Regional Claims Manager jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA

UFG is currently seeking a Surety Claims Manager this individual will lead our Surety Claims team and will work closely with our VP of Surety through all claims processes. This position will oversee the administration of all Surety claim handling within the department. The individual in this role will be the subject matter expert in the handling of diverse surety claims, manage a few highly complex claims through settlement and resolution, and is responsible for ensure that claims staff is handling claims in the most efficient and effective manner to deliver on UFG’s claims best practices and commitment to the customer. This position requires close interaction with Surety underwriters, marketing and product development staff and UFG’s Actuarial team to leverage data insights.

Responsibilities:  

• Partner with VP of Surety to develop annual business plan, goals, and budgets for respective employees.
• Lead review process of claim files, fee billings, budget, expenses, discuss files with claim representatives and outside counsel.
• Analyze, review and investigate surety bond claims.
•  Lead and develop claims staff, ensuring career development opportunities and continuous improvement in processes and best practices.
• Answer questions regarding bond forms, contracts, defenses and filing deadlines as well as construction industry custom and practice.
• Discuss negotiation strategy, litigation strategy and surety’s position relative to our principal and obligee or claimant.
• Coordinate the recruiting, interviewing and selection of new claims personnel as required.
• Review bond forms for coverage, contract specifications, and requirements, penalties and timeliness.
• Accurately set and monitor claim reserves. Partner with Actuarial team to leverage data insights and take action as needed.
• Assess the present and future claim resource needs and provide the leadership, coaching and guidance necessary to build and sustain a high performing workforce.
• Travel to and physically inspect project or location, determine options for resolution
• Arrange for completion or negotiate settlement within terms of bond and contract.
• Communicate claim updates with reinsurers, internal and external auditors, and internal compliance staff.
• File indemnity actions under General Indemnity Agreements, negotiate reimbursement under promissory notes, assign and attach assets to pursue salvage and subrogation.
• Participate in industry-leading conferences each year.

Qualifications: 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or law, or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferred.

Certifications/Designations: 

• Insurance adjuster license for designated states or obtained after hired.
• AFSB and/or CPCU designation strongly preferred.

Experience: 

• 13 years in contract surety claims experience preferred.
• Construction knowledge is preferred.

Working Conditions:

• General Office Environment
• Depending on need, travel requirements include occasional to regular visits to agents, principals, and remote claims staff, including to project sites, which can result in adverse weather conditions.
• Travel could be 20% of the job.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Develops strategies that optimize performance.
• Advanced knowledge of surety claims practices
• Willingness to help others grow their expertise.
• Shares information to increase organizational effectiveness.
• Works well with other to achieve desired objectives.
• Advanced comprehension of handling surety claims and ability to solve complex problems.
• Serves as a resource within the department as needed.
• Effectively manages outside counsel and consultants.
• Effectively manages reinsurance issues.