Underwriter-2

Wesbank; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A financial institution in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced Underwriter III to assess complex life insurance applications. You will manage underwriting cases and ensure compliance with guidelines while mentoring junior staff. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in the life insurance sector and a strong grasp of underwriting practices. This position offers opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

Benefits

Opportunities to network

Challenging working environment

Opportunities to innovate

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven experience as an underwriter in the life insurance industry.
• Proven knowledge of lump-sum disability, critical illness, and income protection.
• Competence in interpreting doctor’s reports and medical results.

Responsibilities

• Conduct tele-underwriting and manage substandard cases.
• Liaise with planners on queries and special terms.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to junior staff.

Skills

Risk assessment

Attention to detail

Proactive problem solving

Collaboration

Education

Grade 12 – NQF Level 4

Relevant undergraduate degree

Tools

Underwriting systems

Job description

Job Description

To perform assessment on complex life insurance applications based on medical, occupation, avocation, travel and financial information, ensuring adherence to underwriting guidelines.

Job Title

Underwriter III

Responsibilities

• Conduct tele interviews or tele-underwriting.
• Manage medical, occupation, part-time activities, travel and financial underwriting standard and substandard cases for Disability and Critical Illness Underwriting, Income Protection, Business Cover, Group Risk, Alterations and Queries.
• Ensure placement of cases according to reinsurance treaty and internal guidelines.
• Liaise with planners / Business Development Manager on special terms, queries, presales and underwriting refresher sessions with the front liners.
• Ensure resolution of underwriting enquiries and high‑priority cases.
• Drive and ensure involvement in Chief Medical Officer sessions and other underwriting training presentations (e.g., case studies, sales training).
• Ensure medical queries and tasks allocated are resolved timely and effectively by providing first‑time resolution on enquiries.
• Ensure accurate completion of documentation per departmental guidelines to meet client needs and effectively utilize IT systems.
• Ensure adherence to organizational best practice and legislative requirements.
• Adhere to policies and procedures and take corrective action where necessary.
• Ensure all risks to the company are mitigated, identified, and escalated where necessary.
• Maintain a broad product knowledge to respond to customer queries effectively and accurately.
• Stay abreast on industry regulations, trends and best practices in underwriting.
• Approve and countersign cases above the acceptance limits of the underwriter.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to junior staff to ensure optimal performance and knowledge sharing.
• Actively anticipate and identify opportunities for improvements to processes and procedures.
• Proactively solve problems and recognize risk exposures, managing and escalating these where appropriate.
• Assess all applications not accepted by the online underwriting engine – initial applications, additional information and policy alterations.
• Provide fair and balanced underwriting decisions using the appropriate amount of evidence necessary.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 – NQF Level 4
• Relevant undergraduate degree
• Fit and Proper requirements for long‑term insurance
• 5 + years of proven experience as an underwriter in the life insurance industry
• Proven or higher‑level knowledge of lump‑sum disability and critical illness, income protection, business cover and group risk
• Knowledge of insurance products, regulations and underwriting guidelines and current practices
• Experience with underwriting systems and tools
• Competence in interpreting doctor’s reports, medical results and risk links to abnormalities
• Assessment of medical, financial and occupational underwriting risk of an organization
• Proven experience as an underwriter in the life insurance industry

Opportunities & Benefits

• Opportunities to network and collaborate
• A challenging working environment that is progressive and agile
• Opportunities to innovate where initiative is taken and owned end‑to‑end

Desired Qualities

• Adaptable and curious
• Proven successful track record
• Thrives in a collaborative environment
• Detail‑oriented
• Proactive and accountable
• Calm under pressure
• Collaborative mindset
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic work environment

Application Deadline

Applications will not be accepted on or after 04/11/25. Please submit applications before the closing date.

EEO & Disability Inclusion

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. Candidates may disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The bank will keep this information confidential unless required by law to disclose it to other parties.

We look forward to engaging with you!

Apply now if you are interested in taking the next step.