Fire & Theft Team Leader

GAINSCO•Richardson, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

GAINSCO is seeking a Fire & Theft Team Leader to lead a specialized claims team responsible for investigating complex fire and theft losses, validating policy coverage, and identifying potential fraud. This role leads a team of Fire & Theft Claims Representatives within the Special Investigations Unit and is accountable for claim quality, inventory management, investigation cycle times, regulatory compliance, and customer service. The Team Leader will coach and develop team members, oversee complex investigations, strengthen fraud detection practices, and collaborate with internal and external investigative partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred
An active Texas or Florida Adjuster License will be required to comply with state and GAINSCO requirements. Upon hire, additional license(s) may be required. If that is the case, license(s) must be obtained. All licenses must be maintained in accordance with state requirements.
Minimum of 4 years of experience handling complex property and casualty or auto insurance claims.
Experience investigating and evaluating complex coverage issues, high-value losses, or potentially fraudulent claims is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of state laws and regulations governing the automobile insurance industry.
Prior supervisory or formal team leadership experience is required.
Prior fire and theft, fraud investigation, or Special Investigations Unit experience is a plus.
Insurance industry experience is required.
Non-standard auto insurance experience is a plus.
Strong technical understanding of insurance policy coverage, claim investigation, reserving, documentation, and regulatory requirements.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Effective coaching, mentoring, and performance management skills.
Strong negotiation, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to monitor performance, manage competing priorities, and maintain appropriate inventory and cycle-time standards.
Ability to exercise objective judgment and make sound coverage and claim decisions.
Ability to influence others, collaborate across functions, and build consensus on key decisions.
Ability to adapt to changing business, regulatory, and investigative needs.
Customer-focused approach with the ability to deliver empathetic, transparent, and timely service during significant losses.
Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; employer will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work authorization (e.g. H-1B visa) for this opportunity

Nice To Haves

Experience investigating and evaluating complex coverage issues, high-value losses, or potentially fraudulent claims
Prior fire and theft, fraud investigation, or Special Investigations Unit experience
Non-standard auto insurance experience

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a team of 3 to 6 Fire & Theft Claims Representatives, strengthening their investigative, coverage analysis, negotiation, and claim management skills.
Oversee complex fire, arson, and vehicle theft claims, ensuring timely investigations, accurate coverage decisions, appropriate reserves, and thorough file documentation.
Conduct monthly quality assurance reviews, monitor inventory and cycle times, and hold the team accountable for consistent, compliant claim handling.
Implement fraud detection practices and collaborate with SIU partners, law enforcement task forces, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, legal counsel, and investigative experts.
Manage third-party vendors, pursue recovery opportunities, and coordinate title transfers to minimize storage costs and maximize salvage recovery.
Lead staffing, recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and team engagement while supporting company initiatives and special projects.