Main Role

The main role for this position is to effectively manage and direct all functions of the Underwriting Department including strategy formulation, implementation, budgeting, people management, quality control and service to both internal and external customers.

Duties & Responsibilities

• In liaison with the Chief Executive Officer/Principal Officer formulate, implement and monitor the underwriting department strategic plan.
• To coordinate the implementation of the underwriting strategy in line with the overall organization’s strategy.
• Define, implement and maintain appropriate operations frameworks standards and principles across the business to maximize synergy, sharing of best practice and commercial benefit.
• Provide leadership in the design of all the company’s processes and procedures to ensure that there is an effective process management framework that focuses on the customer, and addresses the risks that are inherent in the business.
• Manage underwriting function for both internal and external customers; to ensure correct pricing & appropriateness in adherence to organizational policies.
• Ensure achievement of profitability targets through revenue maximization, prudent cost and risk management.
• Ensure process improvement through the development and review of new/current processes, procedures and deployment of new technology that improves the efficiency of Insurance operations and/or the company as a whole.
• To oversee implementation and seamless operation of reinsurance strategy.
• Prepare operational manuals, annual budget for the department and train staff to ensure compliance of processes and proper budgetary control.
• Ascertain new business requirements and documentations for contractual agreements and subsequent policy document issuance.
• Verification of all proposal forms submitted and ensure they justify life cover proposed, premium is commensurate and all information is provided.
• Responsible for timely communication of renewal terms to the clients in order to increase retention of existing business. Coordinate issuance of renewal notices, three months prior to expiry of policy cover.
• Identify un-renewed schemes by first week of the following month and ensure counter follow-ups are done appropriately.
• Establish the free cover limits and identify those members to undergo medicals to ascertain cover.
• Champion the delivery of excellent customer service and utilize customer feedback to evaluate operational success and to initiate process or service improvements.
• Provide overall supervision, mentorship, performance management and development of staff in the Underwriting and operations unit and support talent management, performance management and development whilst ensuring compliance with human resource policies/procedures.
• Build a supportive, team-orientated environment for the staff through embodying a sense of empowerment, demonstrating positive thinking and establishing common goals and interdependence with the employees.

Minimum Academic Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Insurance, Actuarial Science, Business Administration, Economics, Finance or any other relevant field. A Master’s degree in Insurance, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Strategic Management or any other relevant field will be an added advantage.
• Professional qualification in Insurance (ACII, FLMI or AIIK)
• Minimum of ten (10) years’ relevant experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft office suite.
• Experienced leader of diverse people and processes with ability to lead, develop and direct team members to deliver high performance targets and standards.
• Excellent organization and planning skills.