Head of Technical Underwriting

Recruiter:

Network Recruitment

Job Ref:

NFP015792/LLR

Date posted:

Monday, June 2, 2025

Location:

Johannesburg, South Africa

Salary:

Market related

SUMMARY:

An exciting leadership opportunity has opened up for a Head of Technical Underwriting to join a forward-thinking and specialist insurance provider. This senior role will support the Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO) and play a critical part in shaping and enforcing underwriting philosophy, reinsurance strategy, and risk management across multiple lines of business. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of short-term insurance, a strong risk management mindset, and a passion for developing underwriting standards that ensure sustainable profitability.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities:

Support the CUO in implementing strategic underwriting initiatives across the organization.
Develop, enhance, and monitor underwriting philosophy, including wordings, endorsements, pricing models, mandates, and risk standards.
Lead the reinsurance strategy (treaty and facultative) and oversee its consistent application.
Manage underwriting and claims risk management practices, both internally and with external partners.
Drive technical audits, underwriting quality assurance, and internal governance processes.
Monitor risk selection, underwriting referrals, and high-risk exposure. Provide feedback and strategic support thereon.
Lead technical training programs and support continuous knowledge transfer across the underwriting teams.
Collaborate with senior stakeholders and product teams on product development and market-facing interventions.
Analyze claims trends, economic factors, and emerging risks to inform underwriting decisions.
Prepare detailed reports, committee agendas, and risk summaries for senior leadership and operational teams.
Ensure that effective internal documentation, risk surveys, and communication standards are upheld.
Promote continuous process improvement, compliance with POPIA and TCF, and overall policy adherence.
Actively engage with reinsurance partners, industry associations, and professional networks to stay ahead of industry trends.
Mentor and coach Underwriters to build internal capability and drive performance excellence.

Qualifications & Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Risk Management, Commerce, or a related field.
A minimum of 10 years’ experience in short-term insurance, with a strong focus on:
- Underwriting processes;
- Claims procedures;
- Risk management and legal knowledge (Insurance Act, FAIS, and Prescription Act); and
- Reinsurance strategy and treaty management.
Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and leadership skills.
Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Excellent communication, negotiation, and report writing skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships.
FAIS compliance and strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks.
Self-driven with a high level of discipline, accountability, and initiative.

Why Apply?:

Lead technical excellence in a dynamic, specialist insurance environment.
Influence strategic direction and risk philosophy at an enterprise level.
Collaborate with a high-caliber team and diverse external partners.
Opportunity to make a lasting impact on underwriting innovation and operational standards.

Closing Date: 12 July 2024

Ready to take the next step in your underwriting leadership journey? Submit your CV to today. Should you not hear from us within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.

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