Head Of Underwriting Department Job in Kenya

Head Of Department - Underwriting

Our client is a leading General and Life insurance company in Kenya looking for an enthusiastic professional for the position of Head of Department - Underwriting This role will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer

Job Purpose

The job holder is responsible for the development of clear underwriting policies and procedures, reliable pricing mechanisms and ensuring that underwriting is done in accordance to regulatory authorities’ guidelines in line with the company’s strategy

Key responsibilities

• Providing strategic direction to the team to ensure effective delivery of product pricing and development.
• Providing technical advice on difficult and complex underwriting issues and making decisions on risks referred by subordinate Underwriters.
• Supporting the Company's marketing effort and enhancing its reputation in the industry by establishing and maintaining effective relationships with key customers and intermediaries.
• Overseeing the effective delivery of internal customer service strategies and external product and underwriting services.
• Managing the development of employees within the Underwriting Team through effective training and strategic programs.
• Developing and overseeing overall policies, procedures and underwriting standards, including: fraud management; arson; risk management; and reinsurance.
• Preparing annual budget and expense forecasts and monitoring budget performance.
• Developing and implementing the corporate philosophy and managing, training and coaching underwriting employees.
• Analysing, evaluating and rating risk for new and prospective groups, including drafting underwriting proposals ensuring decisions are within guidelines and meet service standards.
• Managing quality control for underwriting by assessing, recommending authority levels, training needs, developing workflow, service standards and processes.
• Providing appropriate decision making for exceptions, referral underwriting and having involvement in complex financial cases, including the interpretation of evidence.
• Negotiating with Re-insurers on difficult cases.
• Interpreting and applying government legislation in regard to underwriting procedures and their continual development.Minimum Requirements
• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
• A diploma in Insurance (ACII, AIIK) or equivalent
• At least 8 years commercial experience in insurance, three (3) of which should have been at head level

Key Skills

• Broad understanding of the insurance industry, market environment both domestically and internationally.
• Broad knowledge of insurance products plus knowledge of international trends.
• Ability to provide strategic leadership and guidance and to monitor the succession and development of employees.
• Demonstrated knowledge of underwriting practices and policies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, analytical and negotiation skills

How to apply:

If you are interested in the position and have the skills and competencies our client is looking for, we would like to hear from you.

Please send a copy of your updated resume, and your current salary and benefits package to info@dorbe-leit.co.ke (Indicating the JOB TITLE on the Subject Line) before close of business 27th March, 2014. 

Only successful candidates will be contacted.