Claim Director-Commercial General Liability (Hybrid, Chicago)

About Us

We're not like other insurance companies. From our specialty products to our business model, our culture to our results - we're different. Different is who we are, and how we work, interact, deliver and succeed together. Creating a different and better insurance experience doesn't just happen. It takes focus and a shared passion for going beyond the expected to forge relationships and deliver care that makes a difference. This approach rises from and is supported by our talented, ethical and smart team of employee owners united around a single purpose: to work alongside our customers and partners when they need us, in unexpected ways, with exceptional results. Apply today to make a difference with us.

RLI is a Glassdoor Best Places to Work company with a strong, successful background. For decades, our financial track record has been stellar - a testament to our culture and validation of our reputation as an excellent underwriting company. Our insurance subsidiaries are rated A+ "Superior" by AM Best company and A "Strong" by Standard & Poor's. Check out our strong financial track record here.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Claim Managers and Examiners.

• Oversee potential high-exposure, complex bodily injury and property damage claims across the United States (excluding New York).

• Oversee all aspects of claim-handling, including fact investigation, coverage analysis, claim evaluation, and litigation management.

• Responsible for the most complex claims within a product claim group.

• Evaluate claims and set case resolution strategies, including independent handling of mediations and trials in complex claims.

• Develop and implement negotiation strategies and identify claims where trial is appropriate.

• Select, retain, and direct appropriate defense counsel on litigated cases.

• Collaboratively communicate with Underwriting on industry trends or case law/statutory developments that my impact their respective product lines.

• Develop and implement training for Claim Managers and Examiners.

• Assist Underwriters in review of submissions of policies/bonds as needed.

• Lead in special projects and other duties as needed.

Education & Experience

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in business administration, insurance, or a related field; and
• 8+ years of relevant legal or insurance related experience with general liability claims.
• A Juris Doctorate with relevant insurance coverage or defense litigation experience would be beneficial.

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Ability to communicate effectively with employees on claims matters.

• Ability to manage and develop subordinates to ensure increased performance.

• Meaningful experience handling liability claims involving bodily injury and property damage with significant exposure under both primary and excess policies, in various jurisdictions across the United States. A strong focus on U.S. south and southeastern states would be beneficial.

Ideal candidate will have superior working knowledge of case law, statutes, and procedures impacting the handling and value of general liability claims and would benefit from having experience with handling claims for different types of insurance risks and policies (e.g. construction, premises liability, marine, etc.).

• Proactive investigation, risk transfer identification and pursuit, strategic claim handling, hands-on attorney management, and sophisticated claims resolution skills are essential.

• Superior writing and communication skills to work effectively with insureds, claimants, underwriters, other team members, and upper management.

Personal & Professional Growth

RLI encourages its employees to pursue professional development work in insurance and job-related areas. We make a commitment to employees to provide educational opportunities that help them enhance their skills and further their career advancement. RLI fosters a true learning culture and encourages professional growth through insurance courses, in-house training and other educational programs. RLI covers the cost for most programs and employees typically earn a bonus upon successful completion of approved courses and certifications. Our personal and professional growth benefits include:

• Nationwide employment opportunities

• Training & certification opportunities

• Tuition reimbursement

• Education bonuses

Diversity & Inclusion

Our goal is to attract, develop and retain the best employee talent from diverse backgrounds while promoting an environment where all viewpoints are valued and individuals feel respected, are treated fairly, and have an opportunity to excel in their chosen careers. We actively support, and participate in, initiatives led by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association that aim to increase diversity in the insurance industry. Cultivating an exceptional and diverse workforce to deliver excellent customer service reinforces our culture and is a key to achieving superior business results.

RLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Total Rewards

At RLI, we're all owners. We hire the best and the brightest employees and allow them to share in the company's success through our Total Rewards. With the Employee Stock Ownership plan at its core, the Total Rewards program includes all compensation, benefits and perks that come with being an RLI employee.

Financial Incentives

• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

• 401(k) - automatic 3% company contribution

• Annual discretionary 401k and ESOP profit-sharing contribution (up to 15% of base salary)

• Annual bonus plans

Work & Life

• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays

• Paid volunteer time off (VTO) to support our communities

• Parental and family care leave

• Flexible & hybrid work arrangements

• Fitness center discounts and free virtual fitness platform

• Employee assistance program

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits

• Flexible spending and health savings accounts

• 2x Base Salary for Group Life and AD&D insurance

• Voluntary life insurance for purchase

• Critical Illness & Accident insurance

• Short-term and long-term disability benefits