Marine Underwriter - Sandton, Cape Town or Durban at Guardrisk

Role Purpose    

• The role will be to underwrite Marine risks as permitted by underwriting authority and to meet the requirements of the business plans and the strategic targets for premium income, profitability and return on capital as set out by the Company.

Requirements    

• Matric
• Re5
• Insurance qualification
• At least 10 years’ experience in an risk review, acceptance and managing a portfolio with proven knowledge of client engagement principles and practices 
• Exposure to the insurance industry 
• Sound knowledge of  products, policies, procedures and processes
• General knowledge of all business-related rules and regulations
• Relevant regulatory and compliance requirements 

Duties & Responsibilities    
INTERNAL PROCESS

• Build and maintain good relationships with various stakeholders (e.g. clients, brokers, partners) so the business can maximise value from these relationships
• Perform underwriting functions such as but not limited to quoting, renewals, and other responsibilities associated therewith
• Understand stakeholders' problems and challenges and identify ways the business could better address those needs
• Interact with stakeholders to explain products and service offerings, address queries and strengthen their satisfaction with the business
• Assess level of client satisfaction with current products and services and make recommendations to Head of Marine and Senior Underwriter, to address shortcomings
• Function as a trusted and loyal advisor regarding business challenges stakeholders are facing, by identifying competitive threats and recommending helpful strategies to help them realise their business goal, while maintaining the Underwriting Philosophy and acting within your mandate
• Analyse all benefits, risks, and costs of proposed strategies to determine whether they are viable
• Provide information to internal teams to capitalise on opportunities to up-sell or cross-sell services and products, based on insight generated in stakeholder engagements and needs
• Provide excellent service in order to maintain a positive reputation for the business
• Resolve any escalated complaints in a prompt and professional manner to maintain good relationships and stakeholder satisfaction
• Identify and report process and system failures and enhancements to improve stakeholder experience
• Quality control: Assist the Senior Underwriter with sign off on new policies, endorsements and cacnellations (where above the mandate of the Underwriting Team Leader)

CLIENT

• Continuously monitor turnaround times and quality standards and resolve issues speedily to enhance client service delivery
• Drive client service delivery goal achievement in line with predefined standards in order to ensure that clients receive appropriate advice and after sales service
• Manage client query processes and ensure that queries are tracked, accurately resolved and used as a mechanism to improve client service and business processes
• Provide authoritative, expertise and advice to clients and stakeholders
• Build and maintain relationships with clients and internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute to the process of negotiating objective and realistic service level agreements, monitor appropriateness and recommend adjustments
• Deliver on service level agreements made with clients and internal and external stakeholders in order to ensure that client expectations are managed
• Make recommendations to improve client service and fair treatment of clients within area of responsibility
• Identify opportunities for new quotations, and securing new profitable business
• Participate and contribute to a culture which builds rewarding relationships, facilitates feedback and provides exceptional client service

PEOPLE

• Build strong relationships through providing specialist know-how and leadership to others, expressing positive expectations
• Continuously develop own expertise in terms of industry and subject matter development and application thereof in an area of specialisation
• Positively influence and manage change and offer specialist support where required
• Contribute to continuous innovation through the development, sharing and implementation of new ideas and involvement of colleagues and staff
• Participate and contribute to a culture of work centric thinking, productivity, service delivery and quality management.
• Take ownership for driving career development

FINANCE

• Contribute to the financial planning process within area
• Identify opportunities to enhance cost effectiveness and increase operational efficiency
• Manage financial and other company resources under your control with due respect
• Provide input into the risk identification processes and communicate recommendations in the appropriate forum 

Competencies    

• Written and verbal communication
• Marine Technical Skilss
• Presentation skills
• Influencing skills
• Planning and organising skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Relationship building and management skills
• Networking skills