Claim Director

Help shape the future of claims through effective leadership, team development, and operational excellence.

Hastings Insurance is seeking an experienced and collaborative Claim Director to provide leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight within our Claim Division.  This opportunity is well suited for an accomplished claims professional who brings strong leadership capabilities, sound technical judgment, and a passion for developing people and delivering exceptional claim outcomes.

As Claim Director, you'll report directly to the Chief Claim Officer and serve as a key member of the Claim leadership team, leading a department of claim professionals and leaders with responsibility for Property Claim operations, including Large Loss, Field, and Inside operations.  You'll provide strategic and operational leadership across these teams while helping shape broader initiatives that strengthen claim performance, customer service, and operational effectiveness.  The role will have a strong emphasis on leadership development, collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

We welcome candidates with diverse claims backgrounds, including Property, Casualty, Auto, and multiline claims experience.

What You'll Do:

• Lead and develop a department of claim managers, supervisors, and professionals across Large Loss, Field, and Inside Property operations, providing coaching, mentoring, training, performance management, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Build and maintain a high-performing department through effective talent development, succession planning, and a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide strategic and operational direction across Property Claim operations to ensure claims are handled accurately, efficiently, and equitably, in accordance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and established service standards.
• Oversee complex claim activities, including large losses, ensuring sound claim decisions, appropriate case reserving, and effective management of loss adjustment and legal expenses.
• Promote alignment and consistency across Large Loss, Field, and Inside operations, ensuring resources, expertise, and claim handling approaches are effectively coordinated across the department.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, strategies, and initiatives that align with the broader objectives of the Claim Division and Hastings Insurance.
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret key operational and financial performance indicators, including productivity, claim quality, loss expenses, and other departmental results. Identify trends, address performance gaps, and implement corrective actions as appropriate.
• Direct and evaluate the use of external vendors and loss expense management programs to ensure quality service, cost effectiveness, and favorable claim outcomes.
• Oversee salvage and subrogation activities to support timely recoveries and positive financial results.
• Ensure effective claim documentation, appropriate use of claim management systems, and adherence to established procedures and guidelines.
• Collaborate with Claim leadership and other business areas, including Underwriting, Loss Control, and Sales, to support organizational priorities and effective communication.
• Lead and participate in strategic and operational projects, identifying opportunities to improve processes, enhance customer service, increase efficiency, and strengthen overall claim performance.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion in complex claim matters, proactively resolving issues and providing guidance to claim professionals and leadership.

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of insurance education and professional experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible claims experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within a claim organization, with a successful track record of developing employees, managing performance, and maintaining an effective, accountable team.
• Strong knowledge of claims handling practices, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities, including the ability to evaluate operational and financial performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement effective solutions.
• Proven ability to lead organizational change, develop long-term claims strategies, and drive operational excellence while maintaining a customer-focused approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively influence, collaborate, and build relationships across all levels of an organization.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict management skills, with the ability to make sound, timely decisions in complex situations.
• Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage competing demands, adapt to changing business needs, and operate independently with minimal oversight.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to effectively utilize business systems and reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Multiline claims experience, including Property, Casualty, Workers' Compensation, or Auto/No-Fault.
• Experience overseeing complex or high-severity claims and associated financial considerations.
• Experience leading managers, supervisors, or geographically dispersed claim teams.
• Advanced degree and/or professional insurance designation.

Location & Schedule:

This is a full-time, salaried position working Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in a remote work arrangement. While preference is for candidates to be located in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or surrounding West Michigan areas, qualified candidates throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin will also be considered.

Regular travel throughout our operating territory is expected to provide leadership, coaching, and support to field-based supervisors and claim professionals. Periodic travel to our corporate headquarters in Hastings, Michigan, is also required for leadership meetings, collaboration, and other business activities. Occasional overnight travel may be required. A company vehicle is provided.

About Hastings Insurance:

For more than 135 years, Hastings Insurance has helped individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. As a trusted partner to independent agents and policyholders, we've earned a reputation for financial strength, exceptional service, and long-term stability, including an A (Excellent) financial strength rating from A.M. Best.

While we're proud of our history, we're equally focused on the future. We're investing in technology, strengthening partnerships with independent agents, and continuously evolving our products and services to meet the changing needs of our customers.

Just as importantly, we're investing in our people. Employees enjoy a collaborative, down-to-earth culture where initiative is valued, growth is encouraged, and good work is recognized. We offer competitive pay and benefits, including a 401(k) with company matching contributions, generous paid time off, tuition and professional development assistance, and company performance-based incentive compensation opportunities.

Our Organizational Commitment:

At Hastings Insurance, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We foster a workplace where employees are treated with respect, supported in their growth, and empowered to contribute. We know that diverse perspectives lead to stronger collaboration, better decisions, and better outcomes for our customers and communities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to any legally protected characteristic.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at 800-442-8277.