AVP, Claims

Berkley•Naperville, IL

About The Position

Berkley Surety is a professional, service-oriented surety underwriting management company that provides contract, environmental, and commercial surety bonds through multiple distribution channels in the United States and Canada. It writes on behalf of Berkley Insurance Company, a W. R. Berkley Corporation member company with an A.M. Best rating of A+ (Superior), and values strong relationships with its agency partners. The AVP, Claims achieves prompt, efficient resolution of claims to minimize exposure or loss and maximize recoveries. The role assesses surety coverage and positions, independently investigates claims, establishes reserves, and develops strategies to resolve claims and mitigate losses. It also protects salvage and subrogation opportunities, keeps management informed of claim status, supports the professional development of claims team members, and assists the Head of Claims with department administration and reporting. The role may also provide underwriting with technical claims expertise.

Requirements

Minimum four-year degree.
At least 15 years of experience in the surety, legal, or construction business.
At least nine years of progressively increasing responsibility handling surety or commercial construction claims and/or construction project completions.
Superior knowledge of complex contract and commercial surety claims, including non-routine claims, multiple parties with competing claims, and litigation in multiple jurisdictions.
Ability to think strategically and practically about factors such as jurisdictional environments and internal and external bond relationships when developing claims-resolution strategies.
Ability to take initiative, assume ownership, and independently manage low- to high-complexity surety or construction claims with minimal supervision.
Ability to effectively direct and supervise outside legal counsel and consultants.
Ability to supervise, coach, or mentor others to improve their professional and technical surety-claims knowledge and skills.
Advanced Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills, and ability to quickly master BSG in-house systems.
Maintain state, law, or professional adjuster licenses as directed and comply with continuing education requirements.
Expert negotiation skills.
Expert interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

Nice To Haves

JD, MBA, or CPCU.
For candidates with a JD, admission to practice law in at least one state is desirable.
Expert understanding of and familiarity with traditional litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes.

Responsibilities

Achieve prompt and efficient resolution of claims to minimize exposure or loss and maximize recoveries to the Company.
Review and understand surety bond coverage in light of bond terms and applicable law, and accurately assess the surety’s position regarding claims.
Independently investigate claims, including assessing the claimant’s and principal’s positions.
Set and maintain timely and accurate reserves in consultation with management.
Develop and execute effective claims-resolution strategies to mitigate surety losses.
Preserve, protect, and maximize the surety’s salvage and subrogation opportunities.
Provide management with timely, accurate, current, and ongoing claim-status analysis, information, and reports.
Support and develop claims team members through supervision, mentoring, and coaching.
Assist the Head of Claims with department administration and preparation of information, reports, and presentations for senior management.
Provide underwriting with technical claims expertise in assessing risks and exposures as requested.
Perform other duties as assigned.