Claims Manager - Workers' Compensation

Columbia Insurance • Columbia, MO

4d

About The Position

Join our team as a Workers' Compensation Manager. In this position you will be responsible for the oversight, leadership, and strategic direction of the Workers’ Compensation claims function.

At Columbia Insurance, we believe our people are the heart of our success and our greatest strength. With robust benefits, a fun, family-like atmosphere, and a culture that thrives on real connections, Columbia truly is the place to be. Our vision is to lead the industry in people-first partnerships. The best way to achieve that is by bringing together a team of skilled, passionate, and talented individuals.

This role is responsible for managing a small team of Workers' Compensation adjusters and plays a key role in driving operational excellence, technical claim quality, and continuous improvement. This role will be accountable for claim outcomes, financial results, operational effectiveness, and service quality. This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for an innovative claims professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong people leadership, a data-driven mindset, and the ability to collaborate across the organization and with independent agents. In addition to day-to-day leadership, the Workers’ Compensation Manger will also be tasked with monitoring industry trends and identifying opportunities to implement innovative technologies and processes that improve efficiency and results. This position also serves as the primary point of contact for workers’ compensation claims-related reinsurance reporting and coordination.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience handling workers’ compensation claims, with a background in complex and catastrophic claims.
• 5+ years of prior leadership or supervisory experience managing claims professionals.
• Strong technical knowledge of workers’ compensation laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, improve processes, and drive results.
• Analytical mindset with experience using data to guide decisions and measure performance.
• Operational experience with vendors providing services such as medical bill review, pharmacy benefit management, and catastrophic care management.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven leadership experience managing supervisors and/or senior claims professionals.
• Strong understanding of workers’ compensation claims operations, case reserves, and financial impacts.
• Demonstrate experience or ability to deal with significant/complex coverage matters.
• Deep knowledge of workers’ compensation claims, especially resolution techniques.
• Proven ability to manage high severity claims and exercise independent judgment with limited supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Experience working with outside counsel, medical experts, and insureds.
• Has sound critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Outstanding customer service, attention to detail, and multi-tasking skills.
• Strong computer skills, including a strong knowledge of Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Must have a valid adjuster license in designated home state (or willing to obtain one within 60 days after hire) with the ability to obtain additional non-residential adjuster licenses.
• Ability to travel, as necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Experience handling or managing workers’ compensation claims in the states within the Columbia Insurance footprint.
• Professional designations such as CPCU, AIC, SCLA, or similar.
• Experience implementing process improvement initiatives and/or new claims technology.
• Familiarity with reinsurance structures and reporting requirements.
• Experience working in Guidewire Claim Center.
• Knowledge or experience with NCCI and state reporting a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Workers’ Compensation adjusters to ensure high-quality claim outcomes and professional growth.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant handling of Workers’ Compensation claims in accordance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor claim quality, reserving practices, litigation management, and overall loss outcomes.
• Support best practices in return-to-work, medical management, and expense control.
• Actively participate in and support claims system implementation and transformation initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, efficiency, and consistency across the WC claims process.
• Partner with claims leadership and other departments to design and implement scalable solutions.
• Utilize data and analytics to monitor performance, identify trends, and support informed decision-making.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to claim outcomes, efficiency, and service levels.
• Translate data insights into actionable improvements.
• Work closely with underwriting, loss control, finance, and other internal stakeholders to support profitable growth.
• Collaborate with independent agents to ensure effective communication, responsiveness, and service delivery.
• Represent the claims organization in internal discussions related to Workers’ Compensation strategy and growth.
• Provide technical guidance and support on complex or high-exposure claims.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to workers’ compensation adjusters.
• Set clear performance expectations and ensure consistent, high-quality claims handling practices.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and service-focused claims culture aligned with the company’s values.
• Monitor and manage workers’ compensation claim severity, frequency, cycle times, and overall financial performance.
• Analyze claim outcomes and implement strategies to improve results and policyholder experience.
• Recommend settlement authority and set reserves within authority and escalate issues appropriately to claims leadership.
• Identify potential high severity losses and report them in a timely manner to management.
• Participate in claim roundtables and provide mentorship or guidance to less experienced adjusters as needed.
• Contribute to internal audits and complete file reviews.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for workers’ compensation claims within the organization.
• Partner with leadership and internal teams to implement solutions that drive efficiency, accuracy, and improved results.
• Lead or support initiatives focused on automation, data utilization, and workflow optimization.
• Oversee workers’ compensation claims reporting to reinsurers, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with treaty requirements.
• Support audits, reviews, and data requests related to reinsurance.
• Enforce company policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401(k) and company match
• Generous paid time off (PTO), paid company holidays, paid maternity/paternity leave, and supplemental sick leave
• Family-like culture
• Year-round wellness initiatives
• Company sponsored events
• Opportunities for professional development with conferences, events, and continued education

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level