Australian Market Insights & Salary Guide General Insurance 2016
Contents Executive Summary 3 Market Overview 4 Salary Guide 10 About Marks Sattin 11 Contact us 11 These survey results are recognised throughout the Australian accounting, insurance and finance industry as an accurate representation of the industry and a market leading source of quality insights and opinions. All survey responses, comments and insights have been consolidated for this 2016 Australian General Insurance Market Insights and Salary Guide. This survey was carried out during November 2015 and distributed via an online questionnaire. Marks Sattin received 1324 responses.
GENERAL INSURANCE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The General Insurance market experienced a skills shortage in 2015 which looks set to continue in 2016. The market remains a candidate-driven one as quality candidates are in short supply. However, respondents in the Marks Sattin survey stated that the recent high profile takeovers in the General Insurance market decreased job security somewhat and increased competition for roles. Despite this, three quarters of permanent candidates in this sector are very likely or somewhat likely to change roles in the next 12 months - again illustrating the buoyancy of the jobseeker market. The demand of certain key skills has seen a continued recruitment drive for experienced Claims Specialists across all General Insurance lines and Underwriters, both in the domestic and commercial space. In addition, there has been a surge in demand for Property Claims Specialists because of natural disasters throughout the country both on a contract and permanent basis. Insurers have been forced to reduce pricing to retain business against their competitors. This has been more so for the likes of property, motor and travel insurance, suggesting that client loyalty is more price driven in this space than in long tail products such as liability. There has also been a continued growth in the number of mergers in the industry with at least some Insurers feeling that consolidating their positions in a challenging environment is beneficial. Cyber/risk insurances continue to be a major talking point in this sector. The Marks Sattin survey found that 27% of respondents expect no salary increase in the next 12 months and a further 38% expect an increase of only up to 3%. However, those with skills in demand can capitalise on the skills shortage by commanding higher salaries in the year ahead. In order to attract talent, clients looking to recruit would be wise to consider flexible working options as this was ranked as the most important benefit to job seekers in this sector. Clients may also consider sourcing candidates from overseas, such as Underwriters, and to look for transferable skills for Claims staff and train them across that specific product line. While we are in the midst of a candidate short market, jobseekers are in a prime position for the year ahead to seek improved flexibility and increase in salary. Trish Aspell Managing Consultant - Insurance 3
GENERAL INSURANCE MARKET INSIGHTS How do you feel about the future of the economy? 2015 2016 15% Pessimistic 20% 46% Neutral 47% 39% Optimistic 33% Percentage of candidates who feel secure in their jobs 2015 2016 74 % 80 % 4
GENERAL INSURANCE MARKET INSIGHTS How likely is it that you will change jobs in the next 12 months? (permanent only) 28% 46% 26% Unlikely Somewhat likely Very likely 58% Fairly happy How happy are you in your current role? 15% Very happy 21% Fairly unhappy 6% Very unhappy Due to the recent high profile takeovers in the General Insurance Market, do you feel this will be beneficial to the General Insurance job market, due to increased security or offer increased competition for roles? Increase competition for roles 46% Decreases job security 30% Transition from one role to another is easier Increases job security 12% 10% Other 2% 5
GENERAL INSURANCE MARKET INSIGHTS Why did you leave your last role? (Top 3 reasons) 1 23 End of contract Career Development Poor management/ Relationship with manager What attracts you to a new role? (Top 3 reasons) 1 23 Career development opportunity Company culture Higher remuneration Why do you stay with your current employer? (Top 3 reasons) 1 23 Career development opportunity The people I work with Work-life balance options Work-life balance and flexible working are key retention tools for employers. Rank the importance of these employment benefits and which of these do you receive? (Top 3) Benefits Flexible Working Annual Bonus Scheme Training Rank of importance 1 2 3 % who receive benefits 42% 53% 15% 6
GENERAL INSURANCE MARKET INSIGHTS Are you expecting a pay increase in the next 12 months? 37% 28% % of respondents 23% 18% 7% 10% No Yes up to 3% Yes 4-5% Yes 6-10% Yes >11% % of base salary What salary increase would you expect to receive when changing jobs externally? 30% 24% Over half of respondents expect a pay increase of over 11% to change jobs. % of respondents 17% 14% 15% up to 5% 6-10% 11-15% 16-20% >20% % of base salary 7
GENERAL INSURANCE MARKET INSIGHTS Would you forgo a bonus for: Better flexible working options? Yes, all of it More training options? Yes, all of it No 30% 11% Yes, some of it 59% No 54% 7% Yes, some of it 39% As a percentage of your base salary, what level was your last bonus and what do you expect for your next bonus? Previous Bonus Expected Bonus 44% 39% 30% % of respondents 20% 24% 18% 6% 6% 7% 6% 1-4% 5-9% 10-19% 20-29% >30% 1-4% 5-9% 10-19% 20-29% >30% % of salary % of salary 8
GENERAL INSURANCE Salary Guide 2016 Underwriting Claims Broking
GENERAL INSURANCE SALARY GUIDE INSURANCE $000 s per annum (incl. super) Underwriting Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Assistant Underwriter 55-60 55-60 45-50 Domestic Underwriter 65-75 65-75 65-75 Commercial Underwriter 75-100 75-100 75-100 Corporate Underwriter 70-125 85-120 70-90 Business Development Underwriter 80-120 80-110 70-100 Senior Underwriter Manager 120-150+ 110-150 115-140 Manager 130-175 120-180 100+ Product Specialist 120-150 100-140 90-120 Claims Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Claims Assistant 45-50 45-50 50-55 Domestic Claims 55-65 50-60 50-55 Commercial Claims 55-70 50-65 50-60 Corporate Claims 65-80 55-75 55-75 Technical Claims Officer 65-75 65-75 65-75 Team Leader 85-95 70-90 75-95 Manager 100+ 90+ 100+ Broking Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Broking Support 50-55 50-55 45-55 Assistant Account Executive 50-65 55-60 45-55 Account Executive/Broker 65-80 60-70 55-80 Senior Account Executive 80-100 80-120 70-95 Business Development Manager 100-120 90-120 90-130 Account Manager 90-120 120+ 90-130 Divisional Manager/Principal 130 120+ 120+ 10
GENERAL INSURANCE ABOUT MARKS SATTIN About Marks Sattin Marks Sattin is a market leading finance, accounting and insurance recruitment agency. As true insurance specialists our consultants are subject matter experts in their respective markets which is reflected in their deep industry knowledge and ability to determine candidate suitability in a very short time. Specialist salary guides and Market Reports: Commerce: Accounting Private Practice: Private Practice Financial Services: Accounting & Banking Ops, Risk & Compliance General Insurance Wealth Management Life Insurance & Workers Compensation Marks Sattin has built an enviable reputation from years of experience working with both international and domestic institutions. Our specialist General Insurance consultants perform both contingent and search assignments for insurers, brokers and underwriting agencies. Our consultants provide not only innovative recruitment solutions, but the highest quality service for our clients and partners. Whether you are looking for a new role or seeking the ideal candidate, why not talk to the General Insurance experts. For more information, visit: SYDNEY Level 22, Tower 2, Darling Park 201 Sussex Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia t: +61 2 9249 8000 e: sydney@markssattin.com.au MELBOURNE Level 6, 312 St Kilda Road Melbourne VIC 3004 Australia t: +61 3 8677 6710 e: melbourne@markssattin.com.au 11