AVP - Property Claims

Role Description

The AVP - Property Claims provides strategic oversight and operational and technical leadership for the company’s commercial property claims function. This role ensures timely, fair, and cost‑effective claim resolutions while maintaining strong relationships with internal partners, external vendors, and insureds. The Director sets performance expectations, drives continuous improvement, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports the organization’s commitment to delivering exceptional service. This position oversees all Commercial Property lines—including large‑loss, complex, catastrophe, inland marine, and specialty property—within a Property & Casualty insurer of approximately 850 employees with no personal lines business.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy
  • Develop and execute the organization’s strategic vision for the Property Claims function.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Property Claims Leaders and Claims Professionals.
  • Establish and drive departmental goals, KPIs, quality standards, and performance metrics aligned with company objectives.
  • Build a culture of collaboration, accountability, service excellence, and technical expertise.
• Claims Operations Oversight
  • Ensure accurate, consistent, and timely investigation, evaluation, and resolution of commercial property claims.
  • Oversee complex, high‑severity, and large‑loss files, providing guidance on coverage, liability, and settlement strategy.
  • Monitor claim trends, loss drivers, litigation exposure, and reserve adequacy.
  • Ensure internal controls and auditing processes are adhered to and refined as needed.
  • Bring actionable insights to underwriting, actuary, and risk control enabling business partners to optimize portfolio mix in collaboration with Underwriting, Risk Engineering, Actuarial, and Legal.
• Compliance & Risk Management
  • Maintain compliance with all state and federal claims‑handling regulations, commercial property policy forms, and corporate standards.
  • Oversee catastrophe response readiness, including vendor coordination, staffing plans, and workflow management.
  • Ensure proper documentation, reserving accuracy, and adherence to regulatory timeframes.
• Vendor & Partner Management
  • Manage relationships with Independent Adjusters, Engineers, TPAs, Forensic Accountants, Salvage partners, Large‑loss specialists, and other key vendors.
  • Evaluate vendor performance, negotiate service agreements, and ensure cost‑effective, high‑quality outcomes.
  • Coordinate with Litigation Counsel on disputed or litigated losses.
• Financial & Analytical Responsibilities
  • Oversee claim reserves, financial reporting, and claim payment accuracy.
  • Analyze department performance, loss trends, and operational efficiency to identify cost‑saving or process‑improvement opportunities.
  • Provide executive‑level reporting and insights to senior leadership.
• Customer & Stakeholder Interaction
  • Build strong relationships with brokers, insureds, and internal business partners.
  • Handle escalated customer concerns, ensuring resolutions that align with company values and compliance requirements.
  • Represent the organization in industry forums, regulatory discussions, and large‑loss reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or industry designation (CPCU, AIC, ARM, RPA) strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in Property Claims within the commercial P&C insurance industry.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams handling complex commercial property losses.
• Experience working in a mid‑sized insurer (approx. 500–1,200 employees) a strong plus.
• Demonstrated expertise in commercial property coverages, large‑loss management, catastrophe claims, and vendor oversight.

Requirements

• Remote working environment.
• Occasional travel required for catastrophe response, vendor visits, onsite inspections, or industry events.

Benefits

• Annual incentive compensation
• Medical, dental, vision & life insurance
• Accident, critical illness & short-term disability insurance
• Retirement plans with employer contributions
• Generous time-off program
• Programs designed to support the employee well-being and financial security.
• Officer-level employees may also be eligible for additional compensation components, including performance-based incentives, long-term incentive plans, and participation in executive benefit programs.

Pay Transparency Statement

UFG Insurance is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The estimated base salary range for this officer-level position is $154,858 - $204,236 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, individual qualifications and experience, internal equity, and market data. This pay range disclosure is provided in accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws.