Liability Claims Manager

Liability Claims Manager Location: Lakewood, CO (Branch Office) Work Arrangement: Hybrid (with required business travel) Salary Range: $100,000–$140,000 (commensurate with experience) The James Allen Companies Inc. is partnering with a leading provider of specialized insurance solutions to recruit a Liability Claims Manager for its Lakewood, Colorado branch office. This organization has a strong national footprint with multiple branch locations and serves specialized industries including construction, forest products, and oil and gas. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement and includes business travel to office locations and customer offices, with some overnight travel required. Position Summary The Liability Claims Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of a branch-based claims team. This role oversees workflow distribution, coaching and development, quality control, and timely claim resolution. The manager plays a key role in ensuring service excellence, supporting team performance, and maintaining compliance with internal standards and jurisdictional requirements. Primary Responsibilities Review and evaluate contractual documents to identify risk transfer opportunities and potential exposures. Direct and supervise the work of the claims team, ensuring quality, volume expectations, and timeliness of work product. Ensure adherence to department processes and procedures, including assigning work, providing training and feedback, and conducting performance evaluations. Participate in and support claims functions to meet internal and external customer needs. Review, analyze, and interpret policy conditions, exclusions, and endorsements to resolve coverage and liability issues. Oversee claim reserves to ensure they are set timely and accurately reflect potential exposure. Guide claim investigations, including obtaining statements, records, and other evidentiary materials as needed. Ensure proper documentation and reporting of investigation and claim handling activities. Negotiate, settle, and resolve claims with claimants and insureds and prepare appropriate resolution documents. Maintain working knowledge of applicable regulatory and jurisdictional requirements. Provide direction to and manage independent adjusters and other third parties supporting claim handling. Partner with Claims Management on staffing needs, development, performance management, and salary administration for team members. Collaborate with Underwriting leadership on the branch business plan, including annual objectives aligned with sales and profit goals. Provide ongoing training for the local claims team. Coordinate with Underwriting leadership on budget preparation and branch planning inputs. Serve as a leadership representative who promotes the organization’s mission, values, and culture. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications The ideal candidate will have: 10+ years of claims experience across areas such as: Commercial General Liability Commercial Auto Commercial Property / Inland Marine Construction Defect and general casualty Oil and gas claims Multi-jurisdiction claim handling experience Proven expertise in complex coverage analysis and providing clear direction to claim professionals. Strong capabilities in claims administration, including loss analysis, reporting, reserving, compliance, laws, and best practices across multiple jurisdictions. Demonstrated success in claim settlement strategy, including coverage communications, releases, and proof of loss documentation. 5+ years of experience leading and managing a claims team. Strong understanding of contractual indemnity and additional insured issues. Professional designations such as CPCU, AIC, or similar are preferred. Service-oriented mindset with strong customer focus supporting agents, policyholders, and internal partners. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organization skills with a consistent track record of meeting deadlines. Ability to efficiently use and oversee utilization of claims systems, software, and standard office equipment. Work Environment and Physical Requirements Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Office environment with hybrid schedule as directed by leadership. Frequent sitting and computer work for extended periods. Occasional lifting and carrying up to 15 pounds. Routine bending, kneeling, reaching, mobility, and walking. Ability to perform duties effectively both in-person and virtually. Some overnight travel required. Benefits Highlights Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package Paid time off plus 12 paid holidays annually Medical, dental, and vision coverage Company-paid life insurance (2x annual earnings) 401(k) savings and profit sharing plan Education and training opportunities Financial support for insurance designations Daily two-hour flexible start and end time for a 7.5-hour workday Employee Fitness Program #J-18808-Ljbffr