Head of Underwriting – Short-Term Insurance

About the role

The Head of Underwriting will shape and execute the underwriting strategy for the Short‑Term Insurance business, driving profitability, risk management and cross‑functional collaboration. Reporting to the Managing Director, this senior leader will oversee portfolio performance, reinsurance programmes and regulatory compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement underwriting strategy aligned with growth, profitability and risk objectives.
• Monitor and improve key performance metrics such as GWP, loss ratio, retention and underwriting margin.
• Define the company’s underwriting risk appetite and design a reinsurance programme (treaty and facultative) to protect the balance sheet.
• Ensure underwriting discipline, pricing accuracy, risk selection and policy standards.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, internal controls and governance standards.
• Conduct market, portfolio and competitor analysis to inform pricing and strategy.
• Prepare regular reports on underwriting activities for senior management and stakeholders.
• Manage the underwriting budget, allocate resources efficiently and drive operational improvements.
• Provide strategic leadership, develop technical underwriting capability and foster a high‑performance culture.

Required profile

• Business‑related degree.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Fellow of the Insurance Institute of South Africa (preferred) and Certificate of Proficiency in Short‑Term Insurance.
• Proven track record in managing underwriting portfolios and delivering profitable growth.
• Specialist knowledge of specialty insurance and reinsurance.

Required skills

• Accounting
• Budget Management
• Change Management
• Data Compilation
• Financial Acumen
• Governance
• Insurance Regulation