Job Description

Job description:

The Head of Engineering holds full strategic and operational accountability for the development and execution of the engineering underwriting strategy. This role ensures the achievement of business goals relating to product innovation, underwriting quality, risk selection, pricing integrity, cost control, and service delivery. A key focus is to drive technical excellence, promote efficiency, and embed systems and processes that support sustainable growth and client satisfaction.In addition to driving technical leadership, the incumbent is responsible for guiding the underwriting team with clear direction, applying sound risk assessment practices, and ensuring alignment with regulatory and insurer mandate requirements.

Responsibilities:

Lead the implementation of the engineering underwriting strategy in alignment with business objectives.

Support business growth through the acquisition of new clients and renewal of existing business (including quotes, endorsements, and negotiations).

Oversee and continuously improve the underwriting and claims processes to maintain high service standards and technical accuracy.

Develop and manage strong relationships with brokers, partners, and internal stakeholders to enhance collaboration and client retention.

Provide strategic input on complex underwriting cases and support the resolution of high-level administrative and claims queries.

Drive the analysis of performance metrics including loss ratios, commissions, complaints, and customer feedback to improve underwriting outcomes.

Ensure quality assurance across underwriting practices, training, compliance, and operational execution.

Lead and mentor a high-performing underwriting team through effective coaching, skills development, and knowledge sharing.

Oversee the preparation of monthly reports and performance reviews, presenting insights to executive leadership.

Manage and interpret insurer mandates, ensuring adherence to authority limits and policy guidelines.

Support marketing initiatives, promotional events, and brand positioning strategies relevant to the engineering portfolio.

Behaviours:

Deep knowledge of the engineering and insurance sectors.

Strong numerical and analytical capability.

Proven negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

High level of resilience and intrinsic motivation.

Exceptional client service orientation.

Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Strategic leadership with a hands-on operational approach.

Decisive, solutions-focused, and adaptable to change

Minimum Requirements & Skillset:

A relevant tertiary qualification in Insurance, with a preference for additional qualifications in Engineering and/or Law.

Additional certifications in risk management or insurance-related disciplines will be advantageous.

At least 10 years of experience in the insurance industry, with a strong focus on engineering or construction-related underwriting.

Proven technical expertise in assessing engineering risks, interpreting insurance policies, and navigating market practices.

In-depth knowledge of underwriting processes, claims management, and broker engagement.

Demonstrated leadership experience in a regional or senior managerial role.

FAIS compliant, holding RE5 and/or RE1 certifications (as applicable to the role).

Solid understanding of Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) principles and POPIA regulatory compliance.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: Remote