Chief Claims Officer

Chief Claims Officer (CCO) is a critical member of the Senior Leadership Team, accountable for developing and executing the enterprise-wide claims strategy and driving exceptional performance across claims operations, customer service, compliance, litigation management, and overall loss cost leadership. This executive provides forward‑looking strategic guidance, ensures disciplined operational execution, and builds a high‑performing claims organization that advances the company’s financial strength, reputation, and long‑term growth. Strategic Leadership & Enterprise Alignment Lead the development, refinement, and execution of a comprehensive claims strategy aligned with enterprise objectives, partnering closely with the President and various department leaders including Underwriting, Actuary, and Finance. Evaluate existing strategies and operating models to identify opportunities for modernization, operational efficiency, and improved claim outcomes. Serve as an advisor to the Senior Leadership Team on emerging loss trends, regulatory developments, market shifts, and strategic implications for the business. Operational Excellence & Claims Performance Ensure timely, fair, and consistent claims handling through disciplined adherence to internal claims best practices. Oversee the establishment and maintenance of appropriate and timely claim reserves, reinforcing the importance of reserve accuracy in supporting rate adequacy and financial performance. Lead the development and continuous enhancement of claims programs, performance metrics, operational frameworks, and compliance controls. Champion the effective use of predictive analytics, technology, and automation to advance decision quality, improve operational efficiency, and reduce loss costs. Drive cost containment strategies—including both ALAE and ULAE—in partnership with Finance and other business leaders. Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing Collaborate across Underwriting, Actuarial, Finance, and other critical functions to ensure alignment on market intelligence, legal changes, loss trends, and strategic assumptions. Provide clear, consistent communication to brokers, reinsurers, and other stakeholders regarding claims performance, key developments, and major losses. Litigation, Legal Strategy & External Partnerships Oversee sound litigation management practices including panel counsel selection, performance monitoring, and adherence to established metrics. Oversee the detailed review of legal bills using appropriate tools and methodologies to ensure cost optimization and quality representation. Participate in mediations, arbitrations, depositions, and trials where executive‑level presence or decision‑making is required. Organizational Leadership, Culture & Talent Development Provide vision, direction, and executive leadership to the Claims organization, cultivating a culture of accountability, communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Lead all people‑management activities including hiring, workforce planning, coaching, performance management, and succession development. Build talent bench strength by upskilling existing team members and creating a pipeline of strong claims professionals who can support long‑term business needs. Set clear expectations, provide frequent and constructive feedback, and create conditions that motivate the team to achieve peak performance. Create the Claims annual budget, operational objectives, and performance goals. Governance, Compliance & Risk Mitigation Ensure full regulatory compliance and immediately report all regulatory inquiries while coordinating appropriate responses. Maintain a disciplined approach to audits, operational reviews, and internal controls to validate effectiveness and consistency across the claims function. Perform other strategic duties or enterprise assignments as requested by the President. Bachelor’s degree required; Juris Doctor strongly preferred; advanced degree a plus. 15+ years of claims leadership experience with progressive responsibility. Expertise across casualty lines including General Liability, Product Liability, Supported and Unsupported Excess, Professional Liability, and Construction Defect. Proven background in large loss management, mediation strategy, and complex settlement negotiations. Demonstrated financial acumen in budgeting, loss cost analysis, and evaluating cost‑benefit outcomes for initiatives and projects. Sets clear expectations and inspires teams to deliver exceptional results. Provides direct, timely feedback and actively seeks input from colleagues and team members. Delegates effectively while maintaining accountability and operational oversight. Communication & Influence Demonstrates strong interpersonal, presentation, negotiation, and consultative skills. Communicates effectively across all levels of the organization and with external partners. Responds promptly to customer needs and maintains a highly collaborative approach with the Leadership Team. Operational & Work Management Skills Maintains a high degree of initiative, professionalism, and positive energy. Demonstrates strong organizational and prioritization skills with a sense of urgency toward goals. Develops and implements effective audit processes to ensure consistency and high‑quality claims performance. Analytical & Strategic Thinking Identifies patterns and underlying drivers within complex data sets, turning insights into actionable strategies. Executes strategic priorities while managing complex claims, negotiating outcomes, and overseeing team activities. Continuously identifies opportunities to enhance claims operations, workflows, systems integration, and organizational efficiency. The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Admiral Insurance Group (a Berkley Company)