Senior Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

If you love getting into the details of a loss, building estimates that hold up when a carrier pushes back, and being the go-to technical voice on a claim, this is the role for you. You'll independently scope, estimate, and defend property claims from investigation through final negotiation.

At Allied Public Adjusters, our mission is a world where every property loss is settled truthfully and equitably. Since 1997, we've worked on behalf of policyholders to demand what's right by using technical expertise, field investigations, and uncompromising quality. We empower policyholders with the most skillful representation, while ensuring carriers have the information they need to do what's right.

The Senior Estimator independently scopes, estimates, and defends property insurance claims, like water, fire, and related structural damage. They partner closely with our Public Adjusters so they have accurate, carrier-proof valuations that maximize client settlements. You are the focal point of contact for all estimating activity: investigating losses, producing defensible Xactimate estimates, and serving as the construction technical authority when a claim is challenged.

Responsibilities

Scope & Investigation

• Serve as the focal point of contact for all APA-related estimating activities and claims
• Collaborate with Public Adjusters on-site and by phone to inspect losses, identify all damage (including easily-missed items), and determine appropriate scope of repairs
• Investigate and consult with the assigned claim owner, clients, experts, suppliers, manufacturers, and specialty contractors as needed to prepare accurate, quality estimates
• Perform moisture mapping and/or moisture testing as needed
• Participate in inspections and aid PAs in controlling a property

Estimate Production

• Write detailed, defensible estimates in Xactimate that meet APA quality standards and turnaround expectations (48 hours post-inspection)
• Analyze insurance company estimates and prepare bid analysis reports for presentations and claim submissions, as needed by PAs
• Assist in developing and maintaining standards for scope development; audit scopes prepared by staff estimators and/or PAs for quality adherence

Technical Advisory & Rebuttal

• Present and defend APA estimates as required throughout the claims process
• Review and rebut carrier counter-estimates; coordinate and critique sub-bids from vendors and experts
• Assist PAs in inspecting, scoping, and estimating losses to ensure their estimates align with APA's quality standards
• Re-engage on disputes when PAs need technical backup for negotiation

Team & Process Development

• Design and build APA's estimating historical database
• Document APA estimating procedures and best practices (SOPs)
• Provide structured training and mentor junior estimators to help expand the estimating function
• Be a good team member, help others where needed

Expected Results

• 48-hour turnaround standard met on estimates following inspection
• Estimates consistently hold up under carrier scrutiny with minimal successful rebuttal
• Able to independently defend and negotiate disputed line items with carrier adjusters in real time
• Strong, trusted working relationship with the PAs whose claims you support

Requirements

• 7+ years of dedicated insurance restoration estimating experience (water and fire)
• Xactimate proficiency at a hotkey/shortcut fluency level
• Demonstrated experience handling complex or large losses
• Broad working knowledge of major trades, like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to independently defend and negotiate estimates with carrier adjusters
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong prioritization and organizational skills.
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and reliable personal transportation
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business Management, or a related field, or equivalent education, training, and work experience in lieu of a degree
• Ideal experience includes hands-on construction background

Logistics

• Location: Glendale or Newport Beach, CA (in-person)
• Schedule: ~80% field-based (4 of 5 days/week); office days are in-office

Salary

• $110,000–$135,000 base + 10% performance bonus

Benefits

• 401(k) with 3% non-elective contribution
• Health and dental insurance options
• Car & phone allowance
• Generous paid holidays and paid time-off policy
• Career advancement and professional development opportunities

Our Core Values: We Show Up with G.R.I.T.

• Go-Getters: We pursue truth and fairness with rigor and expertise. We are proactive, responsive, and committed to professional service.
• Relationship Builders: We nurture relationships based on mutual respect, challenging insurers when we must and helping them when we can, all in the spirit of resolving claim matters fairly.
• Intelligent Experts: We work to achieve mastery of our respective crafts, trusting our teammates to do the same. By focusing on core competencies, we create a team stronger than the sum of its parts.
• Truth Champions: We pursue truth above all else. To champion our clients' interests most effectively, we seek precisely what is owed, nothing more, and absolutely nothing less.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• The mental and physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Ability to remain stationary and work in an office or home office environment for extended periods, including sitting, typing, and completing computer-based tasks
• Ability to communicate effectively with others through verbal and written communication, including talking, hearing, writing, and typing
• Ability to read materials in paper format, on a computer screen, and on a phone
• Ability to perform repetitive motions that may include the wrists, hands, and fingers
• Ability to adjust focus and have depth perception
• Ability to maintain visual acuity to identify and assess property damage, review documents, photographs, and inspection reports
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods and perform physical movements such as bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and reaching while conducting property inspections
• Ability to maintain balance while working on uneven terrain, and similar surfaces
• Ability to walk through properties with multiple levels, which may require frequent use of stairs or steps, as well as walking for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry equipment (camera, laptop, measuring tools) weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to navigate in and out of a vehicle to drive and sit for periods exceeding one hour from the starting point
• May be exposed to all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and wind

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.