Manager, Claims - Commercial Property (NWAG)

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, 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 are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

Job Description Summary

Do you have a strong desire to resolve complicated insurance claims by providing prompt, courteous and fair service to customers? Are you a skilled investigator, negotiator and communicator? If you thrive in an environment where you can problem-solve claims resolution, while following processes that provide fair resolution, customer satisfaction and cost management, then we want to hear from you!

As a Commercial Property Claims Manager, we’ll count on you to promote and provide exemplary customer service. You’ll manage the analysis, review and adjustment of commercial property claims requiring investigation, liability evaluation and negotiation. In addition, you'll manage the activities of defense counsel to expedite settlements and control average loss cost and litigation expense. You’ll be responsible for the claims disposition according to prescribed authority and provide advice and counsel to claims personnel.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Manages property claims, from inception to conclusion, and the settlement of all claims and lawsuits within area of responsibility.

• Plans and executes all time schedules necessary to promptly and effectively apply best claims practices to conclude all assigned cases in accordance with company guidelines. Adheres to high standards of professional conduct while providing the delivery of superior claims service.

• Manages reserve process to ensure reserve adequacy. Approves special reserves as necessary.

• Conducts on-site field investigations of reported commercial claims.

• Maintains current knowledge of: all insurance lines; court decisions which may impact the claims function; current guidelines in the claims function; and policy changes and modifications. This may require attendance at various seminars and training sessions.

• Drives technical excellence, manages productivity, conducts open file reviews, reinforces corporate communications, enforces compliance issues, identifies and resolves ethical dilemmas, manages general personnel issues. Develops via coaching/skills building career guidance/professional development counseling, training on technical skills and counsel on improvement opportunities. Evaluates via performance management process.

• Oversees defense counsel in the handling of lawsuits; authorizes and approves payments of defense attorney fees.

• Provides advice, counsel, and training to Claims Representatives of all levels. Provides specialized training and consultation to non-claims areas as requested.

• Delivers a positive customer service experience to all internal, external, current and prospective Nationwide customers.

• Identifies, develops and retains high potential/high performing associates who have the potential for or are ready to fill critical roles in the organization.

• Oversees associate management, including performance management, salary planning and administration, training and development, workflow and organization planning, day-to-day management, hiring and placement, and disciplinary actions for direct and possibly indirect reports.

• Performs inspections as necessary.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships: Typically reports to a Claims Director and leads a team of Claims Specialists.

Typical Skills and Experiences:

Education: Undergraduate degree or post-graduate studies preferred.

License/Certification/Designation: State licensing where required. Successful completion of required/applicable claims certification training/classes.

Experience: Eight years of commercial claims handling experience. Supervisory or project lead experience preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Proven superior knowledge of best claims practices used to resolve the most serious and complex property commercial claims. Proven knowledge of insurance contracts. Proven ability to meet customer needs and provide exemplary service by informing customers of the claims process and ensuring a positive customer experience. Ability to lead and train commercial claims employees in all aspects of claims review and adjustment. Analytical skills to make independent decisions and resolve conflict in such areas as application of coverage to submitted claims, application of laws of jurisdiction to investigation facts, application of policy exclusions and exceptions. Ability to coordinate with defense counsel in the handling of cases involving serious and sometimes complex liability and property issues from inception through trial. Verbal and written communication skills for contact and negotiation with policyholders, claimants, attorneys, engineers, accountants, various experts and all levels of management. Organizational skills to effectively establish work priorities in accordance with objectives and standards. Ability to operate personal computer and related software.

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 HR Business Partner.

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions:

Overtime Eligibility: Exempt (Not Eligible) 

Working Conditions: Office or field claims environment. May require ability to sit and use telephone and personal computer for extended periods of time. Must be able to make physical inspection of accident scenes and property and/or property loss sites. Must be able to climb ladders, balance at various heights, stoop, and bend and/or crawl to inspect vehicles and/or structures. Must be able to work outside in all types of weather. Must be willing to work irregular hours and to travel with possible overnight requirements. May be on call. Must be available to work catastrophes (CAT) requiring travel to CAT sites with multiple on-site responsibilities and/or for extended periods of time, including holidays and weekends. Must have a valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record in accordance with Nationwide standards. 

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.

Credit/Background Check: Due to the fiduciary accountabilities within this job, a valid credit check and/or background check will be required as part of the selection process.

We currently anticipate accepting applications until 02/13/2025. 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

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.

The national salary range for Manager, Claims - Commercial Property : $95,000.00-$197,000.00

The expected starting salary range for Manager, Claims - Commercial Property : $106,000.00 - $158,000.00