Litigation and Claims Administrator

PetSmart • Phoenix, AZ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is responsible for managing and driving the resolution of PetSmart’s general liability and litigation claims, including oversight of third party administrators and outside counsel. The position plays a key role in evaluating claim exposure, setting strategy, and facilitating timely, cost effective outcomes. In addition, this role partners closely with Legal and business stakeholders to improve claims processes, identify trends, and strengthen overall risk management effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 5 years experience as an insurance claims adjuster, third party claims administrator, or litigation support specialist with strong experience handling litigated general liability claims
• Experience evaluating reserves and facilitating case resolution
• Advanced understanding of legal processes
• Ability to develop and deliver training to business clients
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal documents, case law, financial reports, and regulations
• Ability to draft reports, business correspondence, and procedural documentation
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presenting to business partners
• Strong project management skills with ability to support execution strategies in a retail environment
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of management and external legal professionals
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to quickly learn TPA systems, insurer platforms, and risk management information systems

Nice To Haves

• Claims management or paralegal certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor performance of the Third Party Claims Administrator (TPA) and provide regular updates to Risk Management and in house Counsel
• Provide daily direction to TPA to initiate and resolve liability cases
• Direct and assist TPA in information gathering and investigations
• Perform assessments of TPA case handling and workloads
• Lead general liability review meetings between PetSmart, Risk Management, and TPA in consultation with in house Counsel
• Ensure stores and associates follow proper claims procedures
• Oversee Incident Investigation Kits process, ensuring timely receipt, scanning, and compliance; educate stores on requirements
• Identify opportunities to enhance client service instructions and update guidelines to reflect best practices and evolving business needs
• Perform early case assessments and damages analysis
• Determine claim value, exposure, and settlement opportunities
• Set and adjust reserves; ensure timely updates and communicate changes with supporting rationale
• Investigate and prepare damage estimates on property damage claims
• Participate in depositions with witnesses, third parties, and physicians
• Determine subrogation potential and direct handling of subrogated claims
• Conduct research and analysis on complex legal issues
• Analyze litigation trends and key developments
• Analyze incident trends and identify hazards; provide insights to improve risk awareness and prevention strategies
• Manage and direct resolution strategy for self insured general liability and litigation matters
• Partner with in house and outside counsel to set strategy and direction for litigated claims
• Facilitate early settlement and resolution of claims
• Represent PetSmart at mediations as directed, including presenting settlement authority
• Negotiate resolutions with internal departments, third parties, and governmental entities under attorney direction
• Coordinate discovery processes, including: Identification of document custodians, Document collection and retention, Drafting and responding to discovery, Draft and distribute legal holds
• Oversee preparation of witness and expert testimony
• Manage general liability outside counsel network
• Monitor and review performance of outside counsel
• Support vendor management, including outside counsel relationships and onboarding processes
• Travel up to 25% for mediations, settlement conferences, trials, and one annual conference
• Support special projects as needed
• Provide regular reporting on litigated matters, portfolio performance, and emerging trends
• Prepare and present reports summarizing litigation results and business impact
• Align claims handling and litigation strategy with business objectives and financial goals
• Communicate reserve changes and financial exposure to key stakeholders
• Lead cross functional coordination on claims and litigation matters

Benefits

• Paid Volunteer Opportunities

What This Job Offers

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