Underwriting Manager - Commercial Lines

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Career progression

Training programs

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Underwriting Manager to lead the Commercial Lines team in Tembisa, Gauteng. This on-site role requires a strategic thinker with deep knowledge of commercial insurance products, market dynamics, and risk assessment.

You will oversee underwriting strategies, drive portfolio profitability, and collaborate with brokers to grow business while maintaining loss ratios. Strong leadership and regulatory awareness are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in commercial lines underwriting, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor the commercial lines underwriting team, fostering a high-performance culture.
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Skills

Underwriting leadership

Strategic planning

Risk analysis

Communication & negotiation

Broker relationships

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Finance/Insurance

Tools

MS Office

Underwriting systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the insurance industry, is actively recruiting for an experienced Underwriting Manager to oversee their Commercial Lines division based in Tembisa, Gauteng . This senior position demands a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of commercial insurance products, market dynamics, and risk assessment.

The Underwriting Manager will be responsible for leading a team of underwriters, developing profitable underwriting strategies, and ensuring the portfolio's growth while maintaining a strong loss ratio. The role is crucial for shaping the company's commercial insurance offerings and ensuring competitive positioning in the market. You will work closely with brokers and agents to build strong relationships and identify new business opportunities.

This is an on-site role, requiring full commitment to the office environment in Tembisa, Gauteng . The successful candidate will be expected to drive underwriting excellence and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor the commercial lines underwriting team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Develop and implement profitable underwriting strategies and guidelines for commercial insurance products.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes impacting the commercial insurance sector.
• Set underwriting authority levels and ensure adherence to risk appetite and guidelines.
• Review and approve complex or high-value commercial insurance proposals.
• Manage the profitability and growth of the commercial lines portfolio, focusing on loss ratios and expense management.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to identify new business opportunities and develop tailored insurance solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key brokers, agents, and clients.
• Conduct regular performance reviews for underwriting staff and identify training needs.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant insurance regulations and company policies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Insurance, or a related field.
• Professional designations (e.g., ACII, ANZIIF) are highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in commercial lines underwriting, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in underwriting various commercial insurance classes (e.g., Property, Liability, Marine, Business Interruption).
• Strong understanding of risk management principles and financial analysis.
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and MS Office Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful underwriting strategies.
• Experience in broker relationship management.
• Residency or willingness to relocate to the Tembisa, Gauteng area is essential.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for significant career progression within a well-established insurer.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Company-provided training and development programs.
• Stable employment in a key management position in Tembisa, Gauteng .