Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Underwriting Manager
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree + CII/AIIK
• Hiring Organization: Kenya Orient Insurance Limited (KOIL)

Introduction

This underwriting manager job in Nairobi presents a high-impact leadership opportunity at Kenya Orient Insurance Limited (KOIL). It is ideal for seasoned insurance professionals with a passion for underwriting excellence, team leadership, and operational efficiency. As Underwriting Manager, you will drive underwriting discipline, business growth, compliance, and customer satisfaction across key portfolios such as Bonds, Engineering, and Marine. This pivotal role will influence both strategic and operational outcomes while delivering underwriting performance that aligns with KOIL’s long-term growth objectives.

About Kenya Orient Insurance Limited (KOIL)

Kenya Orient Insurance Limited is one of Kenya’s leading non-life insurers, offering innovative products tailored to both individual and corporate clients. With a strong emphasis on customer service, product innovation, and digital transformation, KOIL continues to expand its footprint across Kenya’s insurance landscape. The company maintains a commitment to best-in-class service delivery, robust risk management, and continuous improvement. As an employer, KOIL fosters a culture of performance, integrity, and empowerment, making it an ideal place for professionals who want to drive meaningful change in the insurance industry.

Key Responsibilities

As the Underwriting Manager, you will be responsible for executing strategic and operational objectives within the underwriting function. Your role will cut across revenue growth, compliance, team leadership, and loss ratio management.

Revenue Generation and Growth

• Drive revenue growth by retaining existing accounts and acquiring new business, in line with set performance targets.
• Grow premium revenue in Bonds, Engineering, and Marine lines through proactive market engagement and innovative product strategies.
• Champion cross-selling of KOIL’s full suite of products by identifying insurance gaps and equipping intermediaries with relevant product training.
• Lead product development initiatives aligned with evolving customer needs and market trends.

Cash Collection and Liquidity Management

• Enforce credit policy by ensuring timely premium collection and controlling debt movement at the branch level.
• Oversee premium cancellations, contras, and refunds, ensuring financial controls are maintained and that actions are executed with precision.
• Track branch-level premium trends and report collection gaps while ensuring adherence to regulatory compliance.

Loss Ratio Management and Portfolio Sustainability

• Maintain underwriting standards, pricing discipline, and appropriate risk selection frameworks.
• Monitor loss ratios for both corporate and retail clients, applying corrective actions to optimize the business portfolio.
• Champion non-motor business growth, diversifying risk and maximizing underwriting profitability.
• Oversee reinsurance arrangements, ensuring effective recoveries and risk transfer protocols are in place.

Cost Efficiency and Expense Control

• Control underwriting expenses and ensure operating costs are aligned with budgeted projections.
• Negotiate service contracts with third-party providers such as surveyors, valuers, and device installation firms to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Promote process automation to reduce turnaround times and drive per capita operational efficiency.

Control of Company Assets and Documentation

• Monitor daily usage of security documents including motor certificates and yellow cards.
• Ensure compliance with documentation policies, safeguarding company-issued assets from misuse.
• Implement document control measures across branches to reduce fraud risk and enhance regulatory compliance.

Internal Controls and Strategic Reporting

• Review retention and profitability reports, flag underperforming segments, and recommend strategic adjustments.
• Prepare operational dashboards and performance analytics for management review and planning.
• Ensure adherence to internal audit recommendations and support internal control processes.
• Update and enforce SOPs, ensuring operational consistency and audit readiness across the network.

Talent Development and Team Leadership

• Provide administrative and operational oversight to the underwriting team, ensuring daily operations align with company goals.
• Lead performance management processes by setting clear objectives, conducting reviews, and offering mentorship.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, service delivery, and continuous improvement across the underwriting team.
• Drive motivation and engagement, building a high-performing team that embodies KOIL’s core values.

Qualifications and Skills

To qualify for the underwriting manager job in Nairobi, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Insurance, Marketing, Business Administration, Finance, or related business field
• Diploma in Insurance (AIIK/CII) or equivalent professional certification is mandatory

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in underwriting and general insurance operations
• At least 2 years in an Assistant Manager – Underwriting role or an equivalent leadership position

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of underwriting policies, risk assessment techniques, and regulatory guidelines
• Deep understanding of insurance product design, portfolio management, and loss ratio analysis
• Ability to manage cross-functional teams and influence underwriting decisions across branches
• Proficiency in credit control practices, underwriting software tools, and MS Office applications

Core Competencies

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building capabilities
• Ability to work under pressure and manage deadlines
• Strong negotiation and communication skills with internal and external stakeholders
• Customer-centric approach with commercial acumen

Company Culture and Values

At KOIL, excellence, transparency, and integrity form the cornerstone of all business practices. Employees are encouraged to be proactive, solution-oriented, and customer-focused. KOIL values diversity and inclusivity and strives to create a collaborative work environment that supports professional growth, work-life balance, and innovation. As an underwriting manager, you’ll be empowered to lead change, drive value, and contribute to KOIL’s mission of delivering world-class insurance services.

How to Apply

Apply now for the underwriting manager job in Nairobi with Kenya Orient Insurance Limited.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications through the official application form provided below:

Application Form:
Apply for Underwriting Manager – KOIL

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. KOIL is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment.

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