Claim Director

Hastings Insurance•Hastings, MI

7d•Remote

About The Position

Hastings Insurance is seeking an experienced, collaborative Claim Director to provide leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight within its Claim Division. Reporting directly to the Chief Claim Officer, the Claim Director is a key member of the Claim leadership team and leads a department of claim professionals and leaders responsible for Property Claim operations, including Large Loss, Field, and Inside operations. The position provides strategic and operational leadership across these teams and supports broader initiatives to strengthen claim performance, customer service, and operational effectiveness. The role emphasizes leadership development, collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement. Candidates from diverse claims backgrounds, including Property, Casualty, Auto, and multiline claims, are welcome. This is a full-time, salaried, remote position with a Monday through Friday schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Preference is for candidates in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or surrounding West Michigan areas, though qualified candidates in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin will also be considered. Regular travel throughout the operating territory is expected, along with periodic travel to the corporate headquarters in Hastings, Michigan. Occasional overnight travel may be required, and a company vehicle is provided.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of insurance education and professional experience.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible claims experience.
Demonstrated leadership experience in a claim organization, including developing employees, managing performance, and maintaining an effective, accountable team.
Strong knowledge of claims handling practices, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Analytical capability to evaluate operational and financial performance, identify improvement opportunities, and implement solutions.
Ability to lead organizational change, develop long-term claims strategies, and drive operational excellence while maintaining a customer-focused approach.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to influence, collaborate, and build relationships across organizational levels.
Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict management skills, with the ability to make sound, timely decisions in complex situations.
Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills; ability to manage competing demands, adapt to changing business needs, and work independently with minimal oversight.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and ability to use business systems and reporting tools effectively.
Ability to travel regularly throughout the operating territory and periodically to the corporate headquarters; occasional overnight travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

Multiline claims experience, including Property, Casualty, Workers' Compensation, or Auto/No-Fault.
Experience overseeing complex or high-severity claims and related financial considerations.
Experience leading managers, supervisors, or geographically dispersed claim teams.
Advanced degree and/or professional insurance designation.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, mentor, train, and manage the performance and professional development of claim managers, supervisors, and professionals across Large Loss, Field, and Inside Property operations.
Build and maintain a high-performing department through talent development, succession planning, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Provide strategic and operational direction for Property Claim operations to ensure claims are handled accurately, efficiently, and equitably in accordance with company policies, regulations, and service standards.
Oversee complex claims and large losses, including claim decisions, case reserving, and management of loss adjustment and legal expenses.
Promote coordination and consistency across Large Loss, Field, and Inside operations, including effective alignment of resources, expertise, and claim handling approaches.
Develop and implement departmental goals, strategies, and initiatives aligned with Claim Division and company objectives.
Monitor and analyze operational and financial performance indicators, including productivity, claim quality, and loss expenses; identify trends and performance gaps and implement corrective actions.
Direct and evaluate external vendors and loss expense management programs to ensure quality, cost effectiveness, and favorable claim outcomes.
Oversee salvage and subrogation activities to support timely recoveries and positive financial results.
Ensure effective claim documentation, appropriate use of claim management systems, and compliance with established procedures and guidelines.
Collaborate with Claim leadership and other business areas, including Underwriting, Loss Control, and Sales, to support organizational priorities and communication.
Lead and participate in strategic and operational projects to improve processes, customer service, efficiency, and claim performance.
Exercise sound judgment and discretion in complex claim matters, resolve issues proactively, and provide guidance to claim professionals and leaders.