Underwriting Manager - Commercial Lines

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Performance bonuses

Long-term incentive plans

Medical aid

Generous annual leave

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks an experienced Underwriting Manager to lead the Commercial Lines division, driving profitable growth and expert risk management across the portfolio. This senior role requires strategic thinking, robust leadership, and a deep understanding of commercial insurance markets.

You will mentor underwriters, develop underwriting strategies, and collaborate with brokers and internal stakeholders to shape Cape Town’s offerings in the Western Cape market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level qualification in business or related field with professional designation (ACII/CIP).
• Minimum 8 years in commercial lines underwriting with 3+ years in management.
• Proven profitability track record in underwriting portfolios.
• Strong understanding of Property, Liability, Commercial Auto classes.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic underwriting plans for profitable growth in commercial lines.
• Set guidelines, appetite, and authority levels.
• Lead, train, and manage a team of underwriters.
• Conduct portfolio reviews and market analysis to identify opportunities.
• Oversee pricing and rating structures for competitiveness and profitability.
• Collaborate with claims, actuarial, and product teams to refine offerings.
• Maintain relationships with brokers and distribution partners.
• Monitor market developments and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Report on portfolio performance to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Financial acumen

Risk assessment

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder management

Education

BCom or Business Degree

ACII

CIP

FAIS accreditation

RE examinations

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent and established insurer with a strong presence in Cape Town , seeks an experienced and strategic Underwriting Manager to lead their Commercial Lines division. This senior leadership role is responsible for the profitable growth and effective management of the commercial underwriting portfolio. The Underwriting Manager will develop and implement underwriting strategies, policies, and guidelines to ensure risk selection and pricing are optimized. You will lead, mentor, and develop a team of skilled underwriters, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring adherence to best practices. Key responsibilities include portfolio analysis, market research, product development input, and collaborating with broking partners and internal stakeholders. This role requires a deep understanding of commercial insurance markets, risk management principles, and financial acumen. The successful candidate will play a crucial part in shaping the future success of the company's commercial insurance offerings in the vibrant Western Cape market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic underwriting plans to achieve profitable growth targets for the commercial lines portfolio.
• Set underwriting guidelines, appetite, and authority levels, ensuring they align with the company's risk tolerance and objectives.
• Lead, train, and manage a team of commercial underwriters, promoting technical excellence and professional development.
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Oversee the pricing and rating structures to ensure competitiveness and profitability.
• Collaborate with claims, actuarial, and product development teams to refine offerings and processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key brokers and distribution partners.
• Monitor market developments and competitor activities, adapting strategies as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Report on portfolio performance, underwriting results, and strategic initiatives to senior management.

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., BCom, Business Degree) or equivalent professional designation (e.g., ACII, CIP).
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in commercial lines underwriting, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory capacity.
• Proven track record of successfully managing a profitable underwriting portfolio.
• Comprehensive understanding of various commercial insurance classes (e.g., Property, Liability, Commercial Auto).
• Strong analytical, financial, and risk assessment skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience in developing and implementing underwriting strategy.
• Proficiency in underwriting support systems and data analysis tools.
• Ability to build and foster strong relationships with brokers and internal teams.
• FAIS accreditation and relevant regulatory examinations (RE) are required.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive executive salary package, along with significant performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive plans. This role provides a unique opportunity for strategic impact and career progression within a leading insurance organization. Comprehensive medical aid, generous annual leave, and a retirement fund are included. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development, leadership training, and the chance to shape the direction of the commercial lines business in Cape Town . Join a stable and respected company that values expertise and offers a stimulating work environment. This position in the Western Cape is ideal for an ambitious leader looking to make a substantial contribution.