Senior Construction Defect Technical Claims Specialist

At Argo Group, you can make a direct impact while working in an organization small enough to be agile and big enough to make a difference. We ask you to bring a growth mindset and a desire to share your unique perspective with our dynamic teams.

Argo Group, a global multiline underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty market, offers a comprehensive line of high-quality products and services designed to meet the unique coverage and claims-handling needs of our clients. We foster an inclusive culture that embraces diversity and design thinking, relies on innovation and agility, promotes collaborative service delivery, frequent, integrated communication, and authentic recognition of excellence.

A Brief Overview

We are looking for a highly capable Senior Construction Defect Technical Claims Specialist to join our team and work from any of the following Argo offices: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Omaha, Richmond (VA), Rockwood (PA), or San Antonio. We work together in the office five days a week in order to strengthen our culture, build team connections, and drive profitability. This role will be adjudicating our most complex construction defect claims for our customers and contribute to providing superb results for our clients.

How You Will Make an Impact:

• 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.

What We Need:

• A deep knowledge of construction defect claims 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

Physical Demands

Unless otherwise specified below as an essential function of the job, this role generally operates within a standard office environment requiring the use of a PC and other related office equipment.

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.

How We Work - Our Employee Values

Employees at Argo thrive together as a responsible, profitable specialty insurer where all stakeholders share in our success.  
 

We are committed to:

• Demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit:
  • Get the job done in a non-bureaucratic, resourceful manner.
  • Create a culture of accountability ensuring the delivery of world-class products and services.
• Do the right thing:
  • Act with integrity always.
  • Adhere to the commitments set forth in the Argo Group Environmental, Social and Governance program.
• Collaborate:
  • Create an open and transparent environment in which diverse experience, skill sets, and individuals can team together to drive optimal outcomes.
  • Encourage and include unique perspectives at all times.
• Respect each other:
  • Create an environment that promotes dialogue, mutual support and cooperation between and among all, where people are fun to be around, proud of what they do, and willing to achieve beyond normal expectations.