Vice President Claims Casualty - Excess & Surplus Specialty and Commercial Lines

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them at a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers and partners are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

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Job Description Summary

Are you seeking an incredible opportunity to drive the Casualty Claim strategy of a Fortune 100 company? As the Vice President for Commercial, Excess & Surplus and Specialty Casualty claim organization, you will be accountable for the Standard Casualty and Construction, Excess and Umbrella, Construction Defect, P&C Programs, Commercial Transportation and Alternative Risks and Ventures Claim organization. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical claim expertise to domestic and foreign distribution partners as well as Excess & Surplus and Specialty Underwriting, Product and Pricing leadership. Additionally, you will direct the activities of strategic initiatives to assure claim cost and operating expenses are controlled, superior claim servicing is provided, and specialized talent is acquired, developed, and retained.

Are you an expert in Commercial, Excess & Surplus and Specialty Lines insurance? If you thrive in an environment where you can collaborate with leaders across business lines and lead a team to achieve financial goals, set strategic vision and build industry expertise, then we want to hear from you!

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:   

• Leads and manages high level Leaders and specialized claim staff responsible for managing claims of the highest severity and complexity with risk of significant value to the organization. Provides executive oversight of TPA claim management.  
• Develops and executes on organizational strategies to meet performance goals and provide maximum effectiveness and efficiency in Claim handling. Functions as a corporate representative to identify customer needs and exemplify company policies and philosophies through regular interaction with key customers, industry peers and professional organizations.  
• Strategic leader of Claim Operations for Commercial, Excess & Surplus National Casualty accountable for segments including and not limited to Field Casualty, Workers’ Compensation, Excess and Umbrella, Construction, P&C Programs, Commercial Transportation and Alternative Risks and Ventures Claim organization. Grants authority for resolving claims commensurate with delegated corporate and divisional authority.  
• Partners with the Chief Claims Officer for Commercial Lines and Excess and Surplus strategic and tactical planning; responsible for providing technical claim expertise to domestic and foreign distribution partners as well as Excess & Surplus Underwriting, Product and Pricing leadership and peers to develop and implement new or enhanced claim handling processes/procedures.  Influences "group" business decisions, collaborates in strategic planning and policy development for the company as well as tactical planning for a specific division. Ensures execution of corporate initiatives.  
• Communicates and drives claim performance to achieve individual and team operational results, including customer service, indemnity and expense outcome and strategic alignment with Division goals and objectives. 
• Participates on various industry committees, such as IACP advisory board, to promote the company and to keep the Company’s best interest in the forefront.   Serves as the Company and or Divisional sponsor /oversight for special projects. 
• Continually develops subordinate staff to achieve optimum performance in present positions and attract, recognize and develop talent for future. Sponsors Corporate leadership development programs.  

May perform all other responsibilities as assigned. 

Reporting Relationships: This job reports to (SVP, Commercial and Excess & Surplus and Specialty Operations). Manages a team of 3-4 AVPs, 2-3 Directors and total staff of 450 claims professionals.     

Typical Skills and Experiences:    

Education:  Undergraduate degree preferred, graduate degree a plus.  Advanced study in Insurance preferred.  

License/Certification/Designation:  CPCU.  Relevant state licenses required, where applicable.  Professional designation or claims specific certifications desirable.    

Experience: 15+ years within claims, 7+ years with Commercial, Excess & Surplus claims, 10+ years management.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Proven ability to analyze and apply future business and economic trends to strategic decision making.  Proven ability to communicate concisely with individuals and groups, including electronically and in writing, to speak effectively before large and small groups and to facilitate resolution of competing interests.  Proven ability to influence associates at all levels and to sell ideas to executive sponsorship groups. Proven knowledge of Commercial, Excess and Surplus Lines Claims, the General Agency System, Unfair Claims Handling Regulations, management principles and techniques, leadership competencies and strategic project management.  Proven ability to manage, motivate and lead diverse teams in a changing environment as well as effectively drive corporate initiatives and projects. Proven ability to analyze and apply future business and economic trends to strategic decision making.  Proven ability to communicate concisely with individuals and groups, including electronically and in writing, to speak effectively before large and small groups and to facilitate resolution of competing interests.  Proven ability to influence associates at all levels and to sell ideas to executive sponsorship groups. Proven knowledge of Commercial, Excess & Surplus Claims, the General Agency System, Unfair Claims Handling Regulations, management principles and techniques, leadership competencies and strategic project management.  Proven ability to manage, motivate and lead diverse teams in a changing environment as well as effectively drive Corporate initiatives and projects., Requires a strong knowledge of Commercial Lines and Excess & Surplus and Specialty technical claims operations, procedures and claims performance strategies, daily claims operations, as well as claims best practices.  

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.   

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and Human Resource Business Partner.  

Values:  Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.  

Job Conditions: 

Overtime Eligibility:  Exempt (Not Eligible) 

Working Conditions: This position is eligible for remote work and may be performed within any of the lower 48 U.S. states.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job.  Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.    

We currently anticipate accepting applications until 10/30/2026. However, we encourage early submissions, as the posting may close sooner if a strong candidate slate is identified before the deadline.

Benefits

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

This position could be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states.Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.
For NY residents please review the following state law information: Notice of Employee Rights, Protections, and Obligations LS740 (ny.gov) https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/02/ls740_1.pdf

NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES:

We value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. Nationwide does not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. All resumes submitted by employment agencies directly to any Nationwide employee or hiring manager in any form without a signed Nationwide Client Services Agreement on file and search engagement for that position will be deemed unsolicited in nature. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is subsequently hired as a result of the referral or through other means.

Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range. Note on Compensation for Part-Time Roles: Please be aware that the salary ranges listed below reflect full-time compensation. Actual compensation may be prorated based on the number of hours worked relative to a full-time schedule.The national salary range for VP, Claims Casualty - Excess & Surplus Specialty and Commercial Lines : $241,000.00-$402,000.00The expected starting salary range for VP, Claims Casualty - Excess & Surplus Specialty and Commercial Lines : $241,000.00-$402,000.00