Head of Engineering

Job description:
**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.

Work Location: Remote