Head of Product Underwriting

Job Description: Our client, a leading commercial risk specialist in Southern Africa, is dedicated to proactive risk management and superior customer service. Reporting to the Chief Underwriting Officer, this role oversees product underwriting across various lines and ensures profitability and adherence to risk appetite.

Key Tasks and Accountabilities:
• Manage underwriting quality and product adherence to achieve profitability targets.
• Identify growth opportunities within risk appetite and profitability requirements.
• Oversee underwriting delegation of authority and ensure adherence to risk appetite.
• Develop and implement product and underwriting enhancements.
• Manage underwriting governance, including risk registers and control frameworks.
• Maintain and enhance product wording to align with legal and market standards.
• Oversee Sasria relationship and operational requirements.
• Implement underwriting training and peer reviews.
• Conduct annual technical underwriting reviews for all regions.
• Improve customer service and expand talent within the Risk Engineering Team.
• Provide and consolidate key data on market and competitor activities.
• Manage risk engineering functions and drive efficiencies.
• Financial forecasting, budgeting, and service excellence monitoring.

Relationships:
• Internal: Underwriting, Claims, Risk Management, Sales, and Distribution
• External: Insurance Partners, industry contacts, professional groups

Qualifications & Experience:
• Minimum NQF Level 7 (University degree)
• 5-8 years’ experience in short-term insurance, including technical underwriting and policy wording
• Experience providing underwriting advice to senior management
• General management and project management experience

Behaviours:
• Collaborative with the ability to influence across functions
• Self-motivated and proactive
• Professional, enthusiastic, and positive attitude
• Deadline-oriented and able to work under pressure
• Strong team management skills

Knowledge:
• Intermediate knowledge of economic trends and their impact on underwriting
• Proficient in product knowledge and policy wording
• In-depth understanding of the insurance industry, regulatory considerations, and business concepts
• Knowledge of disclosure practices and policies

Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in English; additional languages preferred
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Advanced knowledge of policy underwriting life cycle and enterprise underwriting strategy
• Advanced knowledge of portfolio management and optimization methods