Senior Construction Defect Claims Manager

About the role

This full-time Senior Construction Defect Claims Manager leads the assigned construction defect claims team and is accountable for effective claim handling, technical quality, reserve adequacy, litigation oversight, and timely, appropriate claim resolution. The role develops claims professionals, directs complex claim strategy within delegated authority, and partners with the Construction Defect Director of Casualty Claims to improve operational outcomes and manage loss and expense exposure.

Responsibilities

• Leads the assigned Construction Defect claims team and is accountable for claim-handling quality, reserve adequacy, timely resolution, and effective management of loss and expense exposure.
• Translates priorities established with the Construction Defect Director of Casualty Claims into team objectives, resource allocation, and operating practices.
• Builds the technical capability and independent judgment of assigned adjusters through coaching, development planning, and guidance on complex claims; identifies skill gaps and provides targeted learning opportunities to strengthen claim quality and team effectiveness.
• Identifies emerging claim exposures, inventory trends, and operational risks; evaluates their potential impact; and recommends action to the Director. Leads implementation of approved responses and monitors their effectiveness.
• Leads approved improvements to claim-handling procedures, workflows, escalation practices, and technical training. Uses claim trends and operational findings to establish improvement priorities, implement changes, and assess resulting outcomes.
• Establishes clear performance expectations aligned with business objectives and claims standards. Monitors individual and team results, conducts performance discussions, and holds direct reports accountable for claim quality, productivity, timely action, and professional development.
• Serves as a technical escalation point for complex and high-exposure construction defect claims. Directs investigation, coverage analysis, liability and damages evaluation, allocation, and resolution strategy within delegated authority, escalating material issues with clear analysis and recommendations.
• Analyzes claim inventory, litigation metrics, loss and expense development, and reserve adequacy to identify trends and guide management decisions. Provides the Director with timely reporting, actionable insights, and recommendations to address adverse development and improve claim outcomes.
• Reviews and authorizes reserves and settlements within established authority, ensuring decisions are supported by documented exposure analysis and resolution strategy. Escalates matters exceeding authority with timely recommendations and supporting rationale.
• Reviews all new losses and directs timely claim assignment, initial handling priorities, and reserve evaluation. Balances workloads based on claim complexity, exposure, and adjuster capacity, and identifies resource needs for discussion with the Director.
• Partners with the Director on staffing needs, candidate interviews, and hiring decisions. Administers company personnel policies consistently and aligns team responsibilities and development priorities with operational needs.
• Oversees the assigned team's response to claim file audits and participates in file reviews to identify technical and operational gaps. Establishes corrective action plans, monitors completion, and verifies that improvements are incorporated into ongoing claim-handling practices.
• Maintains management diaries and conducts risk-based claim reviews to ensure appropriate coverage decisions, reserving, documentation, communication, and timely action. Addresses handling deficiencies and escalated service issues to support consistent claim outcomes and adherence to applicable claims-handling requirements.
• Oversees litigation management for the assigned claims inventory, including evaluation of defense strategy, counsel performance, litigation budgets, and opportunities for appropriate resolution. Directs adjustments within delegated authority and company protocols and escalates significant litigation risks to the Director.
• Leads or contributes to assigned claims initiatives and cross-functional projects, establishing deliverables, coordinating stakeholders, and monitoring progress to support department priorities and successful implementation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred.
• Ten (10) years of general liability claims handling experience, including substantial experience with construction defect claims.
• Five (5) years of supervisory or claims management experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex claims, evaluating coverage and liability issues, overseeing litigation, and exercising sound judgment regarding reserves and settlements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead claims professionals, manage inventory, evaluate performance, and implement effective claims management practices.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: $25 per month for employee-only coverage; very low cost for family levels
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability and Term Life Insurance at no cost to the employee
• Long Term Disability and Voluntary Term Life Insurance
• Supplemental insurance plans: Accidental, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Legal Services, and Pet Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 100% match on the first 4% employee contributes; immediate vesting in employer match
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Dependent Care Reimbursement
• Health Savings Account funded by FrankCrum
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Education Benefit Program at the IRS maximum allowance
• PTO cash out
• Tickets at Work
• Alero Financial and its robust credit union benefits program
• Employee and client referral bonus programs
• Disaster Relief Fund for employees

About FrankCrum

FrankCrum is a family-owned business-to-business entity since 1981, comprising FrankCrum Corporate (a professional employer organization), FrankCrum Staffing, Frank Winston Crum Insurance Company, and the FrankCrum Insurance Agency — all based in Clearwater, Florida. This "family of employer solutions" employs approximately 500 people who serve over 4,000 clients throughout the United States. Employees are trained to deliver high value through exceptional customer service and treat clients and coworkers like family, guided by Brand Pillars of Integrity, Affinity, and Prosperity. The Tampa Bay Times has recognized FrankCrum as a Top Place to Work for more than 10 years in a row. The 14-acre headquarters includes a subsidized cafe with made-to-order breakfast, hot lunch options, and dinners to-go at affordable prices, plus monthly celebrations, contests, and yearly holiday parties. FrankCrum supports community efforts through Trinity Cafe, the Homeless Empowerment Program, and Clearwater Free Clinic.

Pay

Annualized pay range at time of posting: $105,000–$125,000. Actual compensation will be based on qualifications, knowledge, licensure, skills, abilities, work experience, education, budget, training, employment trends, internal wage considerations, market dynamics, certifications, geographical location, assessments, and other business and organizational needs.