Head of Primary Claims

This is your opportunity to join AXIS Capital – a trusted global provider of specialty lines insurance and reinsurance.  We stand apart for our outstanding client service, intelligent risk taking and superior risk adjusted returns for our shareholders. We also proudly maintain an entrepreneurial, disciplined and ethical corporate culture.  As a member of AXIS, you join a team that is among the best in the industry.

At AXIS, we believe that we are only as strong as our people. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming culture where employees of all backgrounds and from all walks of life feel comfortable and empowered to be themselves. This means that we bring our whole selves to work. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, civil union status, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in the selection process.

Job Description

AXIS is seeking a Head of Primary Casualty Claims to join our North America Claims team and will report the Head of Severity Claims.  As a direct report to the Head of Severity Claims, the candidate should possess the ability to lead and develop a sophisticated team of claims professionals handling and managing a wide variety of Primary Casualty Claims including but not limited to Construction Defect, New York Labor Law, Dram Shop and Premises Operations, among others.

Additionally, using data driven reporting and productivity metrics, this leader will develop the optimal target operating model to deliver best-in-class service for AXIS clients and that provides career paths for Axis claim professionals to grow and develop. This role will also be responsible for delivering the AXIS North America Claims value proposition engaging with stakeholders, brokers, and insureds to ensure constant communication and service engagement distinguishes Axis claims every day.

This role will lead and develop a team of claims professionals to provide best-in-class service and are responsible for:

• Direct supervision and management of claims including the investigation, analysis and evaluation of coverage liability and damages, within best practices

• Close collaboration with the Head of Specialty Claims with regard to coverage disputes, including litigation and arbitration matters initiated by Axis issuing companies and when Axis issuing companies are parties to such litigation

• Issue spotting and evaluating when to request use of outside coverage counsel and escalating same to the Specialty Complex Claims for final approval

• Formulating claims management strategies, assigning, directing, and managing outside defense counsel

• Providing guidance to the claims teams including strategic direction for the life of the claim

• Managing costs, including use of coverage counsel and litigation costs as well as collaborating and working with the Axis Claims Litigation & Vendor Management team ensuring cost management and the development and enhancement of the Financial Lines panel

• Collaborating across disciplines and business units, including: the general counsel team which oversees errors and omissions issues arising from claims handling

• Identifying, liability and coverage trends and issues with both individual and portfolio impact and formulating the processes and strategies for managing such claims as well as ensuring accurate and consistent claims management across impacted underwriting segments and lines of business.

• Supporting underwriting inquiries and information requests regarding policy construction and drafting, reporting claim trends, data analysis, and risk assessments

• Actively coaching and mentoring direct reports, providing regular feedback, and developing employees for broader roles and responsibilities that support professional growth and development and working collaboratively with HR Business partner support and guidance

• Recruit, hire and retain top talent and develop appropriate succession plans

• Build and maintain key relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., peers, Underwriting, Actuarial, various executive management leaders) and external stakeholders (e.g., brokers, insureds, attorneys, auditors, reinsurers, and vendors)

• Extensive communication with senior executives, brokers, reinsurers, actuaries, insureds, and auditors (both external and internal)

• Axis Culture and Values – everyday demonstrate the Axis behaviors that support and align with Axis values: People, Decisiveness, Excellence and Stronger Together

KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES:

7-10+ years of claims management experience managing claims involving the various claims specialties summarized previously, as well as:

• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and management skills

• Experience practicing law as well as claims management (both directly managed and TPA managed claims)

• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate at all organizational levels, both internally and externally as well as the ability to identify and resolve complex, disputed claims

• Analytical thinker that can drive results using all facets of the legal and claims processes

• Understanding of and ability to balance both the immediate claim issues as well as the broader portfolio impact and customer service impact of coverage disputes and issues

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to deal effectively with people with conflicting expectations, differing opinions, and multiple viewpoints

• Demonstrated ability and experience managing professional lines claims involving a wide variety of loss scenarios as well as reporting and presenting about same to senior management

• In-depth knowledge of claims, litigation, arbitration, and trial processes as well as excellent analytical, investigative, and negotiating skills

• Law Degree and admission in good standing to one of the fifty state bars or educational equivalent a plus

• Travel is associated with this role (e.g., team management, court proceedings, mediations, and settlement)