Underwriter Lead

Job Description Underwriting Lead (Commercial Lines & Non-Motor Insurance)

Position Title

Underwriting Lead Commercial Lines & Non-Motor Insurance

Department

Underwriting – General Insurance

Location

As per business requirement

Reporting To

National Underwriting Head / Business Head – Commercial Lines

Job Purpose To lead and manage underwriting operations for Commercial Lines and Non-Motor insurance products including Property, Engineering, Marine, Liability, Group Health, Miscellaneous, and SME segments. The role is responsible for portfolio profitability, risk assessment, underwriting governance, broker/channel management, and business growth while ensuring compliance with underwriting guidelines and regulatory norms.

Key Responsibilities

Underwriting & Risk Assessment

• Evaluate and underwrite Commercial Lines and Non-Motor insurance proposals within delegated authority limits.
• Analyze risk exposure, policy structure, loss history, financials, and industry-specific risk factors.
• Decide pricing, terms, conditions, exclusions, deductibles, and coverage structure.
• Handle large corporate, mid-market, SME, and complex risks across various industries.
• Ensure quality underwriting and adherence to underwriting guidelines and risk appetite.

Portfolio Management

• Monitor portfolio profitability, claim ratios, retention, and underwriting performance.
• Maintain balanced portfolio mix and recommend corrective actions for adverse trends.
• Conduct periodic portfolio reviews and profitability analysis.
• Drive renewal retention and cross-sell opportunities.

Product & Market Management

• Coordinate with reinsurance, actuarial, claims, and sales teams for risk evaluation and product structuring.
• Support development of new products, customized solutions, and market-specific offerings.
• Stay updated on market trends, competitor pricing, and emerging risks.

Channel & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with brokers, corporate agents, direct sales teams, and key corporate clients.
• Support business teams with underwriting guidance and solution-based risk discussions.
• Participate in client meetings, negotiations, and risk inspections where required.

Team Management

• Lead and mentor underwriting team members.
• Ensure timely issuance of quotes, approvals, and policy servicing.
• Conduct training sessions for underwriting and sales teams on products and risk assessment.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with IRDAI regulations, company underwriting guidelines, and audit requirements.
• Maintain underwriting discipline and documentation standards.
• Coordinate during internal/external audits and regulatory reviews.

Key Products Handled

• Property Insurance
• Marine Insurance
• Engineering Insurance
• Liability Insurance
• Fire Insurance
• Miscellaneous Insurance
• Group Health Insurance
• SME & Corporate Packages

Desired Candidate Profile

Education

• Graduate/Postgraduate in any discipline
• Preferably MBA/PGDM in Insurance, Finance, or Risk Management
• Professional certifications such as Licentiate/Associate/Fellowship from III preferred

Experience

• 7–15 years of experience in General Insurance underwriting
• Strong exposure in Commercial Lines & Non-Motor underwriting
• Experience handling corporate and SME business preferred
• Team handling experience preferred

Required Skills

• Commercial underwriting expertise
• Risk analysis & portfolio management
• Strong negotiation and decision-making skills
• Knowledge of IRDAI regulations
• Broker and corporate relationship management
• Analytical and presentation skills
• Leadership and stakeholder management
• Proficiency in MS Excel & underwriting systems

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Portfolio profitability
• Loss ratio management
• Renewal retention
• Quote turnaround time (TAT)
• Business growth
• Underwriting quality & compliance
• Broker/channel engagement

Preferred Industry Background

Candidates from

• General Insurance Companies
• Insurance Brokers
• Corporate Agency Channel
• Commercial Risk Advisory Firms

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