Head: Pricing and Underwriting Management

Career Opportunity

An exciting opportunity exists for a dynamic individual to lead Santam Re’s reinsurance pricing function. This role will also be responsible for setting underwriting guidelines and implementing the division’s underwriting governance framework. Santam Re has an A- rating from AM Best and is predominantly focused on reinsurance markets outside of Africa. This role will report to the CEO of Santam Re and is based in Cape Town.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
•    Develop, maintain, and implement Santam Re’s pricing strategy to achieve sustainable profitable growth.
•    Provide thought leadership on market trends, the competitive landscape, and emerging risks.
•    Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the pricing team.
•    Develop, maintain, and implement the underwriting guidelines.

Underwriting Governance
•    Develop and implement underwriting policies, guidelines, and standards.
•    Oversee the adherence to the underwriting governance and control framework.

Operational Excellence
•    Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
•    Implement best practices and pricing tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
•    Drive the use of data analytics and technology to support pricing decisions and strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement
•    Collaborate with the Cluster Market Heads to align pricing practices with overall business objectives.
•    Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, clients, and other key stakeholders.
•    Travel internationally to meet cedants, brokers and attend conferences.
 

Qualifications & Experience

•    10+ years of reinsurance pricing and underwriting experience.
•    A professional actuarial qualification is desirable although any individual with the right experience will be considered.

SKILLS
•    In-depth knowledge of reinsurance structures and pricing techniques, risk management principles, and underwriting strategies
•    Depth of experience across major lines of property and casualty business
•    High level influencer with a strong externally oriented perspective
•    Strong communicator with the ability to build and lead high performing teams
•    Effective negotiation and relationship-building skills
•    Self-starter, problem solver and finisher 
•    Good report writing and presentation 
•    Commercial and risk awareness 
•    Ability to engage with people from all parts of the organisation 
•    Attention to detail 
•    Ability to work under pressure with appropriate prioritisation skills
•    Strategy development and implementation
•    Team leadership
•    Planning and organising 

COMPETENCIES
•    Collaborates 
•    Client focus 
•    Drives results 
•    Flexibility and adaptability 
•    Cultivates innovation 
•    Risk management
•    Stakeholder management
•    Business and commercial acumen
•    Reporting and Administration