VP, Claims

Berkley Oil & Gas, (a W.R. Berkley Company) is an insurance underwriting manager providing unique property and casualty products and risk services to customers engaged in the energy sector.  Our customers recognize the importance of the expertise we provide and appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with professionals who understand their business.  We are in turn committed to delivering innovative products and exceptional service to them, our valued agents and brokers, Berkley Oil & Gas is dedicated in its efforts to be well-informed of the changing dynamics of the industry; support industry efforts to minimize and mitigate risks and hazards in the ‘oil patch’, and to constantly seek ways to improve our products and services to meet customer needs.

Company URL: https://berkleyoil-gas.com/

The company is an equal opportunity employer.

The VP, Claims is responsible for management and oversight for the claims teams for Auto, GL, Property claims, including moderate and severe casualty claims. Responsible for developing and implementing effective claims strategies, managing claims professionals, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional customer service while maintaining profitability and compliance with industry regulations.  This position reports to the Claims SVP/Chief Claims Officer.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the automobile liability and general liability claims managers to solve problems, including ones with multiple variables, and get the best outcomes for our company and our insureds.
• Develops, executes, and maintains monitors and controls related to case reserving accuracy and timeliness.
• Leads development and achievement of corporate goals and performance objectives for the severity claims unit.
• Leads the claims litigation management practice including management of panel counsel and legal spend.
• Identifies and implements effective severity claims programs. Selects and manages related vendor service levels and performance.
• Administers an effective Quality Assurance program for claim representative performance.
• Directly manages severity claim specialists, including daily supervision, file reviews, case discussions, analysis, case strategy, reporting, and authority requests.
• Manage the department’s inventory of claims to include:
  • Ensuring team conducts thorough investigations to determine coverage and liability.
  • Ensuring adequate and proper reserves are set for exposures to the Company, as severe claims generally require more oversight due to significant cost.
  • Ensuring appropriate evaluation, negotiation, and settlement claims within authority levels. These will be higher authority levels as this is a team that handles severe claims.
  • Ensuring identification and pursuit of recovery opportunities (salvage, subrogation, etc.).
  • Ensuring appropriate and thorough litigation process.
  • Audit claims diaries to evaluate claims procedures and judgment.

OTHER RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/REQUIREMENTS

• Monitors emerging issues in the Casualty line of business; attends industry meetings and conferences as necessary and appropriate; assures staff is trained appropriately on new developments.
• Collaborate with other departments, including actuary and underwriting, regarding litigation, individual claims, best practices and trends.
• Manage the claim authorization process. Review and streamline claims processes, including automating tasks as needed.
• Understand and communicate the impact of the quality of claims administration on loss costs.
• Serve as a point of contact and knowledge source for all internal departments, and for our clients. Speak with customers when added expertise is needed or issues arise that need extra assistance.
• Shape the future strategy of the department as part of the claims leadership team.
• Develop the team’s expertise in claim handling procedures in accordance with Best Practices.
  • Continually develop the team in negotiation, deposition, and settlement skills.
  • Work with direct reports on career development and aspirations.
  • Ensure the claim team maintains an elevated level of Customer Service to customers. Ability to step in to manage individual claims if needed or to gain a better understanding of processes.
  • Develop training programs and procedures, and conduct department-specific training.
  • Conduct performance reviews and give constructive and positive feedback to direct reports.
  • Recruit and retain team members to the claim’s organization.

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in management roles.
• A minimum of 15 years’ experience handling complex commercial liability claims for a
• Must have multi-line casualty claims experience.
• Exceptional communication (written and verbal) skills to effectively take part in strategic discussions and leverage technical knowledge.
• Superior problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
• Strong negotiation and investigation skills.