Claims Manager - Property

Claims Manager - Property

Fully Remote • MO - Columbia, MO 65202

Description

Pay Philosophy

The typical starting salary for this position is determined by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, acquired skills, experience, education, and certifications/designations. This position may be eligible for annual merit increases and participation in our bonus program.

What are we looking for?

Join our team as a Claims Manager - Property. In this position you will be providing direct oversight of property claims supervisors and large loss adjusters and is accountable for claim outcomes, financial results, operational effectiveness, and service quality.

Who we are and what we do?

At Columbia Insurance, we believe our people are the heart of our success and our greatest strength. With robust benefits, a fun, family-like atmosphere, and a culture that thrives on real connections, Columbia truly is the place to be. Our vision is to lead the industry in people-first partnerships. The best way to achieve that is by bringing together a team of skilled, passionate, and talented individuals.

Why us?

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401(k) and company match
• Generous paid time off (PTO), paid company holidays, paid maternity/paternity leave, and supplemental sick leave
• Family-like culture
• Year-round wellness initiatives
• Company sponsored events
• Opportunities for professional development with conferences, events, and continued education

Company History

Our legacy has roots back to 1889 when we first became part of the mutual insurance movement in the Midwest. Today, our extensive heritage resonates nationwide, as we proudly serve customers in 14 states across the country.

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

The Property Claims Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and results of the commercial property claims line of business.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to property claims supervisors and large loss adjusters.
• Set clear performance expectations and ensure consistent, high-quality claims handling practices.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and service-focused claims culture aligned with the company's values.
• Oversee the handling of all commercial property claims, including complex and large loss claims.
• Ensure claims are handled in compliance with company guidelines, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
• Monitor and manage property claim severity, frequency, cycle times, and overall financial performance.
• Analyze claim outcomes and implement strategies to improve results and policyholder experience
• Recommend settlement authority and set reserves within authority and escalate issues appropriately to claims leadership
• Identify potential high severity losses and report them in a timely manner to management.
• Participate in claim roundtables and provide mentorship or guidance to less experienced adjusters as needed.
• Contribute to internal audits and complete file reviews.
• Collaborate with underwriting and risk management teams on legal trends, claim developments, and lessons learned.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive catastrophe response program.
• Lead catastrophe planning, readiness, vendor management, and post-event response.
• Coordinate internal and external resources during CAT events to ensure timely, effective claims handling.
• Conduct post-CAT reviews and implement improvements based on lessons learned.
• Monitor trends in the insurance industry related to property claims, catastrophe management, construction costs, and regulatory changes.
• Recommend and implement changes, enhancements, or new approaches to improve claim outcomes and operational effectiveness.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for property claims within the organization.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend innovative technologies, tools, and vendors to streamline property claims processes.
• Partner with leadership and internal teams to implement solutions that drive efficiency, accuracy, and improved results.
• Lead or support initiatives focused on automation, data utilization, and workflow optimization.
• Oversee property claims reporting to reinsurers, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with treaty requirements.
• Serve as a key liaison with reinsurance partners regarding property losses and catastrophe events.
• Support audits, reviews, and data requests related to reinsurance.
• Enforce company policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of experience handling commercial property claims, with a strong background in large loss management and catastrophe claims.
• 5+ years of prior leadership experience in property claims.
• Operational experience with Xactimate and XactAnalysis.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven leadership experience managing supervisors and/or senior claims professionals.
• Strong understanding of property claims operations, coverage analysis, and financial impacts.
• Experience with catastrophe response planning and execution.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrates experience or ability to deal with significant/complex coverage matters.
• Deep knowledge of property claims, especially negotiation and resolution techniques.
• Proven ability to manage high severity claims and exercise independent judgment with limited supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Experience working with outside counsel, experts, and insureds.
• Has sound critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Outstanding customer service, attention to detail, and multi-tasking skills.
• Strong computer skills, including a strong knowledge of Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Must have a valid adjuster license in designated home state (or willing to obtain one within 60 days after hire) with the ability to obtain additional non-residential adjuster licenses.
• Ability to travel, as necessary.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional designations such as CPCU, AIC, SCLA, or similar.
• Experience implementing process improvement initiatives and/or new claims technology.
• Familiarity with reinsurance structures and reporting requirements.
• Experience working in Guidewire Claim Center.

EOE

Columbia Insurance prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.