Claims Manager (Life/Medical insurance), Durban

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Claims Manager (Life/Medical insurance), Durban


Claims Manager
Location: La Mercy, Durban
 
Lead a High-Performing Claims Team in a Respected Life Insurance Environment
An established life insurer is seeking an experienced Claims Manager to lead and develop its Life and Medical Claims team. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate claims professional with strong medical and insurance expertise to take ownership of a critical business function, drive operational excellence, and contribute to strategic decision-making.
In this senior leadership role, you will oversee the end-to-end claims process, ensure fair and efficient claims assessments, manage risk, enhance customer experience, and lead a team of claims assessors and administrators. You will also play an influential role in product development, claims innovation, reporting, and stakeholder management.
 
Key Responsibilities
    • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of claims assessors and administrators.
    • Oversee the assessment and management of life insurance claims, ensuring service levels and quality standards are consistently met.
    • Manage complex and escalated claims, liaising with legal advisors, reinsurers, and internal stakeholders where required.
    • Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including process optimisation and automation opportunities.
    • Monitor claims trends, identify risks, and provide detailed reporting and insights to senior leadership.
    • Contribute to claims philosophy, product development, underwriting reviews, and risk management strategies.
    • Build and maintain strong relationships with advisers, reinsurers, and key stakeholders.
    • Ensure a customer-centric approach that balances empathy, fairness, and sound risk management.
    • Manage team performance, capacity planning, training, recruitment, and budgeting.  
 
Requirements
    • Degree or qualification in a medically related field such as Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Biokinetics, or similar (preferred, not essential)
    • Minimum 5 years’ life insurance claims assessment experience.
    • Strong medical knowledge and understanding of life insurance principles.
    • Proven leadership and people management experience.
    • Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills.
    • Ability to interpret complex insurance contracts and manage risk effectively.
    • Strong problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail.
 
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to join a forward-thinking insurer where you can make a meaningful impact on both customer outcomes and business performance. If you thrive in a leadership role, enjoy solving complex challenges, and are passionate about building high-performing teams, we’d love to hear from you
 
Salary is R50 000 – R60 000 CTC
Nicky@proappoint.co.za