Vice President, Claims

Founded in 1898 Mutual of Enumclaw is a people-first insurer rooted in community recognized as Washingtons Best Company to Work For for the 13th consecutive year and proudly serving individuals families farms and businesses through local independent agents across the West.

The VP Claims is responsible for leading the claims department in delivering a superior and valuable claims experience that supports the companys strategic objectives. This role involves formulating and executing strategic priorities operational objectives and performance metrics for claims management. The Vice President of Claims will leverage advanced analytics technology and best practices to optimize claim outcomes drive efficiency and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Location:The successful candidate will work in a hybrid capacity between our Home Office in Enumclaw WA and remotely. Candidate must live within driving distance of our Home Office and have high-speed internet (internet speed test required).

*Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience. Compensation is only one part of our entire total rewards package. To see some of the benefits and perks we offer please click here.

Responsibilities:

• Provide vision and leadership to the Claims Team in alignment with the companys strategic direction.
• Cultivate a departmental culture that excels in communication collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Drive the development implementation and continuous planning organizing and leading of all claims programs metrics processes results and initiatives.
• Lead direct and have full management accountability for claims staff with an emphasis on talent management and succession planning in accordance with corporate strategic direction.
• Collaborate with underwriting risk control actuarial and other claims partners to ensure knowledge sharing on the latest trends market changes legal updates and loss reserving. Regularly report on loss trends and exposures to internal and external business partners.
• Provide innovative solutions to complex business issues that span across lines of business. Identify and evaluate implications for the existing claims operating model.
• Leverage people technology and processes to drive innovation within the department.
• Drive a superior customer experience and continuous improvement through the development and implementation of corporate initiatives involving human capital processes and technology.
• Identify and implement best practices in all operating units for proper and consistent claims performance compliance and achievement of financial goals.
• Partner across business lines (Product Underwriting Marketing and IT) to achieve business results in a cost-effective manner.
• Attract develop and retain claims professionals who consistently demonstrate technical expertise maturity and a professional commitment to excellence.
• Ensure all claims operations comply with local state and federal regulations.
• Utilize data analytics to drive decision-making and improve claims outcomes.
• Engage with external stakeholders including regulatory bodies industry associations and customers to represent the companys interests and maintain positive relationships.
• Promote continuous learning and professional development within the claims team to stay current with industry best practices and emerging trends.
• Integrate advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning to enhance claims processing and efficiency.
• Manage the financial aspects of the claims department including budgeting and cost control to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Utilize customer satisfaction metrics to measure and improve the claims experience continuously.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written for audiences at all levels within and outside the organization.
• Strong business acumen analytical and decision-making skills.
• Proven leadership and team management experience with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
• Proficiency with advanced claims technology data analytics and digital tools.
• Strong focus on customer satisfaction and enhancing the customer experience.
• Experience with change management and leading organizational transformation projects.
• Knowledge of risk management practices related to claims handling.
• Experience managing relationships with third-party vendors and service providers.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and staying updated with industry trends and best practices.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in insurance Business Administration or an associated field coupled with relevant management experience required.
• AIC CPCU and other insurance industry designation(s) or certification(s) preferred.
• 10 years of relevant Property/Casualty experience in a claims management or leadership role.
• Natural curiosity and advanced strategic/analytic skills.
• Knowledge of and adherence to the state laws and regulations governing the handling of property and casualty claims.
• Experience implementing new claims processes improving efficiency controlling costs and managing a multimillion-dollar budget.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer including video conferencing.
• 10% travel may be required.