Apply: Manager, Insurance Services

Our Client – South Australian Government Financing Authority (SAFA)

Perks People Solutions have partnered with the South Australian Government Financing Authority (SAFA) to recruit a Manager, Insurance Services.

SAFA functions as the central financing authority, captive insurer and manager of the passenger and light commercial fleet operations for the Government of South Australia.

SAFA plays an integral role in the overall management of the State Government's finances and risks, harnessing economies of scale and expertise in wholesale financial and insurance markets to provide a range of treasury, insurance, and vehicle fleet management services to public sector clients, set by its strategic direction.
 
SAFA’s insurance services are complex and dynamic. They include underwriting the South Australian Government self-insurance arrangements, the provision of technical and policy advice to the South Australian Government on insurance related matters, assisting government agencies to transfer risk to the commercial insurance market, the provision of reinsurance services and other insurance related activities as required by the Treasurer. SAFA’s insurance services are also responsible for the management of property claims and the recovery of claim losses from reinsurers, and assisting with the management of legal, financial and reputational risks of the Government of South Australia.
 
The Role:

Reporting to the Director, Insurance and Strategic Projects, the Manager, Insurance Services will lead a team of insurance advisors and property claims officers, and work collaboratively with SAFA’s Manager, Claims Services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the team to deliver high-quality, customer-focused insurance solutions across government.
• Drive strategic initiatives, manage change, and promote a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Oversee resource allocation, team performance, and continuous improvement of insurance systems and processes.
• Manage the renewal of the SAFA Agency Agreement, including underwriting data, premium allocation, invoicing, and debt collection.
• Collaborate with actuaries and brokers on reinsurance programs and commercial insurance placements.
• Ensure accuracy of policy documentation and lead procurement of insurance-related services.
• Develop and advise on government insurance policy and limitation of liability principles.
• Provide expert advice to senior stakeholders including SAFA Management, the Advisory Board, CEO, and Treasurer.
• Represent SAFA in reinsurance market submissions.

About You:

• Extensive experience in placing complex insurance programs and liaising with global markets.
• Experience with contract works for major infrastructure projects highly regarded.
• Demonstrated ability to understand the nature of government or complex organisations and respond to matters of political sensitivity appropriately.
• Strong collaboration and negotiation skills, with a track record of working across teams to deliver strategic outcomes.
• Experience in developing, interpreting, and implementing critical policy and insurance frameworks.
• High-level analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to manage large datasets and formulate innovative solutions.
• Demonstrated autonomy in managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Significant leadership experience in insurance, with a focus on team development and service excellence.
• Expertise in premium setting, contract management, and service provider relationships.
• Sound knowledge of underwriting, broking, actuarial principles, and claims management practices.
• Desirable: Associate membership of the Australian Insurance Institute or relevant tertiary qualification and a tertiary qualification in Business, Law or Management.

In Return:

• High value, impactful work
• Flexible working options
• Salary packaging options
• Discounted gym membership
• Supportive career development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
• Be Well Program

Please note:

• This is a three-year contract. SAFA offers flexibility, professional development, and the opportunity to contribute to a high-impact government function.

Travel requirements:

• Occasional travel within South Australia to meet with agency clients.
• Interstate travel required for reinsurance underwriting submissions.
• Potential for overseas travel to engage with international underwriters.

 
Next Steps:
 
Please kindly copy and paste the link below in your browser to:
http://www.ppsconsulting.com.au/SAFAjobs

• Access the candidate briefing pack (including detailed role statement)
• Access the Pre-Employment Declaration form
• TO APPLY – submit your CV and Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages, addressing the key selection criteria and demonstrating suitability for the role)

Applications close at 5.00 pm on 28th November 2025.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact SAFA’s recruitment partner Sally Warner from Perks People Solutions on (08) 8273 9291 or email swarner@ppsconsulting.com.au.

The Department of Treasury and Finance is an Equal Opportunities employer committed to providing an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion for all employees. We strongly encourage applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, culturally diverse backgrounds, disability, all genders, and LGBTQI+ community. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us if invited to interview.