Senior Claims Specialist

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 Senior Claims Specialist – Professional Lines to join our Canada Claims Team. This role involves the direct handling of primary and excess claims under our D&O, FI, E&O, Cyber, Media, Crime, and EPL policies. The ideal candidate will bring a strong technical background, sound judgement, and a collaborative mindset to help drive claims toward resolution while engaging with brokers, insureds, underwriters and other stakeholders.   

This role will be responsible for:

• Directly handling D&O, FI, E&O, Cyber, Media, Crime, and EPL claims by conducting thorough investigations and analyzing and evaluating coverage and liability on first and third-party claims.

• Assessing exposure and strategically guiding litigated and non-litigated matters towards efficient resolution.

• Maintaining high standards of documentation, ensuring each file reflects a clear and complete rationale for all claims decisions, including coverage determinations, exposure assessments, file strategy, and reserve recommendations.

• Drafting and communicating clear, well-supported coverage positions and settlement rationales to insureds, brokers, and legal counsel.

• Establishing or recommending loss and expense reserves.  

• Assigning and managing external partners, including legal counsel, while collaborating with internal Litigation and Vendor Management teams to enhance cost management efforts.

• Driving litigation strategy on litigated matters, collaborating closely with external counsel while critically evaluating litigation approaches, and providing budget and billing oversight, as well as settlement authority.

• Participating in mediations and settlement conferences, presenting strong, well-reasoned positions and negotiating outcomes that reflect the overall exposure, legal considerations, and strategic objectives of the claim.

• Tracking financials related to claims, including payment processing, retention erosion, reserve analysis, and reporting to internal stakeholders.

• Keeping underwriting partners and senior claims leadership informed of significant developments, trends, and large loss activity.

• Attending internal claims calls and participation in external account meetings to review claims history, identify and raise emerging trends, and ensuring adherence to claims handling protocols and service standards.

• Maintaining open and professional communication with broker partners and insureds throughout the life of the claim.

• Acting as a technical resource and mentor to peers, contributing to a culture of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.

• Contributing to internal initiatives, process enhancements, and training sessions.

• Other duties as assigned.

KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• 5-7+ years of experience in claims handling, litigation, or related legal/insurance roles, with exposure to specialty lines.

• Demonstrated organizational and technical skills as well as a deep understanding of professional lines coverage and claim resolution strategies.

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

• 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.

• An analytical thinker that can drive results using all facets of the legal and claims processes.

• Commitment to continuous learning and technical development.

• 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.

• Post-secondary education in a relevant field (e.g., insurance, law, business) or equivalent combination of education and experience. CIP or Law Degree a plus.

• Fluency in French Language (spoken and written)
• Is registered as a representative for claims adjustment in commercial-line damages insurance with Quebec’s Autorité des marchés financiers

• Technical knowledge, skills, and training within the field to include:
  • Complex coverage analysis and experience required.
  • Confidence in coverage, evaluation and reserving.
  • Excellent writing and editing skills.
  • Solid negotiation and settlement skills.
  • Familiarity with KPI, Data, and Metrics a plus.

• Occasional travel and off-site meetings are required.

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