Underwriting Manager / Team Leader

The Legends Agency; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance solutions provider is seeking an Underwriting Manager / Team Leader in Johannesburg or Durban. This role involves leading a high-performing underwriting team, overseeing compliance with regulations, and improving underwriting processes. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in underwriting management with 3-5 years of experience and key qualifications including NQF4 and RE5 certification. The salary range is R30 000 - R35 000.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a management or underwriting leadership role.
• Strong technical knowledge across personal, commercial, and liability cover.
• Up-to-date CPD essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of underwriters to achieve operational targets.
• Implement and maintain underwriting policies and procedures.
• Monitor portfolio performance and identify trends.

Skills

Leadership

Risk assessment

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

NQF4 qualification (150 credits)

RE5 certification

Job description

Overview

Underwriting Manager / Team Leader

Lead a high-performing underwriting team and drive portfolio excellence

Johannesburg or Durban | R30 000 - R35 000

About Our Client

Our client is a specialist in short-term insurance solutions, known for their innovative products and client-first approach. They pride themselves on delivering tailored risk solutions across personal, commercial, and specialist lines, with a strong emphasis on compliance, service quality, and sustainable growth. Joining this team means being part of a forward-thinking business where leadership and expertise make a tangible impact.

The Role: Underwriting Manager / Team Leader

In this role, you will lead and mentor a team of underwriters, ensuring efficient handling of policies, renewals, and endorsements. You will oversee underwriting across a range of product lines, implement processes to improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with all regulatory standards. Acting as the go-to point for escalations and complex risks, youll play a key role in delivering tailored solutions that protect clients while driving portfolio performance.

Key Responsibilities

• 3-5 years of experience in a management or underwriting leadership role
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of underwriters to achieve operational targets
• Oversee underwriting for personal, commercial, body corporate, and specialist liability cover
• Implement and maintain underwriting policies, procedures, and service standards
• Ensure compliance with FAIS, FSCA, and Treating Customers Fairly requirements
• Handle escalations, complex risks, and provide decision-making support
• Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and present management reports
• Drive efficiency through process improvements and system optimisation
• Contribute to product development and enhancement to meet evolving client needs

About You

• NQF4 qualification (150 credits) essential
• RE5 certification essential
• Up-to-date CPD essential
• 3-5 years experience in an underwriting management or team leader role (advantageous)
• Strong technical knowledge across personal, commercial, and liability cover
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and people management skills
• Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to risk and process improvement
• Strong communication and relationship management skills with brokers, clients, and insurers