Senior Property Underwriter

CAREER OPPORUNITY

Santam Broker Services has a career opportunity for a Senior Underwriter: Commercial Property in the Commercial Underwriting department which will be based at our Alice Lane Office in Johannesburg. This role will report to the Manager: Commercial Property Underwriting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain all commercial products and coverages including the associated underwriting guidelines; rating; training material; system rules & processes; with relevant communiques to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct ad hoc training to both internal and external stakeholders and assist in developing and building specialist technical underwriting skills within Santam.
• Development of new coverages to ensure market competitiveness to meet clients’ needs as the risk environment changes and to ensure market competitiveness.
• rk with Actuaries to determine appropriate rating structures and develop rating tools/solutions for these classes of business for use by external business partners.
• Assist internal stakeholders on more complex covers that require specialist underwriter input in respect of wording interpretations and decision making.
• Be able to adjust wordings and design clauses to include or exclude cover in line with underwriting decisions and risk appetite, whilst always being aware of the impact on other covers in the commercial portfolio.
• Ensure adherence to a National Survey Policy, aligned to the Santam Board’s Risk Appetite.
• Produce comprehensive business cases to proposals for changes to risk appetite.
• Analyse and sign-off of broker bespoke products.
  Ensure SBS Growth and Profit targets are tracked and achieved.
  Keep abreast of developments in global / local markets and claims trends
  Engage with other expert underwriters in the Santam Group to ensure optimal client & broker solutions.
  Provide consistent and excellent service delivery in line with Santam Experience requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant insurance-related diploma: AIISA, FIISA, or similar.
• Must be able to demonstrate property underwriting ability and expertise.
• Proven track record of ideally at least 10 years’ experience within a Commercial Property and/or Agricultural Underwriting environment
• 5 years of management experience
• Extensive knowledge of (and understanding of the impact of) the relevant legislation on the business e.g. Building regulations etc. Exten
• Extensive knowledge of legal terms and South African legislation.
• Extensive short-term insurance knowledge including the principles of insurance and underwriting.
• Advance Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel & PowerPoint).

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, including English communication and report-writing skills.
• Exceptional presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the capacity to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional Proficiency in Commercial Property Underwriting.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and networking abilities.
• Advance Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel & PowerPoint).

COMPETENCIES

• Technical and Underwriting Expertise
• Commercial Product Development and Innovation
• Analytical & Financial Acumen
• Enterprise risk & Governance
• Systems and Process thinking
• Stakeholder Influence & Collaboration
• Technical Communication & knowledge transfer
• Strategic & External Market Awareness
• Judgement, decision-making & Accountability
• Service orientation and Professional Creditability
• Ability to work under pressure

ABOUT SANTAM

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!