Underwriter (Liability) at Santam Insurance

What you will do

Underwriter (Liability Underwriting)
Johannesburg, Illovo
Santam Insurance has an exciting new opportunity available for an Underwriter (Liability Underwriting). The position is based in Illovo, Johannesburg.
Under general direction, assesses most complex situations that involve greatest risk. Provides guidance and assistance to subordinate Underwriters. Within company guidelines, approves or denies applications on own discretion. Selects and accepts major risks on behalf of the company, evaluating proposals rather than mechanistic assessment. Normally would supervise underwriting staff. These responsibilities may be applicable across all industries and disciplines.

What will make you successful in this role
Underwriting

• Underwrite and manage a portfolio of existing and new business, which may be complex in nature, including all tasks associated therewith but not limited Underwriting Governance which includes detailed risk evaluation and assessment, coverage and exposure analysis, pricing determination, detailed claims analysis (understanding loss ratios and claim trends) and wording review & negotiations within underwriting authority.
• Refer and acquire sign-off relating to matters falling outside of own authority, in accordance with authority matrix.
• Adherence at all times to the authority matrix, departmental protocols and procedures, including Underwriting Governance provisions.
• Detailed explanations regarding changes with respect to terms/ underwriting stance.

Marketing

• Visit brokers to discuss renewals and new business with a focus to build relationships and develop market presence.
• Feedback on market intelligence.

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.
• Prepare for and attend meetings.

Financial

• Meet budget responsibility for a book of business.
• Monitor renewals, lapsed policies and new business with monthly report back.
• Ensure we maintain a 2.5% Cancellation Reserve

Strategic Input

• Provide strategic input for relevant business area if and when required.

Staff

• Mentor and provide technical training of current and new staff if and when required.
• Assist Underwriting Head in the day-to-day management of staff on underwriting matters and other issues if and when required.
• Assist with performance management of staff if and when required.

General Administration

• Follow up on quotations and renewals.
• Sign and check policy documentation.
• Handle accounts queries.
• Assist with credit control if and when required.
• Production and / or sign-off of reports within stipulated timeframes.
• Attend to daily administrative routine tasks in accordance with organisational standards, processes and procedures

Qualifications And Experience

• Matric
• Relevant tertiary qualification preferable
• Must be FAIS compliant
• 3 years Liability underwriting experience

Knowledge And Skills

• Administrative Skills
• Analysis and Judgement
• Great Attention to Detail
• Client Orientation
• Communication Skills including negotiation
• Initiative
• Managing work and delegation
• Teamwork
• Time Management and working under significant pressure
• Systematic and Logical/Critical Thinking
• Technical proficiency and proven underwriting track record in relevant line(s) of business
• Financial Acumen
• Track record for handling high pressure work environment
• Computer Literacy
• Strong Communication Skills (Internal & external)

Please consider your application as unsuccesfull if you do not receive any communication after three weeks of the job posting closing date.

Turnaround time

• The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers.