Commercial Underwriting Specialist (JHB) at Santam Insurance

The role

• An exciting permanent opportunity has become available within Santam Client Solutions for a Commercial Underwriting Specialist to join the team. The successful incumbent will be based at our offices in Alice Lane, Gauteng.

What will you do?

• The Commercial Underwriting Specialist role will exist to provide advanced technical underwriting expertise and mentor the COE Underwriting team.The role is responsible for coaching and developing team members, managing workflow and quality assurance, and handling complex or referred risks requiring specialist knowledge.
• Through effective technical guidance, operational oversight, and collaboration with internal stakeholders, the role enhances underwriting accuracy, team capability, service delivery, and overall operational efficiency, contributing directly to improved client outcomes and the achievement of Santam’s strategic objectives.

What will make you successful in this role?

• Coach and support Underwriting Consultants to ensure high-quality underwriting decisions and optimal team performance.
• Assess and approve complex or referred risks, ensuring compliance with Santam’s risk appetite and underwriting mandates.  
• Assist in drafting technical policy wordings, underwriting manuals, and handling reinsurance.
• Prepare, review, and analyze operational and underwriting reports to monitor performance, quality, and risk exposure.
• Adhere to service-level agreements, and assist with efficient team operations. 
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Escalation Management Liaise with Contact centres, Claims, QA, Technical, HO, Assessors, and Forensics to resolve queries and escalations and ensure smooth business operations.

Qualification and Experience

• NQF Level 6 Qualification in Insurance Studies or equivalent  
• BCom would be advantageous
• Completed RE1/5 certification is highly advantageous
• 6-8 years of experience in Commercial Technical Underwriting

Knowledge and skills

• Analytical Thinking
• Brand Knowledge
• Business acumen
• Decision making
• Strategic awareness
• Planning & Organising
• Process Orientation
• Performance focus
• Team Leadership
• Coaching & Developing Others

Personal Attributes

• Customer focus
• Drives results
• Cultivates innovation
• Being resilient
• Collaborates