Underwriting Manager - Specialty Lines

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Executive compensation package

Medical aid

Pension fund

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a leading insurer in Centurion, Gauteng to appoint an Underwriting Manager for the Specialty Lines division. The role demands strategic leadership, deep underwriting expertise, and the ability to guide a team of seasoned underwriters to drive profitable growth.

You will develop underwriting strategies, collaborate with actuarial, claims and sales teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain underwriting discipline while balancing risk and opportunity in a

Qualifications

• Progressive underwriting experience in specialty lines (PI, cyber, construction).
• Leadership experience with team mentoring and performance management.
• Strong understanding of SA regulatory landscape and market dynamics.
• Excellent strategic planning, decision-making and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of specialty underwriters.
• Develop and implement underwriting strategies, guidelines and policies.
• Oversee underwriting of complex risks with accurate pricing and terms.
• Monitor portfolio performance, trends and profitability, taking corrective actions.
• Collaborate with sales, actuarial and claims to identify opportunities.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and governance; represent the company externally.

Skills

Leadership

Underwriting

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Education

Commerce/Finance degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent insurer with a strong presence in Centurion, Gauteng , is seeking an accomplished Underwriting Manager to lead their Specialty Lines division. This senior position requires a strategic thinker with extensive expertise in underwriting complex and niche insurance products. The manager will be responsible for developing and implementing underwriting strategies, managing a team of experienced underwriters, and ensuring profitable growth within the specialty lines portfolio. The role involves close collaboration with various departments, including actuarial, claims, and sales, to maintain underwriting discipline and achieve business objectives. This is a hybrid role, allowing for flexible work arrangements while maintaining essential team collaboration in our Centurion offices.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of specialty lines underwriters, fostering a high-performance culture. Develop, implement, and refine underwriting strategies, guidelines, and policies for specialty insurance products. Oversee the underwriting process for complex risks, ensuring accurate pricing, appropriate terms, and conditions. Monitor portfolio performance, analyze trends, and implement corrective actions to maintain profitability and manage risk exposure. Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to identify new business opportunities and develop innovative product solutions. Liaise with actuaries, claims specialists, and other internal stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to risk management. Represent the company in industry forums and build strong relationships with brokers and agents. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal governance standards. Contribute to the overall strategic planning and direction of the underwriting function.

Requirements

Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in insurance underwriting, with a significant portion focused on specialty lines (e.g., professional indemnity, cyber, construction). Proven leadership and team management experience. Strong analytical, financial, and risk assessment skills. In-depth understanding of insurance principles, market dynamics, and regulatory landscape in South Africa . Excellent strategic planning, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Relevant tertiary qualification in commerce, finance, or a related field; professional underwriting designations are highly desirable. Ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment, balancing remote work with in-office presence in Centurion .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, performance-related bonuses, and long-term incentives. Comprehensive benefits include top-tier medical aid, a defined contribution pension fund, and generous leave allowances. Opportunities for executive leadership development and participation in strategic initiatives are abundant. Join a forward-thinking organization in Centurion that values expertise and offers a challenging yet rewarding career path in the specialized insurance market.