Manager, Claims - National Catastrophe - PL Field Property

Nationwide•Middletown Township, NJ

8h•$97,000 - $180,000

About The Position

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers and partners are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. Ideal candidates for this role will be located in the midwestern or eastern United States. Job Description Summary No two property claims are ever the same and each customer has unique needs. Our team thrives on providing the very best service and building lasting, successful relationships with our customers. If you are confident, curious, driven to learn and grow, and have a desire to help people when they most need it, we want to know more about you! As a National Catastrophe Team Manager, you'll primarily lead a claims unit that specializes in the settlement of severe and complex personal lines property damage claims Other responsibilities include handling customer satisfaction, expense control, supervising loss cost objectives and supporting cross-functional and cross claims specialty coordination. You also may lead local recruiting teams and partner with Human Resources and claims leadership to develop an annual workforce plan. Job Description Key Responsibilities: Leads a team that handles severe and complex personal lines property damage claims and limited commercial property claims with complicated time elements and business interruption loss claims. May be responsible for claims that are in litigation. Plans and implements all time schedules needed to promptly and effectively conclude all assigned files according to company guidelines. Authorizes and/or approves all claim payments within the highest levels of authority associated with the claim, which may include litigation expense. Prepares/reviews reservation of rights, non-waiver agreements and denials of coverage when appropriate. Opens, closes and adjusts reserves per Company practices designed to ensure reserve authority. Determines special reserves when necessary. Maintains current knowledge of all insurance lines; court decisions which may impact the claims function; current guidelines in the claims function; and policy changes and modifications. This may require attendance at various seminars or training sessions. Provides consulting and training to claims personnel on claims/litigation policies, practices and procedures. Assigns cases to outside vendors and counsel as necessary. Submits trial reports, contingent liability reports, reinsurance reports and other information to management as appropriate. Delivers a positive customer service experience to all internal, external, current and prospective Nationwide customers. Identifies, develops and retains high potential associates who have the potential for or are ready to fill critical roles in the organization. Responsible for the management of associates including performance management, salary planning and administration, training and development, workflow planning, hiring and placement, and disciplinary actions. May perform other responsibilities as assigned. Reporting Relationships: Reports to Claims Director.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.
State licensing where required.
Successful completion of required/applicable claims certification training/classes.
Eight years of claims handling experience.
General knowledge of insurance theory and practices, and contracts and their application.
Property estimating and automated claims systems.
Demonstrated knowledge of the investigation, consultation and settlement activities used to resolve extensive property damage claims.
Proven ability to meet customer needs and provide exemplary meaningful service by guiding customers through the claims process and ensuring a positive customer experience.
Analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to make decisions and resolve issues related to application of coverages to submitted claims, application of laws of jurisdiction to investigation facts, and application of policy exclusions and exceptions.
Ability to establish repair requirements and cost estimates for property losses.
Ability to evaluate and successfully advise on property claims.
Organizational skills to prioritize work.
Command of written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with policyholders, claimants, repairpersons, attorneys, agents and the general public.
Ability to efficiently operate a personal computer and related claims and business software.
Able to provide leadership to less experienced claims associates.
Must be able to safely access and inspect rooftops using a ladder.
Must be prepared and capable of conducting physical inspections on rooftops, including first and second story roofs with pitches up to 8/12.
Must have a valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record in accordance with Nationwide standards.

Nice To Haves

Three years of preferred handling experience with complex personal lines property damage claims.
Prior litigated claims handling preferred.

Responsibilities

Leads a team that handles severe and complex personal lines property damage claims and limited commercial property claims with complicated time elements and business interruption loss claims.
May be responsible for claims that are in litigation.
Plans and implements all time schedules needed to promptly and effectively conclude all assigned files according to company guidelines.
Authorizes and/or approves all claim payments within the highest levels of authority associated with the claim, which may include litigation expense.
Prepares/reviews reservation of rights, non-waiver agreements and denials of coverage when appropriate.
Opens, closes and adjusts reserves per Company practices designed to ensure reserve authority.
Determines special reserves when necessary.
Maintains current knowledge of all insurance lines; court decisions which may impact the claims function; current guidelines in the claims function; and policy changes and modifications.
Provides consulting and training to claims personnel on claims/litigation policies, practices and procedures.
Assigns cases to outside vendors and counsel as necessary.
Submits trial reports, contingent liability reports, reinsurance reports and other information to management as appropriate.
Delivers a positive customer service experience to all internal, external, current and prospective Nationwide customers.
Identifies, develops and retains high potential associates who have the potential for or are ready to fill critical roles in the organization.
Responsible for the management of associates including performance management, salary planning and administration, training and development, workflow planning, hiring and placement, and disciplinary actions.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

medical/dental/vision
life insurance
short and long term disability coverage
paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
nine paid holidays
8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
company-paid pension plan
business casual attire