Commercial Underwriter

What will you do?

Santam Broker Services Operations’ division – Commercial Portfolio Management CoE is looking for an individual with strong underwriting skills and an ability to build good relationships. The successful candidate must have good communication and negotiation skills, with a ‘can-do’ attitude and will be based in Hill on Empire. 
 

What will make you successful in this role?

This job family stream is concerned with managing risk by providing specialist technical underwriting advice . The Commercial Underwriter is a highly technical role with strong client focus. The successful incumbent will be responsible for managing risk administered on external systems to achieve, maintain and grow profitability of the Commercial Portfolio Management channel.

Key accountabilities of this role will include:

• Handling of escalations outside of binding authority, including technical and complex queries.
• Understanding of Risk management and the ability to apply risk Mitigation.
• Managing profitability through the application of effective policy screening actions on policy and portfolio levels.
• The initiation, provision and implementation of renewal terms and conditions on identified high risk and high exposure policies.
• Effective underwriting of complex risks (new business, renewals, etc).
• Identifying re-insurance and taking appropriate action.
• Providing quality and correct feedback on high level technical queries.
• Strong retention (profitability and growth) focus.
• Working within higher level mandates.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for building networks and relationships with the various role players and are required to liaise and influence on various levels. The position requires of the incumbent to embrace a culture of learning and development.

Qualification and Experience

• A minimum of 5 years underwriting experience within a short-term Commercial insurance industry required.
• RE accreditation
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel
• Grade 12 or equivalent
• FAIS compliance – 120 credits on NQF level 5 Commercial lines
• Relevant system knowledge: Persetel & Web-E
• Professional membership with IISA (Advantageous)
• Risk Identification and Assessment programme (RIA - Advantageous)
• Completed or in the process of completing the Santam Academy courses in commercial insurance - Santam Commercial product training (SMK’s)
• Santam Underwriting level 3 (Applicable to Santam Internal Candidates)
• Bachelors’ Degree/AIISA/FIISA or comparable short-term insurance qualification (should be completed with or at least have started the Insurance
• related exams via IISA or Milpark)

Knowledge and Skills

• Delivery and results oriented 
• Attention to detail – strong analytic skills required to identify and mitigate risk
• Problem solving
• Producing creative solutions
• Adapting to changing circumstances
• Performing under pressure
• Deciding & initiating action
• Building networks and good relations
• Negotiating and getting agreement
• Building networks and ability to maintain relationships
• Goal setting and prioritising
• Communication skills

Competencies

• Collaborates
• Cultivates Innovation
• Flexible and Adaptable
• Drives Results
• Client Focus
• Profitable underwriting
• Client Service
• Quality Management
• Reporting

Our commitment to transformation

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. As a large, diversified, and expanding company, we are committed to transformation and growth. While our headquarters are in South Africa, we are rapidly extending our presence into emerging markets across Africa and Asia.

With a client base of over 1 million policyholders, Santam serves individuals, commercial enterprises, specialist business owners, and institutions—including 80 of the Top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Our commitment to Insurance, Good and Proper goes beyond just providing cover—we offer peace of mind, ensuring our clients can focus on living in the moment, not worrying about the unexpected. Because at Santam, we believe the freedom to seize every day is worth protecting.

People drive our business, and we are committed to attracting the best talent, whether for permanent roles or short-term opportunities.

Santam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. We are dedicated to neuro-inclusivity and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Take the next step in your career—apply now and be part of a company that’s shaping the future of insurance. This is Freedom!