Remote Senior Underwriting Manager - Commercial Insurance

Our client, a leading national insurer recognized for its market leadership and innovative solutions, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Underwriting Manager to spearhead their commercial insurance underwriting division. This is a pivotal, fully remote leadership role, offering the unique advantage of managing a key function from your home office. You will be entrusted with setting underwriting strategy, managing risk appetite, driving profitable growth, and leading a team of experienced underwriters.

This position requires extensive expertise in commercial insurance, exceptional leadership acumen, and a proven ability to excel in a remote work setting. As a remote‑first organization, our client values autonomy and strategic thinking, providing a challenging yet rewarding environment to make a significant impact.

• Define and execute the underwriting strategy for the commercial insurance portfolio, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and risk appetite.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of senior underwriters and underwriting specialists, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Oversee the underwriting of complex and large commercial risks, providing technical guidance and ensuring appropriate terms, conditions, and pricing.
• Analyze portfolio performance, market trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities for growth and areas requiring strategic adjustment.
• Collaborate closely with actuarial, claims, product development, and sales teams to ensure integrated risk management and product innovation.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements, compliance standards, and internal underwriting policies and procedures.
• Manage underwriting authority levels and conduct audits to ensure compliance and quality.
• Drive the adoption of new underwriting technologies and data analytics to enhance efficiency and decision‑making.
• Represent the commercial underwriting function in high‑level management discussions and strategic planning initiatives.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key brokers and strategic partners, acting as a subject matter expert.
• Effectively lead and inspire a dispersed, fully remote team, ensuring clear communication and cohesive performance.

• A minimum of 12 years of comprehensive experience in commercial insurance underwriting, with a substantial track record (minimum 7 years) in a management or leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated success in managing profitable commercial insurance portfolios and developing sophisticated underwriting strategies.
• Deep and nuanced understanding of diverse commercial insurance lines, including property, casualty, liability, and specialty lines.
• Expert knowledge of risk management principles, pricing methodologies, and regulatory frameworks within the
  ** South African
  ** insurance market.
• Exceptional leadership, team‑building, and motivational skills, essential for leading a remote workforce.
• Advanced analytical, strategic thinking, and complex problem‑solving abilities.
• Superior communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in advanced underwriting systems, data analytics platforms, and general office productivity software.
• Relevant professional designations (e.g., ACII, CPCU, MBA) are highly desirable.
• Proven ability to excel and lead effectively in a demanding, fully remote work environment.
• Must maintain a professional home office with reliable high‑speed internet connectivity.

• An executive‑level remuneration package, including a substantial base salary and performance‑driven bonuses.
• Comprehensive executive benefits, including premium medical aid, retirement planning, and life insurance.
• Generous annual and executive leave allowances.
• Unparalleled opportunities for career progression and strategic leadership development.
• The ultimate in flexibility and autonomy offered by a fully remote senior management role.
• Influence and impact at the highest level within a leading insurance organization.
• Opportunity to shape the future of commercial insurance underwriting.