Claim Director

Hastings Insurance Company•Hastings, MI

8d•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. The role leads Property Claim operations, including Large Loss, Field, and Inside operations, and serves as a member of the Claim leadership team. The director reports directly to the Chief Claim Officer and is responsible for developing claim professionals and leaders while strengthening claim performance, customer service, and operational effectiveness. The position emphasizes leadership development, collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement. Candidates with diverse claims backgrounds, including Property, Casualty, Auto, and multiline claims experience, are welcome. The role is full-time and salaried, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in a remote work arrangement. Preference is for candidates in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or surrounding West Michigan areas, but qualified candidates in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin will also be considered. Regular travel throughout the operating territory and periodic travel to corporate headquarters in Hastings, Michigan, are expected; occasional overnight travel may be required. 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.
Leadership experience within a claim organization, including a successful track record of developing employees, managing performance, and maintaining an effective, accountable team.
Strong knowledge of claims handling practices, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Analytical ability to evaluate operational and financial performance, identify improvement opportunities, and implement effective 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, with the 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead and develop claim managers, supervisors, and professionals across Large Loss, Field, and Inside Property operations through coaching, mentoring, training, performance management, and growth opportunities.
Build and maintain a high-performing department through talent development, succession planning, and a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Provide strategic and operational direction across Property Claim operations, ensuring claims are handled accurately, efficiently, and equitably in accordance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and service standards.
Oversee complex claim activities, including large losses, ensuring sound claim decisions, appropriate case reserving, and effective management of loss adjustment and legal expenses.
Promote alignment and consistency across Large Loss, Field, and Inside operations, coordinating resources, expertise, and claim handling approaches.
Develop and implement departmental goals, strategies, and initiatives aligned with the objectives of the Claim Division and Hastings Insurance.
Monitor, analyze, and interpret 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 service, 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 adherence to 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 leadership.