Underwriter - Specialty Lines

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Underwriter for its Specialty Lines division in East London, Eastern Cape. You will assess and price complex risks outside standard categories, advising brokers and clients with precision.

You will analyze exposures, determine terms, and collaborate with claims, legal and product teams to ensure profitable business. A solid SA market understanding and 5+ years in underwriting are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Finance, Risk Management or related field.
• Professional insurance qualifications (ACII/CIP) are advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years underwriting experience, especially in specialty lines.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite specialty insurance risks (e.g., professional indemnity, cyber, D&O).
• Analyze complex exposures, financials, and docs to assess hazards.
• Determine policy terms, conditions, and pricing for profitability.
• Build relationships with brokers, agents and clients.
• Collaborate with claims, legal and product teams.
• Monitor market trends and competitors in specialty lines.
• Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines and regulations.
• Provide technical guidance to sales and client servicing.

Skills

Risk analysis

Underwriting

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree (Commerce/Finance/Risk Management)

Tools

MS Office

Underwriting systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a specialist insurer, is seeking a skilled Underwriter for their Specialty Lines division based in East London. This role focuses on evaluating and pricing unique and complex risks that fall outside standard insurance categories. You will leverage your expertise to assess risk exposures, determine appropriate terms and conditions, and build strong relationships with brokers and clients. The position requires a keen eye for detail, strong analytical capabilities, and a solid understanding of niche insurance markets. Join a specialized team in East London, Eastern Cape, contributing to the company's expertise in covering challenging risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite specialty insurance risks, including professional indemnity, cyber liability, and Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance.
• Analyze complex risk exposures, financial statements, and relevant documentation to assess potential hazards.
• Determine appropriate policy terms, conditions, and pricing to ensure profitable business.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and clients.
• Work collaboratively with claims, legal, and product development teams.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities within specialty lines.
• Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to support sales and client servicing efforts.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Finance, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional insurance qualifications (e.g., ACII, CIP) are advantageous.
• A minimum of 5 years of underwriting experience, with a significant portion focused on specialty lines insurance.
• Proven ability to analyze and underwrite complex risks accurately.
• Strong understanding of the South African insurance market and regulatory landscape.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Reside in or be willing to work in East London.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses and comprehensive benefits including medical aid and a retirement fund. Excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a specialist insurance provider are available. Join a dynamic team in East London, Eastern Cape, and become an integral part of their specialized underwriting capabilities.