Risk Surveyor

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

This career opportunity is available at Santam Commercial Underwriting, Survey Department, for a Junior Surveyor to be based in the North West.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

The Junior Risk Surveyor is tasked with assessing risk while applying technical knowledge. Surveyors conduct detailed assessments of the risk and provide underwriters with an in-depth view to assist them in underwriting the risk appropriately. This includes conducting both desktop and physical surveys under the guidance of the Head Surveyor.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE?

The role of a surveyor is to understand all types of risks and their exposures that we underwrite and to provide a view on whether continued business is viable. This requires risk surveyors to be technically skilled. The risk information provided by surveyors enables the organization to determine whether the risk will be treated, tolerated, terminated, or transferred. This function is at the core of the capabilities provided by the risk surveying team. The role of risk surveyors translates Santam’s aspiration of being a risk management partner into action.

The surveying role is a critical function within Risk Services. Surveyors conduct site inspections and evaluate risks based on information provided by clients, as well as desktop reviews of previous surveys and information and photographs provided by clients and brokers.

This role allows a surveyor to work both independently and under the guidance of the Head and Senior Surveyors, assessing risks in line with Santam’s and national standards. The surveyor will work within the prescribed parameters of the role and under the relevant Head Surveyor.

This role may also have a consulting function, where the surveyor is called upon to consult on risks and provide advice to surveyors, underwriters, relationship managers, technical managers, brokers, and clients regarding the risk and alternatives for risk reduction requirements, under the direction of the Head Surveyor.

Survey Delivery Requirements

• Conduct surveys within the required SLA.
• Achieve the agreed productivity levels.
• Provide feedback on all queries received under the guidance of the Head Surveyor.
• Provide appropriate advice to clients, brokers, and internal staff as required, under the guidance of the Head Surveyor.
• Understand all relevant legislative requirements and bylaws.
• Understand the area of operations and hazards (geographical areas and associated risks), as well as production processes and the function and safety of machinery.
• Interact with various stakeholders (distribution, operations, underwriting, and intermediaries) to ensure delivery of our world-class surveying competency, under the guidance of the Head Surveyor.

Stakeholders

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders (broker distribution, operations, etc.) to secure buy-in and ensure understanding of our need to survey risks, ensuring effective execution of survey processes.
• Provide surveying guidance and support to all Santam Group companies, including MiWay, SEM, Namibia, and Specialist Business, as required.
• Engage with external stakeholders (brokers) to educate and inform, where relevant, and explain survey processes or risk reduction requirements.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Risk surveying, safety, or related experience.
• Matric
• Fire Service Qualification, Technical Engineering Degree/Diploma, or relevant qualification
• Valid driver’s license.
• Computer literacy in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and related applications.
• Proven competence in risk surveying, with experience in the retention class and exposures outlined above.
• FPA advanced courses and knowledge of risk prevention strategies will be an advantage.
• Technical training related to high-value clients, high-hazard risks, and thatch construction will be an advantage.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL

• Ability to learn and conduct research.
• Ability to manage own work environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Understanding of basic fire hazards, firefighting, and risk identification.
• Basic report-writing skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office 365.
• Ability to use policy information systems.
• Willingness to work in regions other than the base location.
• Capacity to operate under pressure.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of underwriting and underwriting processes.
• Knowledge of policy wording.

COMPETENCIES

• Delivering results and ability to work under pressure.
• Relating and networking with the ability to collaborate effectively.
• Analyzing information with strong attention to detail.
• Applying expertise and technology.
• Achieving personal work goals and objectives.
• Learning and researching.
• Time management, planning, and organizing.
• Writing and reporting.
• Following instructions and procedures, as well as client protocols (e.g., induction, COVID-19 requirements).
• Working effectively with people.
• Ability to be client-focused.
• Adhering to principles and values

WHO WE ARE

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!