Complex Claims Manager

Vela Insurance Services (A W. R. Berkley Company) • Atlanta, GA

305d

About The Position

Vela Insurance Services provides specialized Excess and Surplus Lines Casualty and Professional Liability insurance solutions in the following four market segments: Construction, Specialty Casualty, Velocity Small Business & Professional Liability. We offer national service and local knowledge to our exclusive wholesale broker network and the businesses they serve.

Requirements

• Four (4) year College Degree, JD preferred.
• Industry designations preferred (CRIS, AIC, SCLA, etc.).
• Twelve (12) or more years claims handling experience or equivalent experience.
• Seven (7) plus years of previous managerial experience.
• Prior leadership training.
• In-depth knowledge of the insurance industry, including legal and regulatory environments.
• Specific knowledge and expertise in multiple lines of business including, but not limited to, Construction Defect, General Liability and Products Liability (BI & PD) related claims.
• Ability to lead, challenge and develop claim professionals to help them achieve their maximum potential.
• Ability to manage remote/ virtual teams.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Applicable adjusters license(s) to include: CA, CT, DE, FL, KY, LA, NH, NM, NC, OK, RI, SC, TX, VT, WV, WY.

Responsibilities

• Manage, direct and supervise a complex claims team in multiple lines of business including General Liability, Products Liability, and Construction Defect.
• Promote and advance Best Practices claims handling to industry and company standards, procedures, and objectives.
• Be responsible and accountable for departmental reserving practices, results through reporting, data, metrics and other sources.
• Collaborate and guide projects and programs within and outside the department, as requested.
• Provide an expert level of technical oversight and direction to claim professionals at all levels with a data-driven approach to managing the team.
• Work to build team commitment and promote a positive climate and trust with the team, internal and external partners.
• Act as key decision maker in determining claim values and resolution strategies.
• Promote and deploy litigation strategies and early resolution approach on complex claims.
• Consult and direct complex coverage analyses in collaboration with team members and in-house coverage counsel.
• Provide guidance and support to claims professionals and retained counsel to analyze various reserving, coverage, defense, and litigation strategy issues that arise in complex multi-party claims.
• Participate in and drive pre-trial strategy and calls for your team and others to reach best outcomes.
• Provide guidance and support to claim professionals with direct negotiations, mediations and arbitrations.
• Maintain and keep a timely diary, complete all work on designated timelines on all claim files and activities for your group.
• Maintain required performance metrics, planning and strategizing to improve performance.
• Conduct and document claim file reviews on diary, reserve evaluations, manager file audits and performance appraisals of direct reports, and provide professional development guidance and opportunities.
• Participate in, conduct and advance compliance requirements, training and audits as requested or required.
• Work closely with claim professionals on claims within and over their authority levels.
• Assist claim professionals in preparing reports for and conducting discussions with various levels of management and service partners.
• Contribute to profitability by supervising adherence to Best Practices to achieve optimum financial results.
• Develop and maintain positive customer relationships and provide superior customer service.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners including underwriters, brokers, agents, counsel and others.
• Work cooperatively with other claim teams and departments within the company including making presentations on various topics and training opportunities.
• Act as mentor and assist professional development of direct reports and others.
• Identify procedural, technical, or personnel opportunities and/or issues.
• Utilize data to identify trends and target claims for appropriate and timely reserving and potential early resolution.
• Meet and maintain all State licensing requirements at all times.
• Adhere to all statutory regulations, Unfair Claims Practices acts, and corporate Best Practices.
• Perform other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Wellness, Paid Time Off, 401(k) and Profit-Sharing plans.
• The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.
• This role is eligible to participate in the annual discretionary bonus program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Insurance Carriers and Related Activities
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree