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

Claims Construction, Professional Liability Claims

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.