ASSISTANT UNDERWRITER: PROPERTY (OPEN MARKET &/OR DELEGATED)
REPORTS TO: CLASS UNDERWRITER
LOCATION: LONDON
This career opportunity is available at Santam Syndicate 1918 for a Assistant Underwriter: Property who will be based in the UK & have right to work in the UK.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
To support the underwriting of Property business within a Lloyd’s syndicate or managing agent. This role includes risk assessment, data analysis, pre-bind support, and administrative functions to ensure smooth operation of the underwriting process. The Assistant Underwriter will help maintain underwriting discipline, assist in the preparation of documentation and reports, and contribute to the profitability and compliance of the property portfolio (both open market and binder).
WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE?
Key Responsibilities:
Underwriting Support:
* Assist the Class Underwriters and Business Head's with the analysis and evaluation of new and renewal property submissions (open market and/or delegated).
* Prepare underwriting files, including gathering risk information, loss histories, occupancy data, construction details, and exposure metrics.
* Conduct initial review of property schedules, location data, and cat exposures (with support from senior underwriters).
* Help generate and issue quotes, endorsements, and policy documentation under supervision.
* Monitor endorsements and adjustments during the policy period.
Data Management & Analysis:
* Collect and validate bordereaux data (if supporting delegated property business).
* Maintain and update internal underwriting systems and databases.
* Perform basic pricing and accumulation analysis using internal tools or vendor platforms (e.g. RMS, AIR, Exact).
* Assist in the production of MI, reports, and underwriting dashboards.
Broker & Stakeholder Interaction:
* Liaise with brokers to gather additional risk information and documentation.
* Attend broker meetings (internal or external) to gain market exposure and support the underwriter.
* Build good working relationships with brokers, claims, finance, compliance, and modelling teams.
Documentation & Compliance:
* Ensure all underwriting files are complete, accurate, and audit-ready.
* Help ensure that underwriting activity complies with Lloyd’s minimum standards, internal underwriting guides, and regulatory requirements.
* Maintain clear records of quotes, declinatures, binders, endorsements, and communications.
Team Collaboration:
* Work closely with underwriting assistants, operations, and other support teams to ensure efficient workflow.
* Participate in internal training, market presentations, and development sessions.
* Provide support during peak periods (e.g. renewal season or catastrophe events).
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
* Degree in Insurance, Risk Management, Business, or similar field (or relevant experience).
* 3–6 years of experience in an insurance or underwriting support role preferred.
* Working towards ACII or other professional insurance qualifications is advantageous.
* Exposure to Lloyd’s or London Market practices highly desirable.
* Solid knowledge of property risks, policy wordings, and regulatory environment.
* Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with commercial awareness.
* Excellent communication skills and negotiation skills, particularly with broker, clients and internal stakeholders
* Proficiency in relevant underwriting systems and Microsoft Office.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
* Delivering results and meeting customer expectation
* Relating and networking
* Analyses
* Applying expertise and technology
* Achieving personal work goals and objectives
* Attention to detail
* Planning and organising skills
* Problem Solving
* Negotiating
* Business Acumen/Knowledge
* Business Analysis
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
* Drives results
* Recognised personal reputation
* Deciding and initiating action
* Leading and supervising
* Collaborates
* Client focus
* Flexibility and adaptability
* Cultivates innovation
* Strategic decision making
* Analytical thinking
* Influencing/ gaining commitment
* Business acumen
* Coaching and development
WHO WE ARE:
Santam syndicate 1918 is a new wholly owned and capitalised entity of Santam Insurance, the largest insurance company in South Africa with a 107-year heritage. 1918 is strategically important in expanding and developing Santam’s international footprint, through access to the London market talent, distribution network and Lloyd’s global insurance and reinsurance licenses.
Our syndicate is a London managed and run business, with a strong, experienced leadership team, focused on underwriting discipline, whilst allowing our teams to feel empowered and accountable for their actions. We are building a collaborative team where underwriting, claims, actuarial and other functions work closely, to help achieve superior underwriting results.
At Santam we are committed to transformation and embracing diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse workplace with the aim to create an inclusive workforce.