Senior Claims Specialist

Berkley•Naperville, IL

20d•$115,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Berkley Program Specialists is seeking an experienced claims professional to join its Claims organization as a Senior Claims Specialist. The position may be based in Naperville, Illinois, or Lexington, Kentucky, and handles complex commercial general liability and auto liability claims in a collaborative, customer-focused environment. The role may also handle first-party crime and cyber claims. It is suited to an established senior claims professional or a high-performing claims adjuster ready for increased responsibility. The Senior Claims Specialist independently manages complex litigated and non-litigated claims from first notice through resolution, assessing liability, damages, coverage, reserves, and litigation exposure. The role develops claim-resolution strategies, negotiates settlements, analyzes policy terms and coverage issues, drafts coverage communications, reviews tenders, and directs defense counsel. It also involves collaboration with insureds, brokers, underwriters, attorneys, experts, and other business partners; mentoring less experienced claims professionals; and maintaining compliant, accurate claim files and reporting. The position is in-office four days per week. The company describes its compensation as a competitive plan and offers a base salary range of $115,000–$140,000. The role is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and a benefits package for full-time regular employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Minimum seven years of commercial claims handling experience, including general liability and/or auto liability claims.
Demonstrated career progression with increasing responsibility and claim complexity.
Experience handling litigated casualty claims.
Strong knowledge of insurance coverage, investigation techniques, liability analysis, and claim resolution strategies.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
Ability to independently manage a complex claim inventory.
Applicable adjuster license(s) covering the listed jurisdictions: CA, CT, DE, FL, KY, LA, NH, NM, NC, OK, RI, SC, TX, VT, WV, and WY; required licenses not currently held must be obtained within the first six months of employment.

Nice To Haves

AIC, SCLA, CRIS, or similar industry designation.
Experience handling first-party property claims.

Responsibilities

Independently manage a diverse portfolio of general liability and auto liability claims from first notice through resolution.
Evaluate liability, damages, coverage, and litigation exposure; develop resolution strategies; establish and maintain appropriate reserves; lead settlement negotiations; and drive claim outcomes.
Analyze policy terms, exclusions, and endorsements to identify potential coverage issues.
Draft coverage position letters, reservation of rights letters, and coverage determinations.
Analyze emerging legal and claim trends affecting books of business.
Review additional insured and contractual indemnification tenders to determine policy response.
Direct defense counsel on litigation and settlement strategy, monitor legal spend and case budgets, and work with attorneys and experts toward efficient claim resolution.
Build relationships with insureds, brokers, underwriters, and business partners, and serve as a technical resource within the claims organization.
Mentor and support less experienced claims professionals.
Communicate claim and coverage issues clearly and provide responsive, professional customer service.
Ensure claims activities comply with internal guidelines, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
Maintain accurate and timely claim documentation and reporting.
Participate in audits, peer reviews, claim reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.