Lead, Underwriting - Special Risks

Technical Underwriting & Risk Assessment

• Evaluate and approve complex and high-value risks within delegated underwriting authority.
• Conduct detailed risk assessments including exposure analysis, hazard identification, and loss history evaluation.
• Review contract wordings and structure policy terms, limits, and deductibles appropriate to risk complexity.
• Ensure technically sound pricing using established rating models and market benchmarks.
• Escalate risks beyond authority limits with clear technical recommendations.

Portfolio & Performance Management

• Monitor underwriting performance, loss ratios, and turnaround times across the team.
• Ensure consistency in underwriting decisions, documentation, and compliance standards.
• Identify portfolio risks and implement corrective actions to improve performance and profitability.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise, coach, and mentor underwriting officers to enhance technical capability.
• Allocate workload effectively and monitor team productivity.
• Support onboarding and continuous training initiatives for underwriting staff.

Business & Operational Support

• Collaborate with marketing and business development teams to support business growth.
• Provide technical underwriting support for renewals, endorsements, and complex risk placements.
• Work closely with claims and reinsurance teams to ensure alignment and effective risk management.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure strict adherence to underwriting guidelines, regulatory requirements, and internal policies.
• Maintain accurate underwriting records, documentation, and audit trails.
• Support internal audits and compliance reviews.

Reporting & Insights

• Prepare underwriting and performance reports for management review.
• Provide insights on portfolio trends, risk exposures, and market developments.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Head of Underwriting

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Insurance, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Professional certification such as ACIIN is required.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's)

Experience

• Minimum of 6 years' underwriting experience, with exposure to supervisory or leadership responsibilities.
• Proven experience handling special risks portfolios including Oil & Gas, Marine, Aviation, or similar specialty lines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage underwriting performance and portfolio profitability.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of special risks underwriting principles and practices
• Understanding of reinsurance structures and placement strategies
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements within the insurance industry
• Knowledge of risk assessment methodologies and pricing models

Skills

• Strong analytical and technical underwriting skills
• Leadership and team management capability
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Attention to detail and risk evaluation expertise