Ready to lead, inspire, and innovate in the world of insurance?
At Alpha Direct, we are looking for a innovative Underwriting Manager to drive excellence, lead a dynamic team, and shape the future of underwriting. If you're passionate about balancing risk and reward while fostering growth and development, this is the role for you.
Job Purpose
As the Underwriting Manager, you will be at the wheel of all underwriting activities, playing a crucial role in defining and executing strategic initiatives that align with Alpha Direct's growth.
You will lead, mentor, and develop a team of underwriters, ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Development
- Develop and implement the underwriting strategy, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision and long-term goals.
- Drive business growth through innovative underwriting practices, product development, and market analysis.
- Lead strategic initiatives aimed at improving underwriting performance, operational efficiency, and profitability.
Operational Excellence
- Oversee day-to-day underwriting operations, ensuring compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
- Continuously review and enhance underwriting guidelines, processes, and systems to optimize efficiency and risk management.
- Monitor performance, identifying trends and implementing corrective measures to achieve financial targets.
People Leadership & Development
- Build and lead a high-performing underwriting team, including Senior Underwriters, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Set clear performance goals, provide regular feedback, and conduct comprehensive performance reviews.
- Identify and develop talent within the team, ensuring robust succession planning and career development opportunities.
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key Direct clients, brokers, and other stakeholders, providing expert advice and support.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive business growth and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Act as the primary point of contact for complex underwriting decisions, offering strategic guidance and technical expertise.
Training & Capability Building
- Design and deliver comprehensive training programs to enhance technical underwriting skills and knowledge across the team.
- Lead educational initiatives and workshops for agents, and internal stakeholders, promoting understanding of underwriting principles and practices.
Risk & Compliance Management
- Manage and mitigate operational risks within the underwriting function, ensuring adherence to governance frameworks and regulatory standards.
- Conduct regular risk assessments, implementing proactive measures to safeguard the company’s interests.
Financial Oversight & Budgeting
- Contribute to the development and management of the underwriting department’s budget, ensuring cost-effective operations and resource allocation.
- Monitor financial performance, providing insights and recommendations to senior management.
Technical Expertise & Analytical Skills
- Knowledgeable of underwriting Commercial and Corporate Lines, risk assessment, and financial analysis.
- High Proficiency in using underwriting tools to drive data-driven decisions.
Leadership & Team Development
- Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop high-performing teams in a dynamic environment.
- Strong mentoring and coaching skills, with a focus on talent development and succession planning.
Strategic Thinking & Problem-Solving
- Demonstrated capability to think strategically, with a keen understanding of market trends and competitive dynamics.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges.
Communication & Relationship Management
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
- Effective negotiation skills, with a track record of successful stakeholder engagement and client management.
Regulatory
- Prospects will have to meet NBFIRA fit and Proper assessment
- Prospects will have to undergo Vetting by NBFIRA
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in insurance, Finance, Business, or a related field; Diploma (AIISA) or Advanced Diploma (FIISA) in Insurance are highly desirable.
- 8-10 years of experience in underwriting, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role within the short-term insurance industry.
- Proven experience in managing underwriting operations, leading teams, and driving strategic initiatives.
Reporting Structure
The Underwriting Manager will report directly to the Operations Manager and will be responsible for leading a team of Senior Underwriters and other support staff.
This role is crucial in ensuring the seamless integration of operational efficiency with strategic objectives, fostering a culture of innovation.