Underwriting Manager - Short-Term Insurance Portfolio

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package and performance bonuses

Medical aid and provident fund

Leadership training and development

Hybrid role: Soweto office + remote

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Underwriting Manager to lead the short-term insurance underwriting function in Gauteng. You will guide a team of underwriters, develop policies, and drive profitable growth while managing risk exposure in a dynamic market.

The role requires deep underwriting expertise, strong leadership, and a track record of delivering results. This hybrid position blends office collaboration in Soweto with remote flexibility, contributing to strategic planning and market

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Commerce, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in short-term insurance underwriting, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• ACII or equivalent professional designation is highly advantageous.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and MS Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the underwriting team for the short-term insurance portfolio.
• Develop and implement underwriting policies, guidelines, and procedures to ensure profitable growth and effective risk management.
• Monitor portfolio performance, analyze key metrics, and take corrective actions as needed.
• Set underwriting standards and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company risk appetite.
• Underwrite complex or large risks, providing guidance and authority levels to the team.
• Collaborate with product development, claims, and sales departments to optimize product offerings and market positioning.
• Identify market trends, competitive activities, and emerging risks, adapting underwriting strategies accordingly.
• Foster strong relationships with brokers and intermediaries, providing technical support and guidance.
• Contribute to strategic planning and budgeting for the underwriting department.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Commerce/Finance/Risk mgmt degree

ACII or equivalent designation

Tools

MS Office Suite

Underwriting systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established insurer based in Soweto, Gauteng , is seeking an experienced and dynamic Underwriting Manager to lead their short-term insurance portfolio. This senior role involves overseeing the underwriting function, ensuring profitable growth, managing risk exposure, and developing underwriting strategies aligned with the company's objectives. You will lead a team of underwriters, provide technical expertise, and foster a high-performance culture. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the short-term insurance market, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record in profitable underwriting management. This is a key strategic position contributing significantly to the company's success in the Gauteng region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the underwriting team for the short-term insurance portfolio.
• Develop and implement underwriting policies, guidelines, and procedures to ensure profitable growth and effective risk management.
• Monitor portfolio performance, analyze key metrics (e.g., loss ratios, expense ratios), and take corrective actions as needed.
• Set underwriting standards and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company risk appetite.
• Underwrite complex or large risks, providing guidance and authority levels to the team.
• Collaborate with product development, claims, and sales departments to optimize product offerings and market positioning.
• Identify market trends, competitive activities, and emerging risks, adapting underwriting strategies accordingly.
• Foster strong relationships with brokers and intermediaries, providing technical support and guidance.
• Contribute to strategic planning and budgeting for the underwriting department.

Requirements

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Commerce, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in short-term insurance underwriting, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of various short-term insurance classes (e.g., Personal Lines, Commercial Lines).
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective underwriting strategies and controls.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• ACII or equivalent professional designation is highly advantageous.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and MS Office Suite.
• Understanding of the South African insurance market dynamics.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a substantial provident fund contribution.
• Opportunities for advanced leadership training and professional development are readily available.
• This hybrid role allows for a blend of collaborative work in our Soweto offices and remote flexibility.
• Join a reputable insurer committed to excellence and growth, offering a supportive environment and career advancement within the Gauteng insurance sector.