Surety Claims Counsel

Overview

This role provides effective claims handling and serves as the decision maker on complex contract and commercial surety matters and multi-project defaults. The position supports the Surety claims leadership in establishing priorities, driving change, ensuring results, and impacting employee engagement.

Responsibilities

• Independently investigate, research, analyze, and process complex claims on contract and commercial surety bonds in multiple jurisdictions in a timely, thorough, and professional manner.
• Assist in the creation or modification of surety claim and/or underwriting forms, letters, and other documents as requested.
• Direct, monitor, and assist outside counsel in negotiating and resolving claims to achieve the best possible claim outcomes.
• Assist in the establishment and improvement of existing processes.
• Provide legal advice and transactional support.
• Pursue salvage and subrogation to mitigate losses and improve overall surety results.
• Review, modify, and prepare Takeover Agreements, Financing Agreements, Subordination Agreements, Ratification Agreements, and other applicable agreements necessary to achieve optimal results.
• Provide direction and management of outside consultants by defining clear scopes of work and developing strategies to mitigate exposure.
• Ensure claims are investigated, negotiated, and resolved proactively, cost-effectively, and creatively.
• Provide education and training to surety underwriting (and other selected staff) on key legal issues involving surety bonds and claims, including “lessons learned” from past surety claim experiences and outcomes.
• Generate well-formed ideas and drive change across the business unit through partnership with other senior leaders, including promoting and supporting leading implementation work streams across the organization.
• Maintain current knowledge of related laws and regulations related to handling surety claims.
• Persuade and influence others by presenting a strong case; explain clearly, challenge ideas effectively, and argue in favor of own point of view.
• Synthesize and draw conclusions from large amounts of data, translating data into actions and results.
• Perform other functionally related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Law degree with an undergraduate degree in Engineering, Accounting, Business, or Finance preferred.
• Properly licensed to handle surety claims within the U.S.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the Insurance industry with a focus on Surety.
• Working knowledge of profit/loss management and reserving.
• Demonstrated leadership working collaboratively with a multi-functional team and throughout the organization; fosters shared responsibility and accountability.
• Advanced analytical skills.
• Superior, demonstrated claim resolution skills, including critical thinking, and business acumen.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare presentation documents and present to senior leadership.
• Experience with claims management systems and advanced computer skills, including Microsoft products.
• Proven ability to manage organizational change, influence others to accept new ideas or innovative approaches, and lead in a team-based organization.
• Embraces changes; invites feedback related to performance and deals constructively with criticism.
• Demonstrated drive and ambition to achieve goals and outstanding results.
• Emotionally intelligent and self-aware.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Medical & Dental Plans
• Life Insurance (including eligible spouses & children)
• Health Care Flexible Spending
• Dependent Care
• 401k Savings Plans
• Paid Time Off

Location

United States