Head of Specialty Complex Claims

Head of Specialty Complex Claims AXIS Capital is a leading global provider of specialty lines insurance and reinsurance. We are committed to outstanding client service, intelligent risk taking and superior risk‑adjusted returns. Our culture encourages collaboration, diversity, and entrepreneurialism. All eligible candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic. Job Summary AXIS is seeking a Head of Specialty Complex Claims to join our North America Claims team. This role reports to the Head of North America Claims and is responsible for leading and developing a team of claims professionals who handle complex coverage issues, coverage disputes, and litigation across multiple lines of business. Responsibilities Direct management of claims involving complex coverage issues, including investigation, analysis, and evaluation of coverage liability and damages. Direct management of coverage disputes, including litigation and arbitration matters initiated by Axis issuing companies. Formulation of claims and litigation strategies, assignment and direction of outside counsel in coverage litigation or arbitration. Management of discovery issues and responses, ensuring consistency and readiness of company witnesses for deposition and trial testimony. Provision of guidance to North America Claims teams regarding coverage issues, disputes, and claim‑handling strategies, including strategic direction and approval of outside counsel assignments. Management of coverage counsel and litigation costs, collaboration with Litigation Management and Vendor Management to ensure cost control and enhancement of the coverage counsel panel. Collaboration across disciplines and business units, including the general counsel team overseeing errors and omissions issues arising from claims handling. Identification of liability and coverage trends and formulation of processes and strategies for handling such claims to maintain consistent claims management across underwriting segments. Support of underwriting inquiries and information requests regarding policy construction, drafting, reporting of claim trends, data analysis, and risk assessments. Recruitment, hiring, and retention of top talent along with development of appropriate succession plans. Build and maintain key relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., Underwriting, Actuarial, executive leaders) and external stakeholders (e.g., brokers, insureds, attorneys, auditors, reinsurers, vendors). Communication with senior executives, brokers, reinsurers, actuaries, insureds, and auditors, combining ownership, leadership, and strategic thinking in portfolio risk reporting. Active coaching and mentoring of direct reports, providing regular feedback and facilitating employees’ professional growth in collaboration with HR. Key Skills & Abilities 7‑10+ years of claims management experience handling a wide variety of coverage issues and litigation across multiple claims disciplines. Demonstrated ability to handle coverage issues involving diverse loss scenarios and present findings to senior management. In‑depth knowledge of claims, litigation, arbitration, and trial processes; excellent analytical, investigative, and negotiating skills. Experience practicing law and managing claims, both directly and through third‑party administrators. Ability to influence and collaborate at all organizational levels, internal and external, and resolve complex disputed claims. Analytical thinker capable of balancing immediate claim issues with broader portfolio and customer service impacts. Excellent oral and written communication skills for dealing with conflicting expectations and multiple viewpoints. Law degree and active admission to at least one state bar. Willingness to travel for team management, court proceedings, mediations, and settlements. Compensation & Benefits Base salary range: $250,000 – $270,000, plus competitive target incentive compensation based on overall corporate and individual performance. Benefits include medical plans for employee and family, health and wellness programs, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and more. The role is exempt for FLSA purposes and is based in the United States of America. This posting is for an existing vacancy. #J-18808-Ljbffr AXIS Capital