Claims Director

Company Details:

Rated Best Places to Work 2024 by Business Insurance, Continental Western Group is a regional property casualty insurance company offering commercial products and services through independent agents in the Midwest. CWG provides unique value through the service provided by our experienced group of employees and independent agents. Since 1886 - Strong, Local and Trusted.

As a Berkley company, we enjoy operational flexibility that allows us to deliver quality coverage solutions.  W. R. Berkley Corporation, and all member insurance companies, are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, and carry Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating of A+ (Strong).

#LI-AV1 #LI-Remote

This role can be based in one of our three offices which offer a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in the office; and 1 day remote where it makes sense to do so. 

• Urbandale, IA
• Lincoln, NE
• Luverne, MN

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. 

As our Property Claims Director, you will provide strategic direction, oversight, operational direction and overall management of all commercial property claims handling at CWG.  You'll assist with training and education of staff.  We'll trust you to implement and monitor severity, complexity, and quality assurance standards and procedures.  You'll also proactively participate with the senior claims management team in developing and executing strategic plans to meet business objectives.  

What you can expect:

• Culture of innovation, teamwork, supportive colleagues and leaders willing to invest in talent
• Internal mobility opportunities 
• Visibility to senior leaders and partnership with cross functional teams
• Opportunity to impact change
• Benefits – competitive compensation, paid time off, comprehensive wellness benefits and programs, employer funded health savings account, profit sharing, 401k, paid parental leave, employee stock purchase plan, tuition assistance and professional continuing education

We'll count on you to:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the claim unit.  Develop, plan and implement strategic and tactical claims operational improvements with the objective of delivering superior claims results to policyholders and the company.
• Develop and implement effective claims management policies, procedures and organizational structure for the claim unit. Collaborates with senior claims management to develop and implement tactical plans to optimize workflows and maximize results across the organization.
• Monitor and analyze organizational performance. Develop and analyze key performance metrics.
• Implement, monitor, and maintain quality assurance in claims via the audit process. Leverage management information to enhance team performance and identify trends. Drives for performance at all levels within the team, holding each member of the team accountable for meeting stated performance metrics and objectives.  Implement, monitor, and maintains effective and efficient cost containment programs.
• Monitor high severity, complex and/or litigated claims and makes reserve and settlement decisions for cases exceeding staff authority levels.
• Drive change to assure continuous improvement.  Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to identify and implement strategies to improve results and contribute to the business segment goals of optimized profitability, managed growth and enhanced competitive advantage. 
• Attract, coach and develop talent within the claim unit. Provides frequent and specific constructive feedback to staff.  Provide technical advice, direction and mentoring to Claims staff.  Facilitate the development and use of individual development plans to assure ongoing professional development occurs within the organization.
• Ensure the team’s claims handling practices are following all state statutes and regulatory/legal requirements.
• Develop, implement, and deliver strategic training for Claims staff. 
• Lead or participate in claims projects at the company level and with other W. R. Berkley Corporation companies.  
• Promote importance of outstanding customer service to internal and external customers. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.
• Directly manage a staff of claims supervisors/managers, advisors and/or specialists. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training/developing employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

What you need to have:

• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in property claims; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Commercial Property policy expertise
• Previous team leadership experience required, with an ability and passion for talent development
• Ability to travel and work outside normal work schedule to fulfill responsibilities; position may involve managing a geographically diverse team and require travel to regional offices
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook
• Adjusts rapidly to changing situations to respond to a changing business environment or priorities

What makes you stand out:

• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem analysis, and problem resolution skills at both a strategic and functional level
• Demonstrated decision-making skills, including the ability to recognize, analyze and improve claims performance situations such as loss control, LAE, customer satisfaction, employee development and engagement.
• Effective listening, verbal, and written communication skills with ability to communicate across all levels of the enterprise
• ability to lead people and influence others to achieve results
• Strong customer orientation
• Effective organizational, multi-tasking and prioritizing skills
• Regularly and consistently demonstrates commitment to company values and guiding principles
• Commercial Agricultural property claim experience