SVP - Chief Claim Officer

The Chief Claim Officer (CCO) serves as part of UFG's executive leadership team, reporting to the President & Chief Executive officer (President/CEO). The CCO is responsible for directing the company's claim management strategy including planning, developing and implementing system-wide initiatives and strategies that support balancing effective claims processing with risk mitigation. They must stay informed about regulatory changes, technological advancements, and market trends that could impact claims operations. Leadership, strategic insight, and a comprehensive understanding of the insurance field are essential qualities.

The CCO is expected to be an enterprise-wide thinker who works collaboratively with other senior leaders in supporting company initiatives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership, strategic direction, and financial accountability of the claim function.
• Creates and maintains a productive and supportive work environment of highly engaged employees who deliver superior service to agents, claimants and insureds.
• Develop and implement claims best practices, policies and procedures while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Implement effective authority and governance framework to assure case reserves are set according to claims best practices and the organization's claims case reserve philosophy.
• Contribute to business acquisition and retention through a team of strong claims advocates directly engaged with insureds and agents.
• Establishes annual claims goals and drives execution to meet objectives
• Manages expenses effectively including staff resource needs and operating budgets.
• Acts as a champion for change through effective communication.
• Participates in review and settlement of complex or high dollar claims.
• Demonstrating deep technical knowledge, lead round table discussions on files that involve large exposure or unique coverage situations.
• Keeps current on changes in coverages, policies, and appropriate statutory or case laws.
• Advises CEO and the Executive Leadership Team of potentially material events, claim trends and performance.
• In collaboration with the executive leadership team and chief actuary, establish an effective case reserve philosophy.
• Collaborates with functional areas including underwriting, actuary, legal, finance, risk management and human resources to develop strategies to mitigate risks and reduce claims frequency and severity.
• Advises the Board of Directors, Regulators and Ratings agencies on claims matters, issues and initiatives as needed.
• Builds and maintains relationships with claim leadership of key distribution partners, regulatory agencies, outside counsel, reinsurers, auditors and industry associations.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required and or equivalent years of experience.

Experience:

• 10+ years in an executive claim's leadership role with significant experience in the proactive management of property and casualty claims, including specialty line products.

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

• Understanding of actuarial pricing, reserving and claims analytics.
• Ability to define metrics and monitor trends and implications for optimizing claims strategies.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve claims processes and outcomes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data sets and draw actionable insights.
• In-depth knowledge of insurance principles, regulations, and industry best practices related to claims management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including the Board of Directors.
• A hands-on management style, including ability to coach and educate managers on effectively addressing performance issues and gaps.