27 Underwriting Manager jobs in South Africa

Underwriting Manager
Location: Manchester (Hybrid Working)
Salary to 70k + Bonus + Excellent Benefits
Permanent, Full-Time

IPS Group is partnering with a Global Insurer to recruit an experienced and people-focused Underwriting Team Leader for their Manchester office. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role and a brand-new team supporting the launch of a new Cyber proposition.

This position is part of a strategic national growth initiative set to go live in January 2026. The company is investing heavily in building out its Cyber and Financial Lines capabilities, with Manchester as the central hub. The Team Leader will play a critical role in setting up and leading the new team, ensuring it is fully operational in time for launch.

The function will manage new business, renewals, and mid-term adjustments across both open market trading and e-trade platforms. The hiring phase includes 4 initial roles, followed by 4 additional appointments. Once established, the team will include:

- Development Underwriters
- Senior Underwriters
- Assistant Underwriters

This role is less about technical underwriting and more focused on operational leadership, strategic planning, and team management. You’ll be responsible for shaping the structure and workflow of the new team, overseeing performance, implementing new processes, and creating a collaborative, high-performing environment. You’ll also be a key point of contact in the Manchester office and work closely with senior leadership on wider business priorities and transformation projects.

We’re looking for a candidate with strong people management or supervisory experience, ideally within Cyber, Professional Indemnity, Casualty, or Digital/E-trade underwriting. Experience with Acturis would be beneficial as well. Most importantly, we want someone comfortable building a team from the ground up, with a strong focus on coaching, onboarding, and performance delivery.

In return, you’ll receive a competitive salary, a bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. To learn more about the role and overall package, apply today or get in touch.

Email:
Phone: 0161 416 6203 / 07967 701036

Our client, a leading Banking and Finance Giant, has a fantastic opportunity for an Underwriting Manager who will plan and control the Underwriting Department to profitably grow the risk book on an underwriting and administration basis, in line with the company’s business strategy.

• Ensure the implementation and development of underwriting management strategies.
• Manage and monitor short term underwriting requirements and decisions to ensure cost effectiveness of pricing.
• Provide input into budget determination around headcount and cost of landing business.
• Ensure transformational targets are met.
• Contribute to a culture of transformation by participating in the company’s culture building initiatives, business strategy, and CSI.
• Stay abreast of developments in field of expertise, ensuring personal and professional growth.
• Lead organisational change initiatives by providing direction and aligning to strategy and culture.
• Ensure issues raised in culture surveys are addressed and results are improved.
• Deliver a world class service through others by ensuring a client centric culture through required interventions.
• Identify areas of resource inefficiencies and promote optimization through multi-skilling and addressing capacity gaps.
• Manage adherence to agreed SLAs.
• Update any service agreements/contracts in place as and when required, including annual review.
• Make formal presentations to all business stakeholders to promote and enhance stronger business relationships.
• Collaborate with internal and external clients through attending business meetings, presentations, and underwriting specific seminars.
• Manage and monitor short term underwriting decisions.
• Accept and authorize high levels of risks within company guidelines.
• Develop, implement, and update the underwriting rules outcomes based on current approach to specific impairments.
• Conduct underwriting audits bi-annually to ensure underwriting philosophy and decision-making is in keeping with the risk appetite.
• Ensure automated workflow within the administration system is delivering the desired outcome.
• Optimize efficiency and embed correct values by ensuring direct reports understand and support the company’s vision, values, and strategy.
• Manage performance of direct reports and hold them accountable for managing the performance of their reports by implementing performance agreements and ensuring a clear vision.
• Maintain a high performing team by identifying a talent pool through conducting career conversations and using the talent grid principles and developing talent retention programmes.
• Build depth of skills and knowledge in the team.
• Ensure continuous improvement goals are achieved.

• Bachelors Degree in Insurance or Risk Management or similar qualification (NQF 7)
• Higher Certificate or Advanced Certificate in Short Term Insurance and/or Underwriting qualification
• RE5 and/or RE 1
• Essential Certifications
• FAIS Regulatory Examination 1 qualification
• Membership of the Insurance Institute of South Africa (AIISA)
• Preferred Certifications
• Membership of the Insurance Institute of SA (AIISA)

• 7 to 10 years in Short Term Underwriting (Personal Lines) with a minimum of 3 years in a Senior underwriter/management role.

• Business administration and management
• Change management
• Financial Accounting Principles
• Governance, Risk and Controls
• Organisational behaviour theory
• Relevant regulatory knowledge
• Strategic planning
• Management information and reporting principles, tools and mechanisms
• Quality management and lean methodologies
• Medical and Financial Knowledge

• Adaptability
• Aligning Performance for Success
• Coaching
• Decision Making
• Building partnerships
• Driving for Results
• Planning and Organizing

Our client, a leading Banking and Finance Giant, has a fantastic opportunity for an Underwriting Manager who will plan and control the Underwriting Department to profitably grow the risk book on an underwriting and administration basis; in line with the company’s business strategy.

• Ensure the implementation and development of underwriting management strategies.
• Manage and monitor short term underwriting requirements and decisions to ensure cost effectiveness of pricing.
• Provide input into budget determination around headcount and cost of landing business.
• Ensure transformational targets are met.
• Contribute to a culture of transformation by participating in the company’s culture building initiatives, business strategy, and CSI.
• Stay abreast of developments in field of expertise, ensuring personal and professional growth.
• Lead organisational change initiatives by providing direction and aligning to strategy and culture.
• Ensure issues raised in culture surveys are addressed and results are improved.
• Deliver a world class service through others by ensuring a client centric culture through required interventions.
• Identify areas of resource inefficiencies and promote optimization through multi-skilling and addressing capacity gaps.
• Manage adherence to agreed SLAs.
• Update any service agreement/contracts in place as and when required, including annual review.
• Make formal presentations to all business stakeholders to promote and enhance stronger business relationships.
• Collaborate with internal and external clients through attending business meetings and presentations and attending underwriting specific seminars.
• Manage and monitor short term underwriting decisions.
• Accept and authorize high levels risks within company guidelines.
• Develop, implement and update the underwriting rules outcomes based on current approach to specific impairments.
• Conduct underwriting audits bi-annually to ensure underwriting philosophy and decision-making in keeping with the risk appetite.
• Ensure automated workflow within the administration system is delivering the desired outcome.
• Optimize efficiency and embed correct values by ensuring direct reports understand and support the company’s vision, values and strategy.
• Manage performance of direct reports and hold them accountable for managing the performance of their reports by implementing performance agreements and ensuring a clear vision.
• Maintain a high performing team by identifying a talent pool through conducting career conversations and using the talent grid principles and developing talent retention programmes.
• Build depth of skills and knowledge in the team.
• Ensure continuous improvement goals are achieved.

• Bachelors Degree in Insurance or Risk Management or similar qualification (NQF 7)
• Higher Certificate or Advanced Certificate in Short Term Insurance and/or Underwriting qualification
• RE5 and/or RE 1
• Essential Certifications
• FAIS Regulatory Examination 1 qualification
• Membership of the Insurance Institute of South Africa (AIISA)
• Preferred Certifications
• Membership of the Insurance Institute of SA (AIISA)

• 7 to 10 years in Short Term Underwriting (Personal Lines) with a minimum of 3 years in a Senior underwriter/management role.

• Business administration and management
• Change management
• Financial Accounting Principles
• Governance, Risk and Controls
• Organisational behaviour theory
• Relevant regulatory knowledge
• Strategic planning
• Management information and reporting principles, tools and mechanisms
• Quality management and lean methodologies
• Medical and Financial Knowledge
• Behavioural Competencies
• Adaptability
• Aligning Performance for Success
• Coaching
• Decision Making
• Building partnerships
• Driving for Results
• Planning and Organizing

A great opportunity has arisen for an experienced Personal Lines Underwriting Manager to join a very well established and reputable short term insurance brokerage in the Westville, KZN area.

Duties will include, inter alia, leading and guiding a small personal lines underwriting team and managing the personal lines underwriting division.

• Matric
• RE5 and NQF 4 completed and fully Fais compliant
• 5 – 10 years Personal Lines underwriting experience
• 2- 5 years’ experience leading a personal lines underwriting team

• Matric and NQF Level 4 or higher
• RE 5 Qualification (Essential)
• Proven managerial experience in a similar role
• Valid drivers licence and own vehicle
• Experience with Insurance CRM systems (advantageous)

• Strong leadership and emotional intelligence (EQ) for effective staff management
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking
• Tech-savvy with strong IT and admin skills
• Confident communicator with outstanding verbal and written English
• Able to professionally draft client correspondence and underwriting documentation
• Detail-oriented and calm under pressure
• Able to engage confidently with C-level executives and high-value clients
• Skilled in corporate placements, risk analysis, and market practices
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Capable of preparing client-ready presentations and policy summaries

Join a Fast-Growing Retail Apparel Company in Durban North!

We are looking for an experienced Allocator to join a dynamic and fast-paced team in the Retail Apparel industry. This exciting opportunity offers the chance to work within a rapidly expanding company that thrives on innovation. If you are analytical, detail-oriented, and ready to take on new challenges, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

Ensure stores are optimally stocked with the right products at the right time

Identify under / over-stocked stores weekly and propose solutions to the Planner

Prepare and manage consolidations in line with SOPs, keeping stakeholders informed

Generate and action weekly post-allocation reports

Allocate new items based on grading templates and historical data

Execute replenishment allocations according to store needs

Manage GRNs and monitor store grading every 3 months

Support stores with queries, consolidations, recalls, and direct transfers

Plan allocations in advance based on anticipated weekly deliveries

Maintain and manage truck schedules to meet DC deadlines

Conduct ad hoc analysis as required by key stakeholders

Collaborate closely with Merchandising, Buying, and Planning teams

Maintain store grids, parameters, and performance data

Participate in team meetings with a strong understanding of product and store performance

Requirements:

3–5 years’ experience as an Allocator in the retail sector (Apparel, Accessories, or Footwear preferred)

Matric is required; a tertiary qualification is an advantage

Proven ability to perform under pressure and meet tight deadlines

Strong leadership , accountability , and reliability

Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills

Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities

High attention to detail in managing stock levels and allocations

Effective communication skills (verbal and written)

Proficient in Excel and experienced with inventory management systems; retail analytics software knowledge is a plus

Are you a seasoned Group Underwriting Manager looking to elevate your career with a trailblazing financial services organization? Our Client, a dynamic industry leader, renowned for its commitment to innovation, integrity, and client satisfaction is looking for the right candidate to take on the role of a Group Underwriting Manager and will be responsible for the overall performance of the Underwriting Department and ensuring adherence to underwriting processes and procedures. This position manages a team of commercial and personal lines underwriters, provides guidance to branch and other staff, and gives insights on the underwriting function to management.

The Group Underwriting Manager will perform the role of Key Individual (Multi Admin – Underwriting) as defined in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS) and be the person responsible for overseeing the delivery of financial services by the FSP in respect of all Underwriters.

Key Performance Areas:

Mission, Values and Service Strategy:

• Uphold and support the Group Values of Focus, Resilience, Tenacity, Discipline and Relationships as well as the Company Vision and Brand Promise.

Leadership and Performance Management:

• Recruit, train and manage a team of underwriters and support them in their day-to-day activities
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment within the underwriting team.
• Ensure that all direct subordinates have agreed individual objectives that align with the organisational and operational area objectives.
• Perform regular formal appraisals against set objectives for each direct subordinate per the Group standards.
• Identify and discuss non-performance and developmental areas and implement appropriate action plans.
• Continually monitor, update, review, and make recommendations to improve existing processes/best.
• practice standards to ensure delivery of high-quality service to customers within agreed time frames.

Treating the Customer Fairly (TCF):

• Ensure the demonstrable application of the 6 TCF outcomes in the day-to-day underwriting processes and procedures:

1. Customers must feel confident that they are dealing with an institution where TCF is at the core of their culture.
2. Products and services in the retail market which are sold and marketed are designed according to the needs of the customers identified and targeted accordingly.
3. Customers are provided with clear information and kept appropriately informed before, during and after point of sale.
4. Advice is suitable and according to the customer’s circumstances.
5. Service is of an acceptable standard and products perform as customers have been led to expect.
6. Customers do not face unreasonable post-sale barriers when they want to change a product, switch providers, submit a claim or make a complaint.

Relationships:

• Build inter-departmental relationships to ensure effective transaction processing and communication.
• Develop and maintain relationships with binder, outsource and other insurer partners.
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external customers.

Reporting and Administration:

• Generate and distribute underwriting information reports to management and other internal stakeholders.
• Analyse data, provide insights to management and take corrective action, where necessary.
• Extract and submit accurate data and information reports in line with binder, outsource and other insurer partner contractual obligations.

Portfolio Management and Profitability:

• Continuously analyse the market for appropriate and competitive financial service offerings for customers.
• Develop and execute strategies to retain and expand the customer portfolio.
• Monitor portfolio profitability and implement corrective action, where necessary.

Risk and Compliance Management:

• Continuously evaluate and ensure that underwriting practices comply with legislative, binder, outsource and other contractual requirements.
• Identify potential risks and recommend risk mitigation measures.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and adhere to company and industry standards.

Self-Development:

• Meet and maintain the FAIS fit and proper requirements for the position.
• Keep abreast of developments relevant to the position.
• Continually work towards further self-development.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Risk Management OR Short-term Insurance qualification (eg ACII)
• FAIS Fit & Proper requirements:

1. Short-term Insurance qualification.
2. RE5 certification.
3. RE1 certification.
4. Product Specific Training.
5. Class of Business Training (Personal Lines & Commercial Lines).
6. Continuous Professional Development.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten years in commercial and personal underwriting. Three of these must have been in a supervisory and/or management position with at least five subordinates.

Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of commercial and domestic underwriting.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Sound knowledge of the insurance industry.
• Administration and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Flexibroker and Cardinal 360 with the ability to generate reports.
• Proficiency in MS office suite, especially Word and Excel.

Are you a seasoned Group Underwriting Manager looking to elevate your career with a trailblazing financial services organization? Our Client, a dynamic industry leader, renowned for its commitment to innovation, integrity, and client satisfaction is looking for the right candidate to take on the role of a Group Underwriting Manager and will be responsible for the overall performance of the Underwriting Department and ensuring adherence to underwriting processes and procedures. This position manages a team of commercial and personal lines underwriters, provides guidance to branch and other staff, and gives insights on the underwriting function to management.

The Group Underwriting Manager will perform the role of Key Individual (Multi Admin – Underwriting) as defined in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS) and be the person responsible for overseeing the delivery of financial services by the FSP in respect of all Underwriters.

Key Performance Areas:

Mission, Values and Service Strategy:

• Uphold and support the Group Values of Focus, Resilience, Tenacity, Discipline and Relationships as well as the Company Vision and Brand Promise.

Leadership and Performance Management:

• Recruit, train and manage a team of underwriters and support them in their day-to-day activities
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment within the underwriting team.
• Ensure that all direct subordinates have agreed individual objectives that align with the organisational and operational area objectives.
• Perform regular formal appraisals against set objectives for each direct subordinate per the Group standards.
• Identify and discuss non-performance and developmental areas and implement appropriate action plans.
• Continually monitor, update, review, and make recommendations to improve existing processes/best.
• practice standards to ensure delivery of high-quality service to customers within agreed time frames.

Treating the Customer Fairly (TCF):

• Ensure the demonstrable application of the 6 TCF outcomes in the day-to-day underwriting processes and procedures:

1. Customers must feel confident that they are dealing with an institution where TCF is at the core of their culture.
2. Products and services in the retail market which are sold and marketed are designed according to the needs of the customers identified and targeted accordingly.
3. Customers are provided with clear information and kept appropriately informed before, during and after point of sale.
4. Advice is suitable and according to the customer’s circumstances.
5. Service is of an acceptable standard and products perform as customers have been led to expect.
6. Customers do not face unreasonable post-sale barriers when they want to change a product, switch providers, submit a claim or make a complaint.

Relationships:

• Build inter-departmental relationships to ensure effective transaction processing and communication.
• Develop and maintain relationships with binder, outsource and other insurer partners.
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external customers.

Reporting and Administration:

• Generate and distribute underwriting information reports to management and other internal stakeholders.
• Analyse data, provide insights to management and take corrective action, where necessary.
• Extract and submit accurate data and information reports in line with binder, outsource and other insurer partner contractual obligations.

Portfolio Management and Profitability:

• Continuously analyse the market for appropriate and competitive financial service offerings for customers.
• Develop and execute strategies to retain and expand the customer portfolio.
• Monitor portfolio profitability and implement corrective action, where necessary.

Risk and Compliance Management:

• Continuously evaluate and ensure that underwriting practices comply with legislative, binder, outsource and other contractual requirements.
• Identify potential risks and recommend risk mitigation measures.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and adhere to company and industry standards.

Self-Development:

• Meet and maintain the FAIS fit and proper requirements for the position.
• Keep abreast of developments relevant to the position.
• Continually work towards further self-development.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Risk Management OR Short-term Insurance qualification (eg ACII)
• FAIS Fit & Proper requirements:

1. Short-term Insurance qualification.
2. RE5 certification.
3. RE1 certification.
4. Product Specific Training.
5. Class of Business Training (Personal Lines & Commercial Lines).
6. Continuous Professional Development.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten years in commercial and personal underwriting. Three of these must have been in a supervisory and/or management position with at least five subordinates.

Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of commercial and domestic underwriting.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Sound knowledge of the insurance industry.
• Administration and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Flexibroker and Cardinal 360 with the ability to generate reports.
• Proficiency in MS office suite, especially Word and Excel.

Senior Underwriting Manager: Commercial Lines

An opportunity is available for a Senior Underwriting Manager: Commercial Lines to join the Santam Client Solutions (SCS) Commercial Lines (CL) business portfolio. This is a permanant position to be based at either our Sandton, Gauteng or Tygervalley, Western Cape office.

To manage Santam Client Solutions (SCS) Commercial Lines (CL) business portfolio to ensure achievement of SCS’s profitable growth targets. Create, develop and grow a world class underwriting team in support of the SCS strategic objective to grow in its target markets through the multiple distribution channels within SCS. Manage and deliver on the following areas:

• CL insurance classes performance with regards to premium growth and profitability
• Ownership of the full underwriting functions, including Underwriting Guidelines for Santam SCS and where appropriate collaboration with peers within Santam.

Key accountabilities and responsibilities include:

• Serve as the technical expert for Commercial Lines underwriting

• Achieve SCS financial targets by working with internal stakeholders, including Pricing, Product Management, Distribution, and Operations, to drive profitable and sustainable growth.
• Implement strategic initiatives to meet financial goals, including designing SCS products for target markets and distribution channels in partnership with Product Management.
• Develop and manage underwriting rules and processes to ensure they align with Santam’s risk appetite and facilitate ease of business.
• Draft and update policy wordings, conditions, and rules to minimize underwriting leakage, enhance client experience, and comply with legislative changes.
• Collaborate with SCS Pricing to set and align rating parameters and underwriting rules based on data analysis.
• Manage underwriting authority and compliance, balancing flexibility with Santam’s profit and growth targets.
• Stay informed on global underwriting trends for Commercial lines risks, exploring opportunities for innovation or risk adjustments in the South African market.
• Develop new solutions and innovations to maintain Santam’s market leadership across segments.
• Engage with Santam Group’s expert underwriters to ensure optimal client and broker solutions.
• Ensure offerings are competitive and market-related, achieving the required return on investment.
• Drive and manage the achievement of SCS’s Commercial lines business growth targets, balancing profitability across business classes.
• Address profit and growth challenges with solutions such as improved underwriting rules, automation, and risk models.
• Collaborate with Operations, Distribution, and external stakeholders on complex underwriting issues to secure buy-in and identify growth opportunities.
• Implement and oversee adherence to underwriting guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Approve technical policy wordings, underwriting manuals, and reinsurance processes.
• Report on compliance with underwriting guidelines in collaboration with SBS Governance.
• Assess and discuss reinsurance programs with Santam Reinsurance for optimal structures.
• Represent Santam at industry forums and SAIA as needed.
• Influence external stakeholders on general insurance and risk relevance.
• Build and lead an effective SCS CL Underwriting team, fostering technical expertise and managing talent for succession through coaching, training and knowledge sharing.
• Inspire and motivate staff to manage turnover and compete for talent.
• Conduct regular performance reviews
• Provide guidance on complex risks and insurance matters to internal staff.

• Relevant insurance qualification e.g. AIISA or FIISA or similar is essential.
• Proven track record of at least 6 years’ experience within a Commercial Underwriting environment, of which at least 2 years’ management of an underwriting function.
• Good knowledge of Commercial underwriting is essential.
• Commercial technical underwriting expertise.
• Knowledge of (and understanding of the impact of) the relevant legislation on the business e.g. Building regulations etc.
• Advance Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel & PowerPoint)

• Advanced Excel
• All policy administration and quoting systems of Santam (advantageous)
• Management experience in Underwriting
• Excellent English communication & report-writing skills
• Presentation skills
• Establish interpersonal relationship, negotiating and networking skills
• Ability to influence
• Ability to work under pressure with appropriate prioritisation skills
• Results-orientated and deadline driven
• Good analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
• Skilled in leading and coaching staff
• Creativity and ability to innovate and find new solutions to new challenges
• Able to organise own and others workloads to achieve priorities and objectives
• Demonstrate capability to think of the organisation holistically

With over 107 years of experience, Santam is Africa’s leading general insurance company with a market share exceeding 24% in South Africa. Our client solutions business leads with a culture and work environment that truly provides meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth. This is a contributing factor to Santam being recognised this year, and for the fourth consecutive year, as a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute, the only general insurer in South Africa to achieve this rating.

This speaks volumes about our focus on best people practices, as well as our commitment to optimising and improving our business performance by selecting employees who are ready to thrive and perform with purpose.

Santam Client Solutions (SCS) Underwriting is a key insurance capability of Santam’s SCS business unit, ensuring the achievement of the collective growth and profit responsibilities. Close collaboration with internal stakeholders, such as Actuarial, Operations, Distribution and Claims is required, to achieve these financial targets. And similarly, a proper understand of the needs of external stakeholders and our clients.