Claims Manager
Johannesburg, GT, ZA
Career Level 3
The Non-Life Claims Team forms part of the Global Claims function and is responsible for the active management of all classes of non-life reinsurance claims underwritten by Munich Re Africa Branch. The team plays a critical role in delivering technical excellence, client service and value creation across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Claims Manager is a senior technical specialist responsible for managing complex claims, supporting portfolio performance, and contributing to strategic claims initiatives. You will join a dynamic team of claims professionals and collaborate closely with underwriting, client management and other Munich Re stakeholders. The role reports to the Head of Non-Life Claims.
You will play a key role in ensuring high-quality claims handling, driving insights from claims data, and strengthening client relationships while contributing to continuous improvement and innovation in claims processes, actively supporting the achievement of the Global Claims Ambition.
Your Role:
In this role, you will manage and oversee complex non-life reinsurance claims across the Sub-Saharan African markets, ensuring timely, fair and cost-effective resolution in line with internal guidelines and market best practice.
You will:
- Manage and perform legal and technical assessment of major and complex claims, including indemnity, liability, quantum and coverage considerations
- Evaluate and monitor reserves, including ongoing review of large losses and loss complexes
- Negotiate claims outcomes, including coverage, liability and allocation issues, and initiate subrogation where appropriate
- Identify claims requiring specialised expertise (e.g. loss inspections, risk prevention) and coordinate appropriate actions
- Service, advise and monitor cedents on claims matters, including conducting claims reviews and due diligence exercises
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, brokers and internal stakeholders to support excellent service delivery
- Provide claims insights and feedback to underwriting and client management, including lessons learned and wording considerations
- Analyse claims data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for portfolio improvement
- Support the development and application of digital tools and analytics in claims portfolio management
- Contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives, working groups, training and market engagement activities
- Ensure compliance with internal claims guidelines, regulatory requirements and governance standards
Your Profile:
- University degree or relevant formal qualification (Legal, Insurance or related discipline preferred)
- Professional insurance qualification (e.g. ACII, AIISA, ACILA) or progress towards qualification advantageous
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in reinsurance claims, or significant experience (8–10 years) in claims handling, loss adjusting or underwriting
- Strong technical expertise in non-life claims, including complex and large loss management
- Sound understanding of claims reserving practices and ability to assess reserve adequacy
- Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills
- Analytical, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to manage complex issues under pressure
- Self-motivated, proactive and collaborative working style
At Munich Re, we embrace and value the interaction of diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and thought. This interaction forms the foundation of our open culture and strong spirit of partnership. As part of our commitment to opportunity, growth and diversity, preference may be given to candidates in line with our Employment Equity Plan.