Business Head: Underwriting

• Implement and consistently apply approved underwriting mandates, policies, and guidelines within the BU in line with Santam Underwriting Practice Policy.
• Maintain and periodically review BU underwriting guidelines to ensure alignment with approved risk appetite, risk selection, and rating principles.
• Provide expert input into underwriting decisions on complex quotes, renewals, and non-standard wordings within delegated authority.
• re adherence to underwriting authorities, controls, and governance frameworks.
• Sign off underwriting risks in line with the Authority Matrix as delegated.

• Support the execution of underwriting and pricing strategies to achieve BU performance targets.
• Monitor underwriting quality, loss ratios, and portfolio performance, escalating concerns where required.
• Support the development and implementation of underwriting notes, directives, and audit checklists.
• Ensure underwriting processes and controls are embedded and consistently applied across the BU.

• Act as custodian of the BU/Santam Underwriting Management Agreement (Binder) within delegated scope.
• Ensure compliance with agreed authorities, mandates, and regulatory requirements (FAIS, Short-Term Insurance Act, VAT, Forex where applicable).
• Coordinate and participate in the review and auditing of binders and outsourced arrangements, including quarterly and annual audits.
• Liaise with Legal, Compliance, Finance, and Santam Specialist Compliance on underwriting-related matters.

• Support the implementation and maintenance of effective internal controls in line with Santam/BU policies.
• Identify, assess, and monitor underwriting and operational risks and contribute to mitigation strategies.
• Participate in governance, audit, and risk forums as required.

• Contribute to portfolio-level analysis and reporting, including trends, performance drivers, and emerging risks.
• Support data-driven underwriting and pricing initiatives in collaboration with Actuarial and Data teams.
• Provide insights on cover trends and underwriting developments and their potential business impact.

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders (Actuarial, Claims, Risk, Compliance, Distribution).
• Engage with reinsurers, service providers, and selected external stakeholders within agreed parameters.
• Support resolution of technical underwriting and client queries within authority levels.

• Provide technical coaching, guidance, and support to underwriting teams to strengthen capability and consistency.
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives, including the development of underwriting materials and guidance notes.
• Lead a team of underwriters and create a culture of accountability, collaboration, excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Drive engagement, capability building, and succession planning within the business.
• Identify and mentor future leaders to ensure long-term sustainability of the function.

• Commercial Degree
• FAIS Compliance
• Minimum of 5-8 years relevant experience at a senior level with a combination of underwriting, re-insurance, legal and insurance in general.

• Strategic and commercial acumen
• Executive leadership and people management
• Strong underwriting and risk judgment
• Client and broker relationship management
• Financial and analytical capability
• Governance and compliance orientation
• Influencing, negotiation, and decision-making
• Results-driven with high attention to detail

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.