VP of Claims

Description

Position: Vice President of Claims

Department: Claims

Reports To: President

Position Summary: The Senior Vice President serves as the department head of claims, and is accountable for establishing claims strategy and overseeing its execution by providing leadership and direction for operational, technical, and claims systems activities (including claims strategic and operational planning and results management) to ensure that goals, objectives and policies of the Claims Department and Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance are achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management:
• Oversee a department of professionals handling complex commercial property and casualty claims.
• Provide strategic direction, coaching, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer focus.
• Claims Operations:
• Ensure timely and accurate investigation, evaluation, negotiation, and resolution of claims.
• Monitor claim handling practices to maintain compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Establish and refine claims procedures to improve efficiency and service quality.
• Strategic Planning & Execution:
• Develop and execute departmental goals aligned with corporate strategy.
• Lead initiatives to improve claims outcomes, reduce loss ratios, and optimize expenses.
• Analyze data and trends to inform strategic decisions and mitigate risk.
• Compliance & Risk Management:
• Ensure adherence to applicable insurance laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams on complex claims, litigation, or regulatory matters.
• Stakeholder Communication:
• Serve as a liaison between the claims department and senior management, underwriting, legal, and external partners.
• Provide regular reports and insights on claims trends, performance metrics, and emerging issues.
• Customer Experience:
• Promote a customer-centric approach in all claims handling activities.
• Handle escalated claims or high-profile clients as needed.
  

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Insurance, Risk Management, or a related field (required).
• Advanced degree or insurance certifications (e.g., CPCU, AIC, ARM) strongly preferred.
• Experience:
• 15+ years of experience in property & casualty claims, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Strong knowledge of commercial lines (property, general liability, auto, excess, etc.).
• Technical/Professional Knowledge:
• Exceptional knowledge of all Commercial Lines insurance coverages claims standards and guidelines, to include worker’s compensation, general liability, auto liability, property, and others.
• Working knowledge and skill in agency and company automation systems.
• Excellent research, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Proven sales, negotiations, and solution-selling skills.
• Good financial analysis skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Good PC skills, with an emphasis on Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skills & Competencies:
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of claims practices, legal principles, and insurance regulations.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency with claims management systems and reporting tools.
  

• Ability to hear.
• Ability to speak clearly.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.