Senior Claims Specialist, Excess Casualty - Axis Capital Holdings

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 - Excess Claims to join our North America Claims team and will report to the Claims Manager.  Under limited direction, the candidate should act as highest level individual contributor directly reviewing excess casualty claims to determine nature of loss, coverage provided, and scope of claim and to make recommendation regarding settlement/disposition of claims.

The candidate’s key duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Reviewing excess casualty claims to determine nature of loss, coverage provided, and scope of claim and to guide strategic direction regarding settlement/disposition of claims

• Timely evaluation, reserving and disposition of assigned claims within best practices claim environment, thoroughly documenting the claim process

• Developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external partners as their lead contact within the claims department for assigned claims

• Escalating coverage issues and recommending outside coverage counsel assignments for approval where warranted

• Managing costs, including use of counsel and litigation costs

• Fostering relationships and communicating extensively with senior executives, brokers, reinsurers, actuaries, underwriters, insureds, and auditors (both external and internal)

• Investigating potentially fraudulent claims and taking appropriate action

• Making recommendations for settlement/disposition of claims

• Identifying opportunities for contribution, subrogation and risk transfer

• Preparing required reports to senior management

• Travels to mediations or settlement conferences as required

• Other duties as assigned

Key Skills and Abilities:

7 - 10+ years of claims experience (minimum 3 - 5 years general liability claims adjusting experience required). Excess Casualty Claim experience a plus, as well as:

• Bachelor’s Degree required. JD a plus

• Experience handling New York Labor Law, Product Liability and Complex litigation claims

• Proficient in independently analyzing coverage, identifying issues and preparing coverage correspondence

• Proficient in drafting coverage correspondence, experience writing coverage letters and responding to/issuing tenders

• Demonstrated 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

• Analytical thinker that can drive results using all facets of the legal and claims processes

• 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

• Demonstrated ability and experience handling casualty claims involving a wide variety of loss scenarios as well as reporting and presenting about same to senior management

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

• Technical knowledge, skills, and training within the field to include:

o Complex coverage analysis and experience required
o General Liability, Auto and Garage keepers Coverage knowledge is required
o Confidence in coverage, evaluation and reserving
o Excellent writing and editing skills
o Solid negotiation and settlement skills
o Supervisory perspective, with experience providing direction and authority to adjusters
o Familiarity with KPI, Data, and Metrics a plus

• Valid licenses by state as required and add states to certifications as needed

• Travel is associated with this role (e.g., team management, court proceedings, mediations, and settlement)

For this position, we currently expect to offer a base salary in the range of $105,000 - $125,000 (GA); $120,000 - $150,000 (NJ); $125,000 - $160,000 (NY).  The specific salary offer will be based on an assessment of a variety of factors including the experience of the successful candidate and their work location. In addition, all employees are eligible for competitive incentive targets, with awards based on overall corporate and individual performance. On top of this, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes medical plans for employees and their families, health and wellness programs, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and much more.