Senior Claims Consultant, General Liability - Lakeland

Publix Super Markets•Lakeland, FL

About The Position

As a Senior Claims Consultant – General Liability, you will play a critical role in protecting Publix by managing the company’s most complex and highest‑exposure general liability and fleet claims. This role focuses on moderate to high‑value litigated and non‑litigated claims, requiring advanced judgment, litigation strategy, and negotiation skills. You will act as Publix’s strategic lead on assigned claims—directing defense counsel, evaluating exposure, setting reserves, and negotiating settlements—while serving as a trusted advisor to Risk Management leadership. This position is ideal for an experienced claims professional who enjoys autonomy, high‑level analysis, and making decisions that have meaningful financial and operational impact.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or a high school diploma with seven (7) years of claims experience
Five (5) years of liability claims handling experience, including at least three (3) years handling litigated claims
Ability to obtain a Florida All Lines Adjuster License upon hire and reciprocal licenses in all states Publix operates
Strong working knowledge of: General liability and auto negligence principles Civil procedure and litigation management practices Evidentiary standards for damages Risk transfer, indemnity, and notice obligations Medical terminology and injury evaluation
Demonstrated ability to independently analyze complex information and exercise sound judgment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Ability to manage highly confidential and sensitive information
Valid driver’s license
Willingness to: Travel, including overnight Work weekends, holidays, or extended hours as business needs require

Nice To Haves

Seven (7) or more years of liability claims experience, including four (4) years handling litigated claims
Active Florida All Lines Adjuster License
Professional designations such as CCLA, SCLA, CPCU, or ARM
Paralegal Certification
Knowledge of Publix policies, procedures, and corporate structure
Fluency in a second language, preferably Spanish

Responsibilities

Own moderate to high‑value litigated and complex non‑litigated general liability and fleet claims (generally $150,000 to reserves over $250,000).
Conduct thorough investigation and liability/damages analysis to set strategy and exposure.
Set, adjust, and document indemnity and expense reserves throughout the claim lifecycle.
Direct outside defense counsel and manage litigation plans, budgets, evaluations, and strategic recommendations.
Carefully review each claim to identify who is legally responsible and estimate the amount of financial loss, then develop a plan for handling the claim and determine its potential impact on the organization.
Represent Publix at mediations and trials, maintain settlement authority, and provide timely leadership updates.
Conduct thorough Best-Investigation-Evidence (BIE) work by collecting and documenting evidence, statements, photos, and records to analyze liability and damages—ensuring claim decisions are based on the most accurate information.
Execute risk transfer by applying indemnity/insurance provisions, issuing tenders, confirming additional insured status, and pursuing subrogation opportunities.
Partner with Legal, Real Estate, Loss Prevention, and Operations to support fact gathering, strategy alignment, and timely resolution.
Serve as a subject‑matter resource and support training, roundtables, and mentoring for Specialists and Consultants.