Senior Construction Defect Technical Claims Specialist

Company

Argo Group is an underwriter of specialty insurance products in the property and casualty market. Argo offers a full line of products and services designed to meet the unique coverage and claims-handling needs of businesses. The Argo entities are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Clearbrook Group Holdings Inc.

Job Description

Business Title(s): Senior Construction Defect Technical Claims Specialist

Employment Type: Full-Time 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Location: In-Office or Remote
 

Summary:  
 

We are looking for a highly capable Senior Construction Technical Claims Specialist Team Lead to join our team and work from any of the following Argo offices: Albany, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Omaha, or Richmond (VA). Alternatively we can fill this role with a fully remote employee, except in the States of AK, DE, HI, KY, MI, MS, MT, ND, SD, or VT.  This role will be adjudicating our most complex construction defect claims for our customers and contribute to providing superb results for our clients.
 

Candidates must be able to work during standard business hours. 

Essential Responsibilities: 

Working under limited oversight under broad management direction, adjudicate construction defect claims at the highest authority limits on assignments reflecting the highest degree of technical complexity, potentially with major impact on departmental results. 

• Conducting detailed information gathering, analysis and investigation to find solutions to issues that are numerous and undefined.
• Reporting to senior management and underwriters on claims trends and developments.
• Analyzing claims forms, policies and endorsements, client instructions, and other records to determine whether the loss falls within the policy coverage.
• Investigating claims promptly and thoroughly, including interviewing all involved parties.
• Managing claims in litigation
• Managing diary timely and complete tasks to ensure that cases move to the best financial outcome and timely resolution.
• Properly setting claim reserves, taking into account how different policy wordings impact the claims reserving process.
• Identifying loss drivers and claims trends to reduce claims frequency and severity through data analysis and improved claim management.
• Identifying, assigning, and coordinating the assignment and coordination of expertise resources to assist in case resolution.
• Preparing reports for file documentation
• Applying creative solutions which result in the best financial outcome.
• Negotiating highly complex settlement packages within scope of authority in order to settle claims in most cost effective manner.
• Processing mail and prioritizing workload.
• Responsible for telephone calls and written correspondence to/from various parties (insured, claimant, etc.).
• Having an appreciation and passion for strong claim management.

Qualifications / Experience Required: 

• A deep knowledge of construction defect claims, along with an exceptional focus on customer service, typically achieved through a minimum of:
  • Seven years’ experience adjudicating construction defect claims with exposure of $100,000 or more.
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university required. Two or more insurance designations or four additional years of related experience adjudicating commercial general liability bodily injury claims beyond the minimum experience required above may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
  • Licenses in multiple jurisdictions.  Applicants either need to possess a General Adjusting License in Florida, Texas or Wyoming or currently be licensed in multiple other jurisdictions.  In addition, applicants must have the ability within three months of hire to obtain other licenses in each jurisdiction (either through reciprocity of their Florida, Texas or Wyoming license or by obtaining a license in each jurisdiction (such as required by New York).

• Must have good business acumen (i.e. understand how an insurance company works and makes money, including how this role impacts both Argo Group and our customers’ ability to be profitable).
• Ability to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.
• A strong focus on execution in getting things done right.  Proven ability to consistently produce and deliver expected results to all stakeholders by:
  • Finding a way to achieve success through adversity.
  • Being solution (not problem) focused
  • Thinking with a global mindset first.
• Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to build lasting relationships.
• Exhibit natural and intellectual curiosity in order to consistently explore and consider all options and is not governed by conventional thinking.
• Successful traits (flexibility, ability to thrive in change, being resourceful on your own) necessary to work in a fast-paced environment that is evolving constantly.
• Excellent evaluation and strategic skills required.
• Strong claim negotiation skills a must.
• Knows how claims reserving techniques are used and how to assess whether a claim reserve is accurate.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with clients, business partners and organizational peers with a focus on timely and meaningful exchanges of information.
• Effective time management skills and ability to prioritize workload while handling multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Demonstrates innovative thinking and regularly shares ideas to help the team whenever possible
• Intellectual curiosity.  Consistently considers all options and is not governed by conventional thinking.
• Client focus – the ability to effectively determine specific client needs and to provide value added solutions.
• Ability to articulate the financial value of your work at multiple responsibility levels inside our clients’ business which may include CEO.
• Demonstrates inner strength.  Has the courage to do the right thing and demonstrates it on a daily basis.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite and other business-related software.
• Polished and professional written and verbal communication skills in order to present information accurately and effectively.
• The ability to read and write English fluently is required.
• Must demonstrate a desire for continued professional development through continuing education and self-development opportunities.
• Licensed Claims Examiner (Based on state) Must be licensed or have ability to quickly obtain a license in each jurisdiction requiring a license to adjudicate first party claims. within 120 Days
   

The base salary range provided below is for hires in those geographic areas only and will be commensurate with candidate experience. Pay ranges for candidates in other locations may differ based on the cost of labor in that location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for an annual bonus based on company and individual performance as well as a generous benefits package.

• Colorado outside of Denver metro, Delaware, Illinois (outside of Chicago metro area), Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts (outside of Boston metro area), Minnesota, Nevada, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia Pay Ranges: $ 137,496 - $164,934 
   
• Boston metro area, California outside of Los Angeles & San Francisco metro area, Connecticut, Chicago metro area, Denver metro area, New Jersey (outside of New York City metro area), New York State (outside of New York City metro area, including but limited to Albany county), Washington, D. C. metro area, & Washington State Pay Ranges:  $151,062   - $181,254 
   
• Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City (including but not limited to Westchester county) metro areas Pay Ranges:  $165,036 - $ 198,084 

About Working in Claims at Argo Group

• Argo Group does not treat our claims or our claims professionals as a commodity. The work we offer is challenging, diverse, and impactful.
   
• Our Adjusters and Managers are empowered to exercise their independent discretion and, within broad limits and authority, be creative in developing solutions and treat each case as the unique situation it is. 
   
• We have a very flat organizational structure, enabling our employees have more interaction with our senior management team, especially when it relates to reviewing large losses. 
   
• Our entire claims team works in a collaborative nature to expeditiously resolve claims.  We offer a work environment that inspires innovation and is open to employee suggestions. We even offer rewards for creative and innovative ideas. 
• We believe in building an inclusive and diverse team, and we strive to make our office a welcoming space for everyone. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds to apply.