Remote Underwriting Manager - Short-Term Insurance

Our client, a leading national insurer committed to innovation and excellence, is seeking an experienced and strategic Underwriting Manager to lead their short-term insurance underwriting team. This is a fully remote position, offering the ideal candidate the opportunity to shape underwriting strategy and manage a high-performing team from their home office. You will be responsible for developing underwriting guidelines, ensuring profitable growth, managing risk appetite, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

This role demands strong leadership, deep technical knowledge of short-term insurance, and a proven ability to drive results in a remote-first environment. You will play a critical role in guiding the company's underwriting philosophy and ensuring its long-term success.

• Develop, implement, and refine underwriting strategies and guidelines for all short-term insurance products to ensure profitable growth and manage risk appetite.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of underwriters, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring consistent application of underwriting principles.
• Monitor portfolio performance, analyze key metrics, and identify trends to inform underwriting decisions and strategies.
• Collaborate closely with sales, claims, actuarial, and product development teams to ensure alignment and support business objectives.
• Oversee the risk assessment process for complex and large accounts, providing expert guidance and final approval where necessary.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and best practices in underwriting.
• Manage the underwriting budget and resources effectively.
• Drive innovation in underwriting processes and tools, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
• Represent the underwriting function in senior management meetings and strategic planning sessions.
• Maintain strong relationships with key brokers and distribution partners, providing insights and support.
• Effectively manage and communicate across a fully remote team, ensuring clear direction and collaboration.

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in short-term insurance underwriting, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing profitable underwriting portfolios and developing underwriting strategy.
• In-depth knowledge of various short-term insurance lines (e.g., Commercial, Personal, Marine, Liability).
• Strong understanding of risk management, pricing, reserving, and regulatory frameworks in
  ** South Africa**.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, vital for remote leadership.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems, data analytics tools, and standard office software.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., ACII, CIP, MBA) are highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive and lead effectively in a fully remote work environment.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a dedicated, professional home office setup.

• Highly attractive executive-level salary with significant bonus potential.
• Comprehensive executive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance.
• Generous annual leave and executive leave allowances.
• Exceptional opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
• The ultimate flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote leadership position.
• Work with a progressive and forward-thinking insurance organization.
• Contribute to shaping the strategic direction of a major insurer.