Head of Underwriting [General Insurance]  

Job Summary:

The Head of Underwriting is responsible for leading and managing the underwriting department, ensuring the company's underwriting policies and practices are competitive, profitable, and compliant with regulatory standards. This role involves significant decision-making authority regarding policy approvals, pricing strategies, and risk assessment methodologies.

Key Responsibilities:

- Strategic Leadership and Management: Lead the underwriting team by setting departmental goals, providing guidance, and evaluating performance to ensure alignment with the company's strategic objectives.

- Risk Assessment and Management: Oversee the assessment of insurance applications to determine risks and decide on premium rates and coverage terms that are competitive yet profitable.

- Policy Development and Compliance: Develop, implement, and maintain underwriting policies and procedures that comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Ensure all underwriting activities are in line with industry best practices.

- Market Analysis and Business Development: Analyze market trends and competitor strategies to identify business opportunities and challenges. Work closely with the marketing and product development teams to design insurance products that meet customer needs and generate growth.

- Stakeholder Relations: Build and maintain relationships with brokers, agents, and clients to understand their needs and ensure the company's products and services are effectively marketed and distributed.

- Financial Performance and Reporting: Monitor and report on the underwriting department's financial performance, including loss ratios, premium volumes, and expense management. Make recommendations to improve profitability and efficiency.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. A professional insurance qualifications (e.g., AAIK) is a must.
• Extensive experience in general insurance underwriting, with a proven track record of success in senior underwriting or leadership roles.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical and decisionmaking abilities.
• Indepth knowledge of the insurance industry, including products, market dynamics, regulatory requirements, and risk management practices.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and software, as well as standard office applications