Underwriting Manager - Commercial Lines

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Professional growth and training

Company car or travel allowance

Analytics tools access

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Underwriting Manager to lead the Commercial Lines division in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Drive strategic underwriting, set guidelines, and mentor a team of underwriters to ensure profitable growth while building strong broker relationships.

The role demands strong analytical skills, exceptional leadership, and deep knowledge of commercial insurance products and markets to shape underwriting philosophy and best practices in the business.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in commercial lines underwriting with 3+ years in supervision.
• Proven profitable underwriting and risk management track record.
• Strong knowledge of commercial insurance products and markets.
• Excellent leadership and motivational skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication with stakeholders.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and MS Office.
• Demonstrated ability to foster broker relationships in the Durban area.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement underwriting strategies and guidelines for commercial lines.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of commercial underwriters.
• Oversee the underwriting process, ensuring risk assessment, pricing, and policy issuance.
• Monitor portfolio performance, identifying trends and opportunities.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to support growth objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents and key business partners in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and underwriting policies.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback.
• Contribute to development of new commercial insurance products and solutions.

Skills

Underwriting leadership

Team management

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder influence

Education

ACII/CIU certifications

Tools

Underwriting systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent and growing insurance organization, is actively seeking an experienced and strategic Underwriting Manager to lead their Commercial Lines division in Durban , KwaZulu-Natal . This critical leadership role involves overseeing the underwriting operations for a diverse portfolio of commercial risks, ensuring profitable growth and effective risk selection. The Underwriting Manager will be responsible for developing underwriting strategies, setting guidelines, managing a team of underwriters, and fostering strong relationships with brokers and agents. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact within a dynamic and respected company, contributing to its continued success in the vibrant Durban market. The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical acumen, exceptional leadership qualities, and a comprehensive understanding of commercial insurance products and markets. You will be instrumental in shaping underwriting philosophy and driving best practices across the team. This role offers a chance to mentor and develop talent, while also playing a key part in the financial performance of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement underwriting strategies and guidelines for commercial lines of business.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of commercial underwriters to achieve performance objectives.
• Oversee the underwriting process, ensuring accurate risk assessment, pricing, and policy issuance.
• Monitor portfolio performance, identifying trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to support business growth objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and other key business partners in KwaZulu-Natal .
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company underwriting policies.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to the underwriting team.
• Contribute to the development of new commercial insurance products and solutions.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in commercial lines underwriting, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven track record of profitable underwriting results and effective risk management.
• Strong understanding of commercial insurance products, market dynamics, and underwriting best practices.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Exceptional analytical, decision‑making, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Relevant professional qualifications or certifications in insurance (e.g., ACII, CIU).
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to foster strong broker relationships in the Durban area.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and an attractive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid plan and excellent retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and industry certifications.
• A stimulating and supportive work environment in Durban .
• Access to advanced analytics tools and resources.
• Company car or travel allowance may be provided.
• Potential for significant career advancement within a leading insurance group.
• Collaborative team culture and employee recognition programs.