AVP, Claims

Berkley•West Hartford, CT

About The Position

The Assistant Vice President, Claims leads, manages, and oversees the operational performance of the Claims Department. Reporting to the Vice President, Claims, the AVP is responsible for claim operations, staff development, quality assurance, compliance, vendor management, and claim outcomes, supporting efficient, consistent, customer-focused claim handling. The role partners with the VP, Claims to execute departmental strategy, drive operational excellence, manage loss costs, and advance organizational objectives. It is a key leadership position that fosters accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive claims experience.
5+ years of claims leadership experience managing leaders and/or large claims teams.
Strong knowledge of claim operations, coverage analysis, litigation management, reserving, regulatory compliance, and claims best practices.
Proven ability to lead teams, improve operational performance, and drive employee engagement.
Strong analytical, communication, and relationship management skills.
Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes and collaborate effectively across the organization.
Bachelor's degree required.

Nice To Haves

CPCU, AIC, SCLA, or other relevant professional designation.
Bachelor's degree in an insurance- or business-related field.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day Claims Department operations to ensure timely, accurate, and customer-focused claim handling.
Manage and develop claims leaders and staff, including performance management, workforce planning, succession planning, and employee development.
Execute the strategic direction established by the VP, Claims and recommend ways to improve departmental performance and effectiveness.
Monitor claim handling quality, reserving practices, litigation management, and settlement authority to support sound claim outcomes.
Analyze operational metrics, trends, and claim results to identify improvement opportunities and recommend corrective actions.
Partner with the VP, Claims on departmental planning, budgeting, staffing, and operational initiatives.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies, claim handling standards, and reporting obligations.
Oversee claim audits, quality reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Manage relationships with defense counsel, TPAs, independent adjusters, medical management vendors, and other external partners.
Collaborate with underwriting, actuarial, finance, legal, compliance, and other stakeholders to support organizational goals and customer service objectives.
Provide leadership and guidance on complex, high-exposure, and litigated claims.
Represent the Claims Department in cross-functional projects and organizational initiatives.
Foster accountability, engagement, collaboration, service excellence, and continuous learning.
Perform other functions as assigned.