32 Senior Underwriting jobs in South Africa

RESPONSIBILITIES

Underwriting Assistance

• Draw monthly renewal list.
• Check claims experience.
• Send out renewal invitations / reminders.
• Follow up on invitations / renewals and secondary follow ups on new business.
• Assist with the administrative underwriting duties.
• Attend to all system processing related functions within the underwriting area.

Policy Administration

• Data capturing of policy schedules and all related documentation e.g., endorsements and facultative slips.
• All administration related to policies including raising invoices etc.

Client Liaison (Internal and External)

• Respond to queries and resolve to the satisfaction of the affected parties within the scope of authority and / or responsibility.
• Provision of telephonic backup and answering services to the division.
• Handle credit control queries and errors
• Continuously monitor quality and accuracy of the documents and KIT records produced by the system
• Prepare for and attend meetings if and when required.

General Administration

• Handling accounts queries.
• Drawing of standard reports if and when required.
• Attend to daily administrative routine tasks in accordance with organisational standards, processes and procedures.
• Liaison with Santam finance department and brokers to resolve credit control issues and accounts issues.
• Attend to daily administrative routine tasks in accordance with organisational standards, processes and procedures.
• Attend to the typing of general correspondence if and when necessary, such as endorsements and cover letters.

GENERIC REQUIRMENTS

• Administrative Skills
• Analysis and Judgement
• Attention to Detail
• Client Orientation
• Communication Skills
• Follow Up
• Initiative
• Interpersonal Skills
• Organisational Awareness
• Planning and Organising
• Teamwork

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Basic Administrative Underwriting Knowledge
• Numeracy
• Tolerance for handling high pressure work environment
• Computer Literacy
• Good Typing Skills
• Negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE

• Matric
• Insurance related qualification or current studies a preference
• Insurance related experience a preference (1-2 years)

ABOUT SANTAM

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. As a large, diversified, and expanding company, we are committed to transformation and growth. While our headquarters are in South Africa, we are rapidly extending our presence into emerging markets across Africa and Asia.

With a client base of over 1 million policyholders, Santam serves individuals, commercial enterprises, specialist business owners, and institutions—including 80 of the Top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Our commitment to Insurance, Good and Proper goes beyond just providing cover—we offer peace of mind, ensuring our clients can focus on living in the moment, not worrying about the unexpected. Because at Santam, we believe the freedom to seize every day is worth protecting.

People drive our business, and we are committed to attracting the best talent, whether for permanent roles or short-term opportunities.

Santam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. We are dedicated to neuro-inclusivity and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Take the next step in your career—apply now and be part of a company that's shaping the future of insurance. This is Freedom

Job Description
To promote, develop and implement the Company's underwriting philosophy and strategy through the successful delivery of a variety of underwriting functions to maximize performance and achieve company objectives.

Hello Future,
Underwriting Specialist,
Welcome to FNB, the home of the #changeables. We design for the shapeshifters and deliver products and services that make us incredibly proud of people that make it happen.

As part of our team in
FR Life Assurance,
you will be surrounded by unique talents, diverse minds, and an adaptable environment that lives up to the promise of staying curious. Now's the time to imagine your potential in a team where experts come together and ignite effective change.

Job Purpose
As a liaison Underwriter, you will serve as an important interface between the underwriting team and Financial Advisors, ensuring that underwriting decisions are technically sound and commercially aligned. You'll assess complex life insurance applications and deliver clear empathetic communication to advisors navigating client needs.

This role demands a blend of medical underwriting acumen, market awareness and relationship management. This isn't just underwriting; it's about translating risk into opportunity.

Are You Someone Who Can

• Underwrite life, disability, and critical illness within authority limits.
• Deliver nuanced client specific underwriting decisions that reflect both risk appetite and commercial viability.
• Educate and empower financial advisors and brokers with underwriting insights that help them position products more effectively
• Capture market sentiment and advisor feedback to inform underwriting practices and guidelines
• Craft compelling underwriting rationales that support sales conversations and build trust
• Ensure decisions align with regulatory standards and company policies
• Work closely with R&D team and other departments to optimize underwriting processes
• Champion speed and fairness in all case decisions

You Will Be An Ideal Candidate If You Have

• Grade 12 (NQF Level 4),
• Relevant Degree will be advantageous

Experience

• Minimal of 10 years life insurance underwriting experience
• A higher / advanced level of product knowledge regarding Lump Sum Disability, Critical Illness, Income Protection, Business Cover, Group Risk, and the assessment and underwriting thereof.
• Assessment of medical, financial, avocation & occupational UW risks
• Business acumen and client centric thinking
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced market
• Innovation and forward-thinking underwriting approach

You Will Have Access To

• Opportunities to network and collaborate
• A challenging working environment that is progressive and agile
• Opportunities to innovate where initiative is taken and owned end to end

We can be a match if you have the following:

• Adaptable and curious
• Have a proven successful track record.
• Thrive in a collaborative environment.
• Detail-oriented
• Proactive and accountable
• Calm under pressure
• Collaborative mindset
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic work environment

Apply now if you are interested in taking the next step. We look forward to engaging with you
All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group's Employment Equity plan. The bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.

*Job Details
Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below. *
15/10/25

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group's Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.

Job Description

To promote, develop and implement the Company's underwriting philosophy and strategy through the successful delivery of a variety of underwriting functions to maximize performance and achieve company objectives.

Hello Future, Underwriting Specialist,

Welcome to FNB, the home of the #changeables. We design for the shapeshifters and deliver products and services that make us incredibly proud of people that make it happen.

As part of our team in FR Life Assurance, you will be surrounded by unique talents, diverse minds, and an adaptable environment that lives up to the promise of staying curious. Now's the time to imagine your potential in a team where experts come together and ignite effective change.

Job Purpose:

As a liaison Underwriter, you will serve as an important interface between the underwriting team and Financial Advisors, ensuring that underwriting decisions are technically sound and commercially aligned. You'll assess complex life insurance applications and deliver clear empathetic communication to advisors navigating client needs.

This role demands a blend of medical underwriting acumen, market awareness and relationship management. This isn't just underwriting; it's about translating risk into opportunity.

Are you someone who can:

• Underwrite life, disability, and critical illness within authority limits.
• Deliver nuanced client specific underwriting decisions that reflect both risk appetite and commercial viability.
• Educate and empower financial advisors and brokers with underwriting insights that help them position products more effectively
• Capture market sentiment and advisor feedback to inform underwriting practices and guidelines
• Craft compelling underwriting rationales that support sales conversations and build trust
• Ensure decisions align with regulatory standards and company policies
• Work closely with R&D team and other departments to optimize underwriting processes
• Champion speed and fairness in all case decisions

You will be an ideal candidate if you have:

• Grade 12 (NQF Level 4),
• Relevant Degree will be advantageous

Experience:

• Minimal of 10 years life insurance underwriting experience
• A higher / advanced level of product knowledge regarding Lump Sum Disability, Critical Illness, Income Protection, Business Cover, Group Risk, and the assessment and underwriting thereof.
• Assessment of medical, financial, avocation & occupational UW risks
• Business acumen and client centric thinking
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced market
• Innovation and forward-thinking underwriting approach

You will have access to:

• Opportunities to network and collaborate
• A challenging working environment that is progressive and agile
• Opportunities to innovate where initiative is taken and owned end to end

We can be a match if you have the following:

• Adaptable and curious
• Have a proven successful track record.
• Thrive in a collaborative environment.
• Detail-oriented
• Proactive and accountable
• Calm under pressure
• Collaborative mindset
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic work environment

Apply now if you are interested in taking the next step. We look forward to engaging with you

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group's Employment Equity plan. The bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.

Job Details

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.

20/09/25

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group's Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.

REQUIREMENTS:

Grade 12

FAIS Accredited (RE5 & CoB beneficial)

3 years Underwriting or short-term insurance experience

Agri & Commercial product knowledge

2 years Underwriting of short-term policies

Service and liaison with Insurers & Brokers

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R25 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT    : UNDERWRITER

Role and Responsibility of an Underwriting Consultant

Purpose    Our clients’ and partners’ financial well-being and success

Mission        To be a leading international insurer by:

    Partnering with our clients in every aspect of their risk management

    Delivering unsurpassed levels of service

    Fully embracing technology

    Continually innovating and

              Always providing clear, effective, solid cover at the most affordable rates

Values                                   Focus- Resilience- Tenacity- Relationships- Discipline   

TCF                                       Maintain and uphold TCF Outcomes.

Core Function                    An insurance underwriter is a professional responsible for reviewing insurance applications, assessing client’s needs, backgrounds and financial status. They analyse risks to             establish terms of coverage and maintain profitability for all stakeholders involved. They ensure compliance with all applicable insurance legislation and insurance laws and               maintain the highest quality assurance standards.

Reporting to    Assistant Manager

OUTPUT/CORE TASKS:

• Meticulously assess the risk factors of potential clients and establish coverage terms.


• Implement guidelines that ensure a balanced ratio of favourable risks, minimizing claim costs, and enabling the company to provide insurance at a competitive price.


• Comprehensive understanding of risk analysis, the ability to analyse data, and make informed decisions.


• Examine insurance proposals, ensure compliance and adherence.


• Ability to negotiate terms with clients and insurers.


• Draw up a quote for competitive insurance premiums.


• Achieve performance targets.


• Follow applicable insurance laws.


• Ability to provide feedback to manager in the form of reports.

SKILLS (all essential):

• Analytical skills


• The ability to work with customers from a range of backgrounds.


• Confident decision making skills.


• Attention to detail


• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to professionally represent your Department


• Negotiating & closing skills


• Ability to work under pressure and be flexible as part of a team


• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships at all levels, including during difficult or challenging circumstances.


• Ability to prioritise and manage own workload amid conflicting demands and busy work periods.

KNOWLEDGE/QUALIFICATION:

• Matric


• Intermediate level knowlwdge of MS suite


• Must be proficient with the keyboard and IT applications


• RE5

• Support underwriters in the preparation, review, and issuance of policies, endorsements, and renewal documentation.
• Assist in assessing risk information, ensuring data accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain and update underwriting systems and databases with precise and current information.
• Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines, company procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with brokers, clients, and internal departments to obtain required documentation and clarify queries.
• Track and manage policy renewals, endorsements, and amendments efficiently.
• Generate and review reports related to underwriting performance and portfolio activity.
• Contribute to process improvements and maintain high standards of operational efficiency.

• Minimum of 24 years experience in underwriting support, insurance administration, or policy processing .
• Knowledge of commercial, construction, or financial lines insurance advantageous.
• Strong understanding of underwriting documentation, policy structures, and compliance standards.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills with keen attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and underwriting or CRM systems.
• Clear and professional communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to work accurately under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working to UK time zones and reporting lines.

• Competitive base salary with performance-related growth opportunities.
• International exposure and collaboration with a leading UK-based insurance group.
• Career progression in a professional and structured environment.
• Supportive, team-focused workplace located in Cape Town CBD.

About Discovery
Discovery's core purpose is to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. We seek out and invest in exceptional individuals who understand and support our core purpose, and whose own values align with those of Discovery. Our fast-paced and dynamic environment enables smart, self-driven people to be their best. As global thought leaders, Discovery is passionate about innovating in order to not only achieve financial success, but to ignite positive and meaningful change within our society.

About The VitalityLife Underwriting Team
The Presales area is a dynamic fast paced environment; it is the stepping stone to underwriting. Presales is a great opportunity to learn how to underwrite and asses risk and for an individual to no longer just have a job but have a career in the insurance industry. The role of a presales agent is first line underwriting and to ensure that we offer an indication before an application is submitted therefore letting the client and broker know what to expect when an application is submitted. In our area you will have assistance from our team of highly trained Presales staff as well as our underwriters.

Key Purpose
To provide indicative underwriting decisions telephonically and via e-mail.

Areas Of Responsibility May Include But Not Limited To
The successful applicant will be responsible for but not limited to the following job functions:

• Ensure correct risk rating is applied based on the information provided on the telephone call or via email
• Consult necessary guidelines to ensure correct risk rating is applied to potential new business
• Liaise with clients regarding risk applied or policies that are deferred / declined
• Attending to underwriting queries and escalated enquiries from brokers, Account Managers, Franchise Directors which would mostly be telephonic but may be written and emailed.
• Dealing with underwriting queries and escalated queries from brokers, Account Managers, Franchise Directors to resolution.
• Administration duties relating to underwriting

Personal Attributes And Skills

• Strong Relationships Skills.
• Deciding and initiating action
• Working with People
• Able to work unsupervised and to take initiative
• Adhering to Principles and Values
• Presenting and Communicating Information (verbal & written)
• Conflict handling
• Analytical skills
• Learning and Researching
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
• Following Instructions and Procedures
• Adapting and Responding to Change
• Coping with extreme pressure and setbacks
• Microsoft Office

Education And Experience
Education

• Matric / Grade 12 is essential.
• 1-year experience as an Inbound Service Consultant within a Life Insurance environment
• 1 to 2 years working experience as an underwriter (Essential)
• 1-year Nursing / medical experience (advantageous)

Knowledge

• Medical background
• VitalityLife product knowledge (basic)
• Underwriting procedures & guidelines (including medical, financial and vocational)

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

The Company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.

We're on the look out for a
Technical Underwriting Manager
to lead our team at Howdie Insurance Administrators. This isn't just a management role; it's a chance to shape our underwriting function and foster a collaborative environment where our team can thrive. This is a full-time, in-office position, as we believe our best work is done together, in person, where we can share ideas and solve problems as a team. If you're passionate about insurance and have a knack for leadership, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership:
  Lead and mentor a team of underwriters, ensuring all business adheres to company mandates and risk appetite.
• Referral Management:
  Operate within our Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to make timely decisions on referrals and identify outdated referral processes that can be improved.
• Underwriting Excellence:
  Review and approve quotes, identify opportunities for discounts to improve closing rates, and provide alternative solutions for non-conventional coverage, like Alternative Risk Transfer (ART), to strengthen broker relationships.
• Process Improvement:
  Proactively identify shortcomings in existing business practices and implement new underwriting structures, guidelines, and procedures to improve scheme turnaround times.
• Technical Expertise:
  Serve as a technical resource for your team, assisting with complex queries on new quotes, policy additions, and technical referrals.
• Renewals and Claims:
  Provide input on renewal terms and increases, and assist with multi-claimant actions. Offer underwriting insights for technical or "grey area" claims.
• Performance and Development:
  Manage and report on team performance, set clear objectives, and ensure team members have documented and monitored development plans.
• Relationship Management:
  Maintain and build strong relationships with external partners.
• Communication:
  Lead monthly team meetings, ensuring actions are recorded and executed.

Requirements

• Experience:
  Minimum of 5 years of experience in underwriting.
• Qualifications:
  Completed NQF 5/6 qualification.
• Location:
  Must reside in Johannesburg.
• Transportation:
  Must have own reliable transport.
• Work Style:
  This is a
  fully on-site role
  . We believe in the power of in-person collaboration and a strong team culture. We're looking for someone who shares this vision and is excited to work in a dynamic office environment.

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We are looking for an experienced Claims and Underwriting Administrator to join our Insurance Policy Administration team. This role will be based at our Head Office in Cape Town.