Construction Defect - Senior Claim Technical Specialist

ABOUT IFG COMPANIES 

IFG Companies, founded in 1985, is one of America’s largest privately held, property and casualty A-rated insurance groups in the United States. As a private company, IFG is focused on profitable growth through superior underwriting of a range of products and service to its producers and insureds. 

LOCATION 

IFG Companies is hiring in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.  Applicants must reside in one of these states to be hired.  Remote and flexible work arrangements are provided to all employees based on manager approval. 

SALARY RANGE 

The expected salary range is $100,000 to $120,000 and subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Company. 

POSITION SUMMARY / OBJECTIVE

Investigate, evaluate, negotiate and settle serious damage claims in multi-jurisdictions, applying coverage, laws and regulations accordingly; reporting to upper management and reinsurers within necessary timelines and guidelines.  

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promptly review new losses and determine initial plan of action in the handling of the claim
• Analyze coverage as it relates to the facts and allegations of the claim; prepare Reservation of Rights and Declination of Coverage letters, as applicable
• Initiate contact efforts with policyholder and claimants to confirm notice of loss description and determine the scope of the investigation, if needed
• Recognize, notify and pursue other culpable parties and seek contribution from such other responsible parties as warranted
• When appropriate, assign and clearly instruct independent adjusting firms to conduct the needed investigative tasks; manage and direct any future activity of the independent adjusting firm in any continued investigation of the claim 
• On litigated claims assign, instruct and manage retain defense counsel by establishing litigation plans, legal budgets and aggressively move the claim towards a timely and appropriate resolution, which may include a trial on the merits  
• Identify serious injury/damage losses and report them timely to upper management, reinsurers and update each as necessary 
• Promptly evaluate all claims as the investigation develops; establish and adjust reserves as warranted in order to ensure accurate reserving commensurate with the claim exposure
• Review all expense bills for appropriateness, accuracy and adherence to Company billing guidelines within the Company’s e-billing system; 
• Identify and ensure subrogation efforts are undertaken against other responsible parties, including pursuit of deductible recoveries, salvage by the Recovery Unit as applicable
• Direct defense counsel in the defense of all litigated claims in accordance with an established litigation plan  
• Negotiate settlements; attend mediations and settlement conferences, as needed
• Mentor Claim Examiner trainees or new Claim Examiner, as requested
• Other duties as required                   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent written communication skills
• Excellent oral negotiation skills
• Intermediate computer skills 
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in handling claims within reserve and settlement authority combined with moderate supervision
• Some travel required

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / CERTIFICATIONS

• 8 years commercial property and casualty experience involving construction defect claims handling
• 8 years litigation management experience
• E & S experience a plus 
• CPCU or SCLA or CCLA or AEI designation preferred
• Experience with client/server claims processing systems a plus
• College degree preferred  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical demands are considered to be that of an office environment, climate controlled, with minimal physical exertion.  This position requires prolonged sitting, ability to utilize a computer and interactions with others in meetings or via phone.

BENEFITS 

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, long-term care, education assistance and paid time off, including paid parental leave and a birthday holiday. 

IFG Companies is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. M/F/D/V