and ensure adherence to company risk appetite and regulatory requirements.
• Apply sound judgment in balancing risk exposure with profitability goals.
• Monitor portfolio performance to detect emerging risk trends and adjust underwriting strategies accordingly.
• Collaborate with claims and actuarial teams to ensure underwriting decisions are informed by historical loss data and predictive modelling.

Additional Responsibilities

• Relationship Management: Build strong relationships with , brokers ,sales, servicing, retentions, and claims and providing clear communication and support to foster trust and loyalty.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all underwriting practices comply with local insurance regulations, industry standards, and company policies.
• Market Awareness: Stay informed about industry developments, competitor offerings, and regulatory changes to adapt underwriting strategies proactively.
• Financial Performance Contribution: Support the achievement of profitability targets by maintaining a balanced portfolio of risks.
• Decision-Making & Escalation: Exercise authority within delegated limits and elevate complex or high-value cases to senior underwriters or management when necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in insurance, Risk Management, Finance, or related field.
• Relevant Professional insurance qualifications.
• Minimum 5 years of underwriting experience in personal lines insurance.
• Commercial experience is advantageous.
• RE5 qualification.
• FAIS compliant.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Commercial and profitability focus.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Customer-centric mindset.
• Ability to balance risk and retention objectives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Professional judgement and underwriting discipline.

Important Closing Date Note

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. The bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.