Underwriting Manager - Commercial Lines

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Comprehensive medical and dental cover

Generous retirement fund

Professional development and industry‑

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Underwriting Manager to lead the Commercial Lines division in Centurion, Gauteng. The role focuses on overseeing a team of underwriters, shaping underwriting strategies, and ensuring profitable growth for a diverse commercial portfolio.

You will manage underwriting appetite, pricing structures, and risk selection, while ensuring compliance and strong stakeholder collaboration with sales and marketing teams.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in commercial lines underwriting with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of commercial lines underwriters.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Decision making

Data analysis

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance or Risk Management

ACII

FLMI

Tools

Underwriting systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent insurer, is actively seeking an experienced and dynamic Underwriting Manager to lead their Commercial Lines division. This critical leadership role is based in Centurion, Gauteng , and involves overseeing a team of skilled underwriters, developing underwriting strategies, and ensuring profitable growth. You will be responsible for managing underwriting appetite, pricing structures, and risk selection for a diverse portfolio of commercial insurance products. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, a deep understanding of commercial insurance markets, and a proven ability to drive underwriting excellence. This is a strategic opportunity to shape the future of our client's commercial business in Centurion, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of commercial lines underwriters.
• Define and implement underwriting strategies, policies, and guidelines to achieve business objectives.
• Manage underwriting performance, profitability, and growth targets for the commercial portfolio.
• Set and monitor underwriting authority levels and risk appetite.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes to adapt underwriting strategies.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to enhance product offerings and market penetration.
• Review and approve complex or large-risk quotations and referrals.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers and strategic partners.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and internal controls.
• Contribute to the overall strategic planning and decision-making of the insurance division.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in commercial lines underwriting, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management capacity.
• In-depth knowledge of various commercial insurance products (e.g., Commercial Property, Liability, Fleet, Business Interruption).
• Demonstrated success in managing underwriting teams and driving performance.
• Strong understanding of risk assessment, pricing, and portfolio management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and develop strategic recommendations.
• Relevant professional qualifications in insurance (e.g., ACII, FLMI) are highly preferred.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and data analysis tools.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive executive compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, substantial performance bonuses, and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, a generous retirement fund, and life assurance are provided.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, leadership training, and attending industry conferences are available.
• The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility.