Senior Technical Underwriter - Commercial / Corporate Insurance

SUMMARY:
An insurance company based in Rivonia/Sandton is currently seeking a Senior Technical Underwriter Commercial / Corporate Insuranceto provide senior-level underwriting expertise and operational support to the Senior Account Executive (AE) team, ensuring the delivery of effective, compliant, and commercially sound insurance solutions. The role is responsible for managing the Underwriting function across both new and existing business, assisting AEs with the structuring of covers, renewal strategy and preparation, and the day-to-day management of key accounts.
A critical part of this function is the efficient execution of internal processes and workflows, while actively building and maintaining strong working relationships with insurers, clients, and internal stakeholders. The Senior Underwriter acts as both a technical resource and collaborative partner within the team, contributing to improved service delivery, profitability, and risk control.

POSITION INFO:
Recommended Qualifications:
Academic (Degree or Dip) - Matric, FAIS Compliant (Short Term Insurance Qualifications at NQF Level 4)
Functional Certificate Courses - Successfully passed RE5, Class of Business Commercial lines
Minimum Other Training Required - Strong Insurance Administration System Proficiency (TIAL)
Computer literacy (Excel, Word, Outlook, Power point) Email
Minimum Years of Formal & Informal Training/ Experience Required - 7 to 10 years of progressive experience within the short-term commercial insurance industry, with solid exposure to commercial underwriting functions.
Demonstrable technical knowledge across multiple insurance product lines, including General Commercial, Financial Lines, Assets, Motor Fleets, and Engineering.
Strong proficiency and experience with policy administration systems, with TIAL proficiency strongly preferred.
Prior involvement in an underwriting decision-making or oversight capacity, either independently or as part of a management or technical support structure.
Proven track record in supporting or collaborating with Account Executives or Broker teams on placement, renewal preparation, and risk structuring.
Strong relationship-building skills with insurers and clients, supported by effective communication, analytical ability, and a proactive, solutions-driven approach.
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM OUTPUTS AND ROLES ASSOCIATED WITH THESE OUTPUTS
Results oriented
Continuous Learning
Adaptable to change
Effective Time management
High Attention to detail
Broad market Insight and Expertise
Experience of Assets All Risk covers
Experience in Commercial Insurances such as: General Commercial Assets All Risk, All Financial lines, Engineering, Motor fleets, Marine etc
Working experience in General Commercial lines covers
Team Player
Proactive Mindset
Strong Communication Skills ( Written & Verbal)
Strong Analytical Ability
Strong Negotiating Skills
Customer Driven
High emphasis on Honesty / Integrity and being ethical
Job Specific Information:
Administration of the Commercial clients of the company and the Joint venture partners’ portfolios, reporting to the Underwriting manager.
Strong analytical skills, communication (verbal and written) and an in-depth understanding of the insurance market, insurance products, regulatory regulations and risk management principles.
Key Clients Sectors: Printing – Security – Retail – Property – Hospitality – Medical - Automotive
Logistics – Maritime – Farming.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD / QUALITY STANDARDS
Securing new business
Assist AE in obtaining prospective client’s current insurance details
On request from AE, approach market for quotes – complete comparison
Analyze market feedback and provide recommendations to AE
Ensure all relevant documents are completed and signed on receipt from AE
Market Analysis, keeping up to date with trends, changes in regulations including competitor activity to provide internal advice and recommendations.
Strong communication skills (verbal and written) for interacting with internal team and clients.
Analytical skills to analyze complex information, assess risk assisting AE in obtaining prospective client’s current insurance details
Prepare comparative spreadsheet
Compile documentation
Process policy on business system, raise and provide invoices
Complete pack to AE for delivery
Prepare strategy Packs for pre-renewals 3 months in advance, including processing of required proposal forms to be submitted to clients
Prepare updated placing slips to approach the insurance market, to ensure all paperwork is documentation is accurate and compliant with regulatory requirements
Market analysis keeping up to date with trends, changes in regulation and competitor activities
Policy management overseeing administration of insurance policies, renewals, adjustments and claims.
Applying insurance knowledge, analytical and communication skills, coupled with experience and industry knowledge ensuring high levels of client satisfaction.
Draw claims experience and 3 years loss ratio reports, 6 weeks prior to renewal
Review policy and check if renewal rules are applied correctly
On receipt from Insurer apply their terms
Review policy (electronic file) for all FAIS required documents and any other relevant documentation to the policy
Update comparison on excel spreadsheet
Assist AE with market exercise, where necessary
Draft additional comparison with market exercise information
Assist AE in negotiating renewal terms with Insurer
Provide AE with renewal pack for discussion with client
Advise AE of any outstanding info and/or documentation required from client
Confirmations:
Cover confirmation to be processed immediately – copy to AE, client, and Insurer
Diarise, if there is outstanding information
Process amendment directly if all information available
Notification of Interest:
Receive request from Financial Institutions
Vehicle finance (notification of interest)
Property finance (session document to note interest of financial institution)
Process on the business system
Send confirmation letter to the financial institution cc the AE
Amendments:
Acknowledge receipt of amendment request – advise AE
Obtain terms – process endorsement
Email the amended schedule to the Insured, cc AE and Insurer
Cancellations:
Acknowledge receipt of cancellation request
Provide request and retention sheet to the relevant AE for retention
If not retained - AE needs to provide you with signed retention sheet which you must attach to your request for cancellation
Forward cancellation request with retention sheet to the manager for cancellation
Confirm in writing the cancellation with the Client, forward confirmation to Insurer and cc AE
Multi – Claimants:
Draw Multi-claimant report (claims experience)
Analyse claims and make recommendations to AE
Apply corrective action, endorse policy accordingly on AE’s advices
Advise client cc AE
Advise Insurer
General:
Complete daily diary items
Action incoming mail daily (clear mailbox daily)
Assist other members of department whenever possible
Effectively and efficiently upload and maintain electronic policy files
Perform adhoc duties as allocated from time to time
Effectively and efficiently maintain filing system (electronic and other)
Timely Responses to email and telephonic messages
Ensure that accurate record is kept of all new matters received in the dept
Maintaining professional behavior and work ethic
Display personal accountability for own actions, quality of work and personal development
Ensure that all deadlines are met, and that SLA’s are adhered to
Ensure all turnaround times and target dates are adhered to
Be punctual, keeping to prescribed hours/ timekeeping
Financial Control:
Assist AE with Debtors Control
Assist AE with Account Queries
Risk Management:
Collate Risk Requirements on Accounts
Discuss relevant requirements with AE’s
Ensure that timeous feedback is provided to requirements that meet policy conditions