Operational Manager: Property Treaty Underwriting

Career Level 4

Shape the Future of Property Reinsurance in Africa

We are seeking an experienced and commercially-minded underwriting leader to head our Property Treaty portfolio across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

As Manager Property Treaty Underwriting, you will combine strategic leadership, technical underwriting excellence, market engagement, and people development to drive profitable growth and sustainable portfolio performance. You will lead a strong underwriting team, influence market developments across the continent, and work closely with colleagues throughout Munich Re's global network.

This role offers the opportunity to shape our Property Treaty business across Africa, work closely with key market participants, and contribute to Munich Re's long-term success in the region.

Your Role

Underwriting Excellence and Portfolio Management

•    Lead the Property Treaty portfolio across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, defining and executing underwriting strategy to deliver sustainable and profitable growth
•    Drive underwriting excellence through disciplined risk selection, portfolio steering, quality assurance and effective governance in line with Munich Re's underwriting standards and strategic objectives
•    Assess, structure, negotiate and underwrite treaty business, applying expertise in property reinsurance, including pricing, treaty structures, wordings and portfolio management

Market and Client Engagement

•    Partner with Client Management to develop and execute client and market strategies, strengthen relationships with key clients and brokers, and identify opportunities for sustainable portfolio growth across the region
•    Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients, brokers and industry stakeholders, acting as a senior representative of Munich Re in the market
•    Maintain a strong understanding of market developments, emerging risks and industry trends, translating insights into underwriting actions, business opportunities and innovative reinsurance solutions

People Leadership and Talent Development

•    Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing underwriting team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning and technical excellence
•    Create an environment that attracts, retains and develops outstanding talent, ensuring the team is well positioned to meet current and future business needs
•    Provide coaching, guidance and career development opportunities to team members, strengthening underwriting capabilities and supporting effective succession planning

Organisational Effectiveness

•    Partner closely with colleagues in Claims, Finance and Facultative to ensure a holistic approach to portfolio management, client support and business performance
•    Build effective relationships across Munich Re's global organisation, leveraging specialist capabilities to deliver value for clients while ensuring alignment with the Group's strategy, underwriting approach and risk management framework
•    Navigate and influence a complex international environment, connecting African market opportunities with Munich Re's global expertise, resources and strategic priorities

Your Profile

Underwriting Excellence and Portfolio Management

•    University degree in finance, risk management, actuarial science, law, engineering or a related field, or equivalent professional experience in (re)insurance
•    Strong experience in (re)insurance, with expertise in Property Treaty underwriting or closely related areas
•    Sound understanding of property risks, underwriting principles, pricing, reinsurance structures and portfolio management. Experience across additional lines of business would be advantageous
•    Proven ability to develop and execute strategy, make sound underwriting decisions and deliver sustainable business outcomes

Market and Client Engagement

•    Strong understanding of the South African and/or broader African insurance and reinsurance market, or the ability to quickly build regional expertise and market relationships
•    Established relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with credibility in engaging clients, brokers and industry partners
•    Commercially minded, curious and forward-looking, with an interest in emerging risks, market developments and evolving client needs

People Leadership and Talent Development

•    A collaborative and inspiring leader, with experience developing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement
•    Passion for developing people, strengthening technical capabilities and building diverse talent pipelines

Organisational Effectiveness

•    Ability to operate effectively within a large international organisation, building productive networks and leveraging specialist expertise across functions and geographies
•    Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams, cultures and stakeholder groups

We see DEI as a business imperative, helping us to attract, grow and inspire a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce that better enable us to serve our customers, investors, and communities. Globally, we strive to build balanced teams across all aspects of difference. As part of our commitment to opportunity, growth and diversity, preference may be given to candidates in line with our Employment Equity Plan.  If you are interested in the role and believe you could contribute, we encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't perfectly match every qualification.