Head: Complex Commercial Underwriting

About the role

Hollard Insure is looking for a Head of Complex Commercial Underwriting in Parktown, Gauteng. Reporting to the Executive Head: Commercial & Personal, with a dotted line to the Chief Underwriting Officer, the role provides strategic leadership, technical underwriting direction and portfolio stewardship across the insurer's largest and most complex commercial risks. It is a permanent position.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the complex commercial underwriting strategy across Property, Liability, Engineering and other large commercial risks.
• Turn strategy into clear portfolio plans, underwriting priorities and team deliverables.
• Drive profitable growth against loss ratio, expense ratio, COR and return-on-capital targets.
• Set underwriting standards on risk selection, pricing, authorities, referrals and governance.
• Build broker and client relationships and partner with actuarial, claims, reinsurance, pricing and data teams.
• Lead portfolio improvements and develop a high-performing team focused on accountability, technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Required profile

• 10+ years of commercial lines underwriting experience, with at least 5 years leading at a senior level.
• Bachelor's or Honours degree in Insurance, Risk Management, Actuarial Science or a related field.
• RE1 / Key Individual accreditation where applicable; professional membership with IISA, CII or an equivalent body is advantageous.
• Additional executive leadership, risk management or insurance qualifications are advantageous.

Required skills

• Technical underwriting expertise and strong commercial judgement.
• Ability to handle large, complex and unusual commercial risks.
• Data-led decision-making and a sound understanding of South African insurance regulation.
• Proven ability to build and grow technically strong teams.