Claims Construction, Professional Liability Claims (Senior or AVP level)

Zurich North America is expanding its nationwide Construction Professional Liability Claims Team with the addition of a dedicated Claims Construction, Professional Liability Claims (Senior or AVP level). 

In this highly technical, individual contributor role, the selected candidate will manage complex, litigated construction professional liability claims. These claims typically involve allegations of design errors, omissions, or other professional acts for which our construction clients may be legally responsible. The position offers autonomy and requires strong analytical, negotiation, and litigation management skills. This position can be office, hybrid, or fully remote anywhere in the lower 48 states.

Claims Handling & Investigation:

• Manage a portfolio of highly complex, litigated claims with significant exposures, requiring advanced technical expertise and strategic coordination.
• Accurately update and document claim files in accordance with best practices, ensuring data integrity and compliance.
• Verify coverage by analyzing policy language, determining applicability to the loss, and drafting clear, well-supported coverage position letters.
• Conduct thorough investigations by collecting relevant documentation (e.g., contracts, recorded statements, expert reports) to assess coverage, liability, and damages.

Resolution Strategy & Negotiation:

• Develop and implement effective claim resolution strategies, including case evaluations, issue escalation, and timely disposition planning.
• Establish and maintain appropriate reserves throughout the claim lifecycle, ensuring alignment with exposure and developments.
• Achieve favorable claim outcomes by exercising sound judgment, applying case-specific resolution strategies, leveraging available tools, negotiating effectively, and operating within established authority limits.

Litigation & Legal Compliance:

• Oversee litigation by selecting counsel, reviewing litigation plans and budgets, coordinating defense efforts, and authorizing legal payments.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and internal controls throughout the claims process.
• Identify and refer claims with subrogation or fraud potential to the appropriate internal teams for further investigation.

Customer Service & Communication:

• Deliver exceptional customer service by proactively communicating with insureds, brokers, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrate empathy and professionalism in all interactions, actively listening to understand customer needs and concerns.
• Partner with customers to achieve fair and timely outcomes, ensuring transparency and responsiveness throughout the claim process.
• Provide timely updates and clear explanations of claim status, decisions, and next steps, fostering trust and confidence.

Quality Assurance & Risk Reporting:

• Maintain high quality standards by producing accurate, timely work and ensuring thorough documentation in accordance with best practices.
• Keep Claims and Business Unit leadership informed of significant risks, emerging exposures, and strategic claim insights.
• Resolve issues by applying company policies, procedures, and standards to ensure consistency and quality outcomes.
• Support profitable growth by sharing risk insights, trends, and data with internal stakeholders and customers as appropriate.

Expertise, Mentorship & Continuous Learning:

• Maintain subject matter expertise and regulatory compliance by staying informed on insurance laws, industry developments, and best practices.
• Mentor and support less experienced claims professionals, fostering technical growth and knowledge sharing.
• Serve as a technical resource to internal teams and business partners, offering insights to enhance product design, underwriting, and policy language.
• Escalate complex issues to senior colleagues when appropriate, promoting quality outcomes and continuous learning.
• Invest in professional development through ongoing education, industry networking, and active participation in professional organizations.

This role will be filled at either the Senior or AVP Claims Professional Level. The hiring manager will determine the appropriate level based upon the selected applicant’s experience and skill set relative to the qualifications listed for this position.

Basic Qualifications:

AVP Claims Professional:

• Bachelors Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims Technical area
  OR
• Juris Doctor and 4 or more years of experience in the Claims and Litigation Management area.
  OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the Claims and/or Litigation Management area
  OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice, including an Associate Degree with 8 or more years of experience in the Claims and/or Litigation Management area
  AND
• Must obtain and retain required adjuster license
• Microsoft Office experience
• Knowledge of insurance regulations, markets, and products
  
  

OR

Senior Claims Professional:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 6 or more years of experience in the Claims and/ or Litigation Management area.
  OR
• Juris Doctor and 2 or more years of experience in the Claims and/ or Litigation Management area.
  OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice, including an associate degree with 6 or more years of experience in the Claims and/ or Litigation Management area.
  OR
• Completion of Zurich Claims Training Program and 6 or more years of experience in the Claims and/ or Litigation Management area.
  OR
• High School Diploma Equivalent and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims and/ or Litigation Management area.
  AND
• Must obtain and maintain required adjuster license(s)
• Microsoft Office experience
• Knowledge of insurance regulations, markets, and products 

At Zurich, compensation for roles is influenced by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. In compliance with local laws, Zurich commits to providing a fair and reasonable compensation range for each role. For more information about our Total Rewards, please click here. Additional rewards may encompass short-term incentive bonuses and merit increases. We encourage candidates with salary expectations beyond the provided range to apply as they will be considered based on their experience, skills, and education. 

The compensation indicated represents a nationwide market range and has not been adjusted for geographic differentials pertaining to the location where the position may be filled.  The combined salary range for this position is $74,300.00 - $161,000.00. The proposed salary range for this position is $74,300.00 - $121,700.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%. The proposed salary range for this position is $98,300.00 - $161,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 20%. 

As an insurance company, Zurich is subject to 18 U.S. Code § 1033. 
 

A future with Zurich. What can go right when you apply at Zurich?

Now is the time to move forward and make a difference. At Zurich, we want you to share your unique perspectives, experiences and ideas so we can grow and drive sustainable change together. As part of a leading global organization, Zurich North America has over 150 years of experience managing risk and supporting resilience. Today, Zurich North America is a leading provider of commercial property-casualty insurance solutions and a wide range of risk management products and services for businesses and individuals. We serve more than 25 industries, from agriculture to technology, and we insure 90% of the Fortune 500®. Our growth strategy is not limited to our business. As an employer, we strive to provide ongoing career development opportunities, and we foster an environment where voices are diverse, behaviors are inclusive, actions drive equity, and our people feel a sense of belonging. Be a part of the next evolution of the insurance industry. Join us in building a brighter future for our colleagues, our customers and the communities we serve. Zurich maintains a comprehensive employee benefits package for employees as well as eligible dependents and competitive compensation. Please click here to learn more.

Zurich in North America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. 

Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich American Insurance. If you are a preferred vendor, please use our Recruiting Agency Portal for resume submission. 

Location(s): AM - Schaumburg, AM - Addison, AM - Atlanta, AM - Dallas, AM - Maitland, AM - Omaha, AM - Overland Park, AM - Owings Mills, AM - Parsippany, AM - Remote Work (US), AM - Rocky Hill, AM - Woodland Hills
Remote Working: Yes
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No 
 
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-LC1 #LI-DIRECTOR #LI-HYBRID