Underwriting Manager

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance bonuses

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Leadership development

Career advancement

Central Pretoria location

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking an experienced Underwriting Manager to lead the underwriting function, drive profitable growth, and enforce robust risk controls. You will manage a team of underwriters, set performance targets, and shape underwriting strategies for the local market.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years in insurance underwriting, with at least 3 years in a management role, strong leadership and analytical skills, and a CIP/ACII or similar qualification.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in insurance underwriting
• At least 3 years in a management or supervisory role
• Strong leadership, team management, and motivational skills
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities
• In-depth knowledge of multiple insurance lines and risk assessment techniques

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the underwriting department, ensuring efficiency
• Develop, implement, and monitor underwriting policies and procedures
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of underwriters
• Analyze market trends and portfolio performance to identify opportunities and risks
• Set underwriting authority levels and manage escalation of complex cases
• Collaborate with sales, claims and product teams to ensure cohesive client service and offerings
• Review and approve large or complex risks with appropriate pricing and terms
• Monitor KPIs and drive corrective actions as needed
• Represent underwriting in management meetings and contribute to strategic planning in Pretoria

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Decision making

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance or Risk

CIP/ACII preferred

Tools

Underwriting software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished insurance provider, is seeking a results-oriented and experienced Underwriting Manager to lead their operations in Pretoria. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing the underwriting function, ensuring the profitable growth of the business while maintaining robust risk management practices. You will manage a team of underwriters, set performance targets, and implement effective underwriting strategies tailored to the local market. The successful candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, exceptional analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the insurance industry in Gauteng and surrounding regions. This is a critical position offering the opportunity to shape the underwriting direction and contribute significantly to the company's strategic objectives in the heart of South Africa's administrative capital.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct the day-to-day operations of the underwriting department, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop, implement, and monitor underwriting policies, guidelines, and procedures to align with business objectives.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of underwriters, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and portfolio performance to identify opportunities and risks.
• Set underwriting authority levels and ensure adherence, while managing the escalation of complex cases.
• Collaborate with sales, claims, and product development teams to ensure a cohesive approach to client service and product offerings.
• Review and approve large or complex risks, ensuring appropriate pricing and terms.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the underwriting team and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Represent the underwriting department in management meetings and contribute to strategic planning initiatives in Pretoria.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in insurance underwriting, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven experience in developing and executing underwriting strategies.
• Strong leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of various insurance lines (e.g., personal, commercial) and risk assessment techniques.
• Understanding of the regulatory environment and compliance requirements in South Africa.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related discipline. Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., CIP, ACII) are highly preferred.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and relevant software.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary with attractive performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for leadership development and career advancement.
• A structured work environment with a clear focus on professional growth.
• Supportive team culture and collaborative work atmosphere.
• Located in a central and accessible area of Pretoria.
• Generous annual leave and other paid time off.
• Access to employee wellness programs.