Claims Manager

As the Company's Claims Manager, you will own the end-to-end cargo claims process for Vanguard's NVOCC operations. You will manage claims asserted against Vanguard under its House Bills of Lading, controlling the Company's liability exposure by applying the terms and conditions of the bill of lading and all available statutory and contractual defenses. You will report qualifying claims to Vanguard's cargo underwriters, coordinate investigation with internal operations, and drive claims to timely, cost-effective resolution. You will pursue downstream recovery, through subrogation and direct contractual claims, against underlying ocean carriers, motor carriers, rail, and other parties whenever Vanguard is not primarily liable for the loss or damage. All claims must be tracked and documented. You will also analyze claims data to build risk-management strategies that reduce future losses across the Vanguard network. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Serve as the primary point of contact for cargo loss and damage claims asserted against Vanguard, including prompt acknowledgment, documentation, and reporting of any claim above the applicable insurance deductible to Vanguard's cargo underwriters. Evaluate each claim against Vanguard's House Bill of Lading terms and conditions and applicable law (COGSA / Hague-Visby, the Carmack Amendment for inland U.S. movements), asserting available defenses such as package/weight limitation of liability, notice-of-loss requirements, and the one-year suit time bar. Confirm claimant standing, proof of loss, and quantum; verify documentation (bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, survey reports, delivery receipts, and photographs) before acknowledging liability. Manage settlements within approved authority limits and **escalate** matters beyond that authority to your supervisor with a clear, supported recommendation. Coordinate with operations and Legal on General Average declarations and salvage lien situations, including securing and processing GA guarantees and bonds. Manage the claims relationship with the Company’s P&I and liability insurers and with outside counsel on litigated or high-exposure matters. Set and adjust cargo claim reserves and provide recommendations and reports to senior management. Serve as relationship manager with the cargo underwriter's representative, brokers, and surveyors, and ensure claim payments are made promptly and accurately by Vanguard and/or its underwriters. Pursue subrogation and direct recovery against underlying VOCCs, trucking companies, rail, and other responsible third parties, including timely tender of claims to preserve recovery rights before contractual and statutory deadlines lapse. Advise operations and commercial teams on high-risk commodities; assist in developing and maintaining restricted-items SOPs governing cargo the Company declines to ship, including criteria and approval processes for accepting, conditioning, or rejecting such cargo. Monitor compliance touchpoints relevant to claims, including FMC/NVOCC bill of lading and tariff terms, and flag operational practices that create liability exposure. Maintain a complete record of current and historical claims with proper documentation of status and outcome and provide guidance to reporting staff on handling customer claims inquiries. Oversee claims staff performance where applicable, including selection, development, coaching, and performance management. Analyze claims data to identify loss trends, root causes, and mitigation strategies for the Company. Identify commodity categories whose claims cost is excessive relative to the revenue and margin they generate, and give regional management specific, actionable feedback on cargo that should be declined, accepted only on stated conditions, priced differently, or handled differently. Deliver targeted guidance and training to regional operations, sales, and customer service teams on the booking practices, cargo acceptance decisions, packaging expectations, and documentation habits that drive avoidable claims exposure. Provide guidance and serve as the claims subject-matter resource in the development, maintenance, and periodic update of the Company’s Prohibited and Restricted Articles SOP, contributing loss history, liability analysis, and underwriter input to decisions about which commodities Vanguard will decline to ship. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS 4-6 years of cargo claims management experience, preferably in an NVOCC, freight forwarding, or ocean carrier environment. Working knowledge of ocean and multimodal carrier liability regimes: COGSA and the Hague/Hague-Visby Rules, the Carmack Amendment, including package limitation, time bars, and notice requirements. Familiarity with House vs. Master Bill of Lading structures, NVOCC tariff/NRA and FMC regulatory framework, Incoterms, and cargo insurance (deductibles, reserves, and subrogation mechanics). Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply bill of lading terms and conditions to limit or defeat liability. Demonstrated ability to draft SOPs, work instructions, or operating policies, and to write for an operational audience rather than a legal one. Strong negotiation skills and the ability to stand firm in the face of disagreement, paired with exceptional customer-service and conflict-resolution skills. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving with sound documentation discipline. Ability to identify, prioritize, and act with urgency, and to manage deadlines that carry legal consequence (suit time limits, recovery tenders). Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Technical aptitude and project-management capability; proficiency with claims tracking systems. Knowledge about logistics and transportation compliance issues are a plus. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent field-related experience. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Understanding of marine, maritime, and admiralty claims practice. LCL consolidation experience and hands-on familiarity with CFS operations. Experience reviewing or negotiating vendor agreements, insurance requirements, and indemnity provisions. Experience with dangerous goods or restricted commodity acceptance programs. Experience managing or mentoring claims staff. LOCATION We are accepting applications from candidates based in Cypress, California (USA), Dubai (UAE), or London (UK). EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Vanguard Logistics Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Vanguard Logistics Services