Underwriter-1

Job Description To perform assessment on complex life insurance applications based on medical, occupation, avocation, travel and financial information, ensuring adherence to underwriting guidelines. As part of our team in FR Life Assurance, you will be surrounded by unique talents, diverse minds, and an adaptable environment that lives up to the promise of staying curious. Responsibilities Conduct tele interviews or tele‑underwriting. Manage medical, occupation, part‑time activities, travel and financial underwriting for standard and substandard cases for Disability and Critical Illness Underwriting, Income Protection, Business Cover, Group Risk, Alterations and Queries. Ensure placement of cases according to reinsurance treaty and internal guidelines. Liaise with planners / Business Development Manager on special terms, queries, presales and underwriting refresher sessions with the front liners. Ensure resolution of underwriting enquiries and high‑priority cases. Drive and ensure involvement in Chief Medical Officer sessions and other underwriting training presentations (i.e., Case Studies, Sales training). Ensure underwriting‑medical queries and tasks allocated are resolved timely and effectively by providing first‑time resolution on enquiries. Ensure accurate completion of documentation as per departmental guidelines to meet client needs and effectively utilize IT systems to ensure accuracy of documentation. Ensure adherence to organisational best practice and legislative requirements. Adhere to policies and procedures and take corrective action where necessary. Ensure all risks to the company are mitigated, identified, and escalated where necessary. Maintain a broad product knowledge to respond to customer queries effectively and accurately. Stay abreast of industry regulations, trends and best practices in underwriting. Approve and countersign cases above the acceptance limits of the underwriter. Provide coaching and mentorship to junior staff in the team to ensure optimal performance of the team and knowledge sharing. Actively anticipate and identify opportunities for improvements to our processes and procedures. Proactively solve problems, and recognise risk exposures, manage and upscale where appropriate. Assess all applications not accepted by the online underwriting engine – initial applications, additional information and policy alterations. Provide fair and balanced underwriting decisions using the appropriate amount of evidence necessary. Qualifications / Requirements Grade 12 – NQF Level 4. Relevant undergraduate degree. Fit and Proper requirements for long‑term insurance. 5+ years of proven experience as an Underwriter in the life insurance industry. Proven working or higher‑level knowledge of lump sum disability and critical illness, income protection, business cover and group risk. Knowledge of insurance products, regulations and underwriting guidelines and current practices. Experience in working with underwriting systems and tools. Competence in interpretation of doctors' reports, medical results and risks linked to abnormalities. Assessment of medical, financial and occupational underwriting risk of an organisation. Proven experience as an underwriter in the life insurance industry. Benefits / What We Offer Opportunities to network and collaborate. A challenging working environment that is progressive and agile. Opportunities to innovate where initiative is taken and owned end to end. Desired Traits Adaptable and curious. Have a proven successful track record. Thrive in a collaborative environment. Detail‑oriented. Proactive and accountable. Calm under pressure. Collaborative mindset. Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic work environment. Application Deadline Due: 12/11/25. Applications will not be accepted on or after this date. Kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated above. Equal Opportunity Statement All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group's Employment Equity plan. The bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfil this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless required by law to disclose it to other parties. #J-18808-Ljbffr