Underwriter

As an Underwriter you will be responsible for underwriting cases within the agreed service level agreements and turnaround times. You are also responsible for deciding whether to accept applications for insurance cover – this is known as ‘risk’. Determining risk is a complex process and the job relies on sensible judgement and meticulous attention to detail.

Roles and responsibilities

Assess risk by profiling new and existing business applications based on a client’s medical, financial, occupation and pursuits and mitigated the risk and offered terms accordingly.

• Liaise closely with underwriting on pre-assessment audits and tele-Underwriting audits and outcome to ensure the correct information is captured and provided to the customer and broker. 
• Strong attention to detail, data analysis, and excellent decision-making skills. 
• Attend/ facilitate training of employees / brokers / consultants. 
• To research and keep up to date with underwriting trends in the market.
• New quotes and amendments on insurance products. 
• Liaising with reinsurance companies on risks that exceed set limits in place. 
• Listening to calls to understand adherence to underwriting criteria. ▪ Recommending changes to the underwriting system. 
• Examining insurance proposals.
• Assessing the various disclosures and applying this with the underwriting manual we have available. ▪ Collecting background information and assessments of risk. 
• Analysing statistical data. 
• Reviewing advisor-submitted applications for lump sum risk cover. 
• Pre-underwriting of applications. 
• Comparing insurance / reinsurance terms

What we look for in our ideal candidate

Education and experience requirements

• Matric
• Industry relevant qualification
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• 3 – 5 years’ experience in the insurance industry – sound knowledge of commercial underwriting, policy wordings, rating and systems

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Ability to make accurate underwriting decisions
• Ability to keep up with special lists and exceptions
• Meeting deadlines, turnaround times and dashboards
• Checking the work of colleagues and participating in training events
• Servicing Internal Clients (Assisting Underwriting teams, UAs)
• Servicing External Clients (Our clients, brokers, reinsurers)

Key skills

• Good research and analysis skills
•  Up-to-date knowledge of current medical underwriting developments/ trends/issues - local and international
•  Ability to deal with conflict and difficult clients, being assertive when collecting outstanding information
•  Business acumen

Personal abilities

Attention to detail and an extremely organised nature ▪ Integrity and dependability

• Speak clearly and confidently
• Work well independently and in a team
• Empathetic, friendly, professional, and accountable
• Ability to perform well under pressure
• Mature, confident, and resilient
• Excellent listening and communication skills

Remuneration is market related.