Senior Liability Construction & Specialty Claims Manager

Location: Hybrid Work Model- Van Wert, OH, Dublin, OH, Alpharetta, GA, Waltham, MA, Irving, TX

We are a team of employees who are passionate to deliver best in class customer service and innovation in the industry. It’s because we put Integrity, Relationships and Excellence in all aspects of our work.

Our employees have the opportunity to fully utilize their talents and bring their best self.  We believe that who you are is just as important as what you do!

By joining our growing Casualty Claims team as a Senior Liability Construction & Specialty Claims Manager, you will lead a team of claim handlers who handle construction defect claims and a team of handlers who handle specialty coverage claims. You will also serve as a liaison for construction defect claims with underwriting, loss control, agents, and the insureds.  You will play a critical role in leading the team in achieving our Claims’ mission of achieving Optimal Claim Outcomes on all losses and delivering exceptional hospitality to our policyholders, all with a high degree of efficiency and effectiveness. You will also be accountable for leading the team’s performance relative to corporate objectives measured by key performance indicators in accordance with established procedures, policies and best practices.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Provides strategic leadership to a team of highly experienced technical Claims professionals comprised of specialists handing Construction Claims and others handling Specialty Claims (e.g., environmental, toxic tort, class actions, CGL Coverage B, EPLI) and Coverage
• Responsible for the ongoing management of staff by attracting talent, setting clear direction, providing appropriate guidance, managing performance, recognizing contributions and developing capabilities 
• Manages team to achieve established claims objectives in accordance with the claims mission and established policies and procedures
• Develops and trains team on claim handling excellence
• Leads team development with subject matter expertise training and onboarding
• Acts as a subject matter expert in construction claims, providing insights and guidance internally (i.e., Claims, Loss Control, and Underwriting) and externally (i.e., Insureds and Agents). Collaborates with both internal and external partners on initiatives and projects that enhance Central’s value chain and competitive advantage within the Construction sector
• Participates as needed in pre-renewal account reviews and pre-inspection surveys of potential new clients, consults with loss control as requested and addresses escalated agent and client service needs, serving as a dedicated concierge to large account clients
• Partners with underwriting, loss control, and distribution teams to create customized solutions that meet clients' unique needs
• Plans and conducts on-site meetings with clients to perform claim reviews, deliver training, share industry updates, and work with loss control teams to mitigate loss frequency and severity
• Monitors claims reserves and payments on claims in unit
• Reviews files for coaching and direction on technical excellence in claims
• Ensures team is managing assigned volume of liability claims with hospitality, optimal claim outcomes, and efficiency through the life of the claim
• Ensures team is investigating, evaluating, negotiating and settling assigned claims within authority limits
• Leads team to develop and follow strategic action plans throughout the life of the file
• Ensures team is providing proactive customer service by appropriately setting expectations, building rapport, and responding to requests timely
• Acts as the primary contact regarding claims inquiries from underwriting, agents, and insureds, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and prompt resolution of concerns
• Ensures team is building relationships and appropriately communicating with agency partners, internal and external stakeholders
• Instructs team to conduct thorough and timely claim investigations
• Leads team to implement proper recognition, investigation, referral and communication regarding subrogation
• Ensures team is setting accurate initial reserves in a timely manner and is continually reviewing accuracy in the context of ultimate probable exposure
• Ensures team is managing files through swift resolution of exposures that warrant settlement
• Instructs team to detect and mitigate fraud when investigating claims
• Leads team to make sure team is implementing appropriate consideration of file expenses and approved suppliers are used
• Ensures paid losses are managed appropriately; adjuster is paying what is fair and owed and is settling claims at the optimal time in the life of the file
• Ensures team is monitoring and collaborating with defense counsel on litigation strategy and development through the litigation process
• Builds on Construction expertise through attendance at webinars, seminars and other industry events.  Shares knowledge gained externally to internal business partners through emails, training and/or a newsletter
• Coach and develop adjuster performance on alternative dispute resolution, litigation strategy and effective collaboration with defense counsel to lead and develop activity through the litigation process
• Proactively perpetuates the culture, embraces our core values, welcomes diverse perspectives to foster innovation, and works appropriately across departments and across offices to accomplish the corporate objectives and priorities
• Communicates strategy and priorities to team by setting expectations and holding team accountable
• Develops and maintains excellent rapport with the team, internal stakeholders and agency force
• Collaborates with all Claims leadership on Claims strategy and continuous improvement efforts

What You’ll Bring

• Must possess or secure and maintain appropriate state adjuster licenses and continuing education credits
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, risk management, or related field and 6 years of demonstrated expertise in handling high complexity, high severity claims, including 1 year of management experience
• Or 8 years of demonstrated expertise in handling high complexity, high severity claims, including 1 year of management experience
• Travel required as needed
• Superior people and management skills to properly manage staff
• Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Knowledge of Claims, Underwriting, Loss Control and Actuarial functions
• Possesses verbal and written communication skills, including negotiation, presentation, and influence skills
• Possesses multi-tasking and prioritization skills
• Ability to understand Central Insurance’s policies and processes
• Technical and business management acumen; advanced claims investigation and resolution skills; advanced knowledge of insurance and claims handling principles, track record of effective litigation management
• Ability to understand Central Insurance’s policies and processes
• Ability to travel including occasional overnight

Preferred

• Achieved or working toward CRIS (e.g., Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist) designation
• Experience with complex coverage analysis and significant large loss evaluations required; specific experience with construction defect claims required; and specific experience with specialty claims (e.g., environmental, toxic tort, class actions, CGL Coverage B, EPLI)