Policy Wording and Technical Underwriting Specialist

SBS Underwriting in its Personal Lines Underwriting team has a position available for a Policy Wording and Technical Underwriting Specialist who will be based in Auckland Park, Johannesburg or Bellville, Cape Town.

The purpose of the role is to support Personal Lines and Outsourced Business:

• Responsible for compiling, updating, reviewing and maintaining policy wordings, endorsements, addendums, terms, conditions, PPR/Disclosure notices etc.


• Provide sound claims and personal lines underwriting advice from a legal and underwriting perspective.


• Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements within the Personal Lines Underwriting.


• Integrate and update existing underwriting manuals/policies, operational manuals and underwriting guidelines.


• Create new underwriting guidelines and procedures if required.


• Assist in formulating and signing off underwriting circulars and media articles.


• Analyse, interpret, review, recommend and communicate policy wording/endorsement changes to binders/ relevant stakeholders.


• Assist with product changes and associated projects.


• Align product changes with policy wordings, endorsements etc.


• Drive implementation and monitor results.

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in short-term insurance - Personal Lines.


• Strong technical product underwriting knowledge and proficiency in Personal Lines.


• Understanding of risk management.


• Degree in Insurance & Risk Management or similar disciplines is an advantage.


• Computer literate (extensive experience with Excel, Word, Acrobat Pro and PowerPoint).


• Knowledge of the short-term insurance legal framework.

• High analytical thinking.


• Ability to grasp concepts quickly.


• Exceptional problem-solving skills.


• Strong ability to manipulate and interpret policy wording.


• Strong communication and presentation skills.


• Proactive and self-motivated.


• Ability to perform under pressure.


• Time management and focused delivery of deadlines.


• Good planning, analytical and decision-making skills.


• Good team player - integrating and sharing knowledge and skills.


• Displays keen insight and intuition.

• Problem solving.


• Producing creative solutions.


• Developing and implementing strategy.


• Adapting to changing circumstances.


• Performing under pressure.


• Enterprising and commercial thinking.


• Deciding and initiating action.


• Leadership.


• Building networks and good relations.


• Flexibility and adaptability.


• Action orientated.


• Applying expertise and technology.

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. As a large, diversified, and expanding company, we are committed to transformation and growth. While our headquarters are in South Africa, we are rapidly extending our presence into emerging markets across Africa and Asia.

With a client base of over 1 million policyholders, Santam serves individuals, commercial enterprises, specialist business owners, and institutions-including 80 of the Top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Our commitment to Insurance, Good and Proper goes beyond just providing cover-we offer peace of mind, ensuring our clients can focus on living in the moment, not worrying about the unexpected. Because at Santam, we believe the freedom to seize every day is worth protecting.

People drive our business, and we are committed to attracting the best talent, whether for permanent roles or short-term opportunities.

Santam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. We are dedicated to neuro-inclusivity and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Take the next step in your career-apply now and be part of a company that's shaping the future of insurance. This is Freedom!

1. Step 1 - Advertise: Our vacancies are advertised between 3-5 days depending on the market availability of the skills required.


2. Step 2 - Screening: Could take a couple of days depending on the volume and the screening process, which varies according to the complexity of the role.


3. Step 3 - Longlisted Candidates: Longlisted candidates are sent to the hiring manager to review and consider for the next stage of the selection process.


4. Step 4 - Telephonic Screening: Candidates may be contacted for a short screening interview to get to know them better and ask any clarity-seeking questions.


5. Step 5 - Interview: We use a competency interview model. Interview dates will be confirmed via e-mail. During the interview, you will be introduced to the panel and the process explained. Remain calm and sell yourself. This is our opportunity to match your skills to the job.


6. Step 6 - Assessment: If we like what you bring to the table, you may be invited to complete a psychometric assessment. Further employment checks are conducted to ensure the validity of your credentials.


7. Step 7 - Final Interview: Prior to an offer, there may be a second interview to meet with the Head of Department.


8. Step 8 - Onboarding: You made it. Here we ensure we receive all your documents to get you onto our payroll system.

There is not just one way to be successful at Santam, nor is there one way to interview with us. Interviewing is a two-way process - it helps us learn about you, and it helps you learn about us, our people, and what you could do here.

Santam has been officially recognised by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer 2025 for excellence in people practices. This is the ninth consecutive year that we have achieved this accolade.