AVP Surety Claims

About the Role

Reporting to the Surety Division President, this position will establish the Surety Claims department and provide oversight, management, and handling of all Surety Claims.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with established claim handling principles regarding coverage, investigation, liability, damages, evaluation, resolution, and recovery.
• Establish reserves pursuant to established reserving protocols and reserve authority procedures.
• Achieve established subrogation/recovery goals.
• Coach, develop, and motivate direct reports, including recruitment, selection, employee appraisals, and addressing grievance and performance issues in accordance with Company policies and HR practices.
• Act as claims contact for reinsurance placements.
• Adhere to the company’s Panel Counsel Program and Litigation Guidelines.
• Engage in rigorous ALAE control and management by selecting, instructing, and managing outside counsel, consultants, and third-party vendors.
• Provide claims underwriting support to underwriters as requested.
• Attend mediation, settlement conferences, and trials when required.
• Comply with Team and Individual Service Levels and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) metrics set by the Division President.
• Undertake general office administrative duties as required.
• Proactively expand and maintain awareness of market and industry trends.
• Perform other duties as reasonably required by the Company.

Requirements

• College degree required; J.D. preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the legal or surety profession, specifically in surety claims handling, litigation, and their management and reporting requirements, including recovery from indemnitors, obligees, and third parties.
• Comprehensive understanding of the surety industry, state and federal laws applicable to Surety claims, and all forms of bond language/coverage.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Excel; experience with electronic claim systems.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Skills

• Strong negotiation and persuasive abilities.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to simplify, analyze, and explain complex issues.
• Process improvement mindset.
• Ability to work at both overview and detailed levels.
• Strong time management, project management, and deadline-driven.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) plan with 100% company match on a 6% contribution.
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).
• Wellness program.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.