First Party Claims Manager

Location:

• Schaumberg, IL  Hybrid Role: In-office two days of your choice. Work remotely three days a week.

Job Description

We are in search of an experienced insurance professional responsible for investigating, evaluating, and settling complex cargo damage claims by examining policies, gathering evidence, analyzing loss details, negotiating settlements with involved parties, and ensuring compliance with company guidelines, often handling high-value or intricate claims with a focus on minimizing losses; requiring strong knowledge of cargo insurance policies, shipping regulations, and claims handling procedures.

The Complex Claim Manager will ensure all claims are handled in a timely basis. Performs administrative functions related to the handling of those claims, and will follow the Claims Departments Policies, Procedures, Rules and Regulations. Act as senior investigator, managing litigation strategies, communicating with stakeholders, and providing technical expertise on complex cases.

This role reports to the SVP Claims.  

Responsibilities

• Follow the day-to-day operations of the claims department and ensure that claims are processed within client and company guidelines
• Claim Investigation - Thoroughly reviewing claim documents, including bills of lading, shipping manifests, inspection reports, and policy details to determine coverage and potential liability. Interviewing relevant parties like shippers, consignees, carriers, and witnesses to gather information regarding the incident. Analyzing loss reports and damage appraisals to verify claim validity.
• Loss Evaluation - Determining the cause of loss and assigning responsibility based on policy terms and industry standards. Calculating the total claim amount considering repair costs, replacement value, and potential salvage value. Identifying potential subrogation opportunities to recover losses from liable third parties. 
• Claim Resolution - Negotiating settlement amounts with claimants, brokers, and legal counsel to reach a fair and timely resolution. Authorizing claim payments within established limits and company guidelines. Preparing detailed claim reports and documentation to support settlement decisions. 
• Complex Claim Management - Leading the handling of large or complex cargo claims involving multiple parties, legal disputes, or significant financial exposure. Collaborating with internal and external experts, including surveyors, appraisers, and legal counsel, to resolve intricate claim issues. 
• Customer Service - Providing timely updates and clear communication to all parties involved throughout the claims process. Managing customer expectations and addressing concerns regarding claim handling. 
• Collaborate with the co-workers as well as leadership from cross functional departments to ensure efficiency and proper prioritization of the claims process
• Updates records, files and computer databases as needed; ensuring all information is current and up to date per company guidelines.
• Provide assistance to departmental management for projects as needed
• Assists in special project needs as they relate to claims services.
• Interact professionally with clients, team members and other departments
• Collaborate with and openly share knowledge with colleagues
• Serves as point of contact and liaison within the Claims teams supporting both binder and other market claims/customers
• Works with Compliance to prepare and respond to Department of Insurance Complaints, BBB complaints, as well as taking calls from customers with questions and/or complaints when applicable.
• Handle all payments, claim closing and reserve in accordance to the company policy and procedures, ensuring all are current and correct.
• Have ability to change priorities depending on the inventory load, handling claims
• Evaluates and maintains all documents/information received, and ensures all information is submitted to the appropriate insurer if applicable in an expedient manner. 

Requirements

• 5-10+ years of experience in cargo insurance claims handling, preferably with a focus on complex marine claims
• Strong understanding of:
  • Insurance policy language
  • Shipping regulations
  • Industry practices
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to assess complex claims and determine liability
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills to interact with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and manage a large caseload effectively
• Strong attention to detail, written communication and organizational skills
• Specialized industry knowledge, including complex shippers' interest claims
• Experience with claims adjudication, systems, and reporting
• Solid writing skills to create accurate claim data
• Specialized industry knowledge, including complex shippers' interest claims
• Experience with claims adjudication, systems, and reporting

Authority Levels, Education, Certificates, Licenses and Designations

• Required: All applicable State licenses and designations

People Leadership

• This role will have people leadership responsibilities at this time

We pride ourselves on having a diverse workforce. We value and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals and the different perspectives they provide. We offer equal opportunity employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, marital status, or protected veteran status.