Technical Director, Claims - Commercial, Excess Surplus, and Specialty
About The Position
The Technical Director directs claims coverage and strategy by line of business or risk for Commercial, Excess Surplus (E&S), and Specialty. This individual provides technical oversight and consultative guidance on claim matters to support high-quality claim outcomes, offers operational technical support, and develops coverage training plans and strategies for the Claims Division. The role also identifies and communicates industry trends and provides risk recommendations to Claims and Underwriting. The position focuses on technical excellence across complex claims, including specialized, large-loss, long-tail exposure, and coverage litigation. It works closely with Claims Directors, Claims teams, internal business partners, and coverage counsel to promote consistent and accurate coverage decisions, improve processes, and develop strategic responses to litigation. The role may have up to three direct reports and may support other personnel, project staff, or temporary associates as needed. The role is based in an office environment and may be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states. Some travel, including possible overnight travel, may be required, and the position requires willingness to work irregular hours. This is an exempt role and is not eligible for overtime. A valid credit and/or background check is required as part of the selection process.
Requirements
- Typically, ten years of prior insurance coverage-related experience, with a focus on claims management and technical expertise preferred.
- Strong knowledge of coverage in Commercial, E&S, and Specialty lines, with proven experience analyzing and handling complex coverage issues.
- Proven experience handling and/or managing high-severity, complex claims and litigation.
- Specific experience in a particular line of business may be required by the hiring business unit.
- State licensing where required.
- Successful completion of required and/or applicable claims certification training and/or classes.
- Excellent customer focus and ability to proactively identify and understand customer needs.
- Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups, including strong interpersonal, listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Decision-making skills and ability to establish priorities and set strategic directions.
- Ability to organize work, handle varied situations, discern problems, and recommend or implement resolutions.
- Ability to communicate effectively in customer contact, negotiation, presentations, project management, and personnel management.
- Regularly and consistently demonstrate Nationwide Values.
- Willingness to work irregular hours and travel, including possible overnight travel.
Nice To Haves
- Undergraduate degree or post-graduate studies preferred.
- Legal degree desired.
- Ability to utilize a PC and applicable software preferred.
- Leadership skills, competencies, and experiences may take precedence over other criteria.
Responsibilities
- Drive claims technical excellence for Commercial, E&S, and Specialty, including specialized, large-loss, long-tail exposure, and coverage litigation matters.
- Serve as a technical resource to claims operations.
- Partner with Claims Directors to assess and develop implementation plans for corporate, organizational, and regional initiatives; help establish measurable long-range goals and objectives.
- Maintain technical knowledge of industry changes and trends.
- Provide technical oversight and strategic guidance on claim matters to support consistent, accurate coverage positions and quality claim handling.
- Collaborate with Claims and participate in round tables; approve coverage letters.
- Provide technical coverage guidance to internal business partners and claims impact information to product development.
- Identify, evaluate, and communicate industry trends and provide risk recommendations to Claims and Underwriting.
- Collaborate on the design and facilitation of technical coverage training addressing identified needs.
- Develop strategic responses to court cases against Nationwide and its policyholders.
- Consult with Claims on selecting coverage counsel and follow up with counsel regarding assignment scope and strategy.
- Analyze claims results and recommend process, workflow, or other improvements to Claims Directors.
- Deliver positive customer service to internal and external customers; resolve complaints according to best practices and monitor customer satisfaction to inform claims strategies and improvement plans.
- Identify and mentor high-performing associates with potential to fill critical organizational roles.
- Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Paid time off: newly hired associates receive a minimum of 18 days per full calendar year, prorated quarterly based on hire date
- Nine paid holidays
- Eight hours of Lifetime paid time off
- Eight hours of Unity Day paid time off
- 401(k) with company match
- Company-paid pension plan
- Business casual attire
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
