Underwriting Manager - Personal Lines

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Underwriting Manager to lead the Personal Lines division in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The role requires directing underwriting operations, mentoring a team of underwriters, and driving profitable growth within the local market.

You will oversee adherence to guidelines, manage relationships with brokers, and collaborate with product and claims teams to enhance offerings. A strong background in personal lines underwriting and leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field.
• ACII or similar professional qualification is highly preferred.
• Minimum 7 years in personal lines underwriting, with at least 3 years in supervision.
• Strong knowledge of personal lines products (household, motor, travel).
• Proven leadership and staff development abilities.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
• Good communication and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in underwriting software and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of personal lines underwriters, providing guidance, training, and performance management.
• Develop and implement underwriting strategies to achieve profitable growth and market share objectives.
• Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve complex or high-value policies, providing expert judgment.
• Analyze underwriting performance metrics and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with product development and claims departments to enhance product offerings and claims handling.
• Foster strong relationships with brokers, agents, and distribution partners.
• Stay informed about market trends, competitor activities, and economic factors affecting personal lines insurance.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of underwriting systems and processes.

Skills

Leadership

Underwriting

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field

ACII qualification

Tools

Underwriting software

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable insurance company, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Underwriting Manager to lead their Personal Lines division in **Bloemfontein**. This leadership role involves overseeing the underwriting operations for personal insurance products, ensuring adherence to company guidelines, and driving profitable growth. You will be responsible for managing a team of underwriters, developing strategies, and maintaining strong relationships with brokers and stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring a wealth of experience in personal lines underwriting and a proven ability to mentor and develop talent in **Free State**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of personal lines underwriters, providing guidance, training, and performance management.
• Develop and implement underwriting strategies to achieve profitable growth and market share objectives.
• Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve complex or high-value policies, providing expert judgment.
• Analyze underwriting performance metrics and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with product development and claims departments to enhance product offerings and claims handling.
• Foster strong relationships with brokers, agents, and distribution partners.
• Stay informed about market trends, competitor activities, and economic factors affecting personal lines insurance.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of underwriting systems and processes.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Relevant professional insurance qualifications (e.g., ACII) are highly preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in personal lines underwriting, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Strong understanding of personal insurance products (e.g., household, motor, travel).
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in underwriting software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of the **South African** insurance market.
• Reside in or be willing to relocate to **Bloemfontein**.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a stable and growing organization are significant.

You will be part of a dedicated team in **Bloemfontein**, **Free State**, contributing to the company's success.