Assistant Vice President, Casualty Claims

Berkley Agribusiness (a Berkley Company); Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Berkley Agribusiness in Urbandale, IA is seeking an AVP, Casualty Claims to provide strategic leadership for the commercial casualty claims organization, including liability and auto claims. You will drive claims operations, quality, compliance, and talent development in alignment with underwriting and product management.

The role requires 10+ years of complex casualty and litigation experience, strong leadership, and the ability to mentor and retain talented staff while collaborating with

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive commercial property and casualty claims experience.
• Experience with complex casualty and litigation management.
• Proven leadership ability to develop, mentor, and retain talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Casualty Claims function, establishing and executing strategies that support organizational goals.
• Oversee complex, high-severity, and litigated casualty claims, providing direction on coverage, liability, reserving, settlement, and defense strategies.
• Manage litigation activities, including oversight of defense counsel, legal strategy, and claim resolution efforts.
• Monitor claims performance, quality, and operational metrics, driving continuous improvement and accountability across the team.
• Provide technical expertise and collaborate with underwriting and product management on coverage language, policy development, and risk management initiatives.
• Lead talent acquisition, coaching, development, and performance management for claims staff.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company standards, and reinsurance reporting obligations.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to enhance profitability, improve customer outcomes, and support strategic business initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Claims leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Insurance or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Company Details

Berkley Agribusiness works with ambitious agribusiness and food industry clients to help them own their futures. Our culture is built on the belief that everyone has the power to create the future they deserve. Every Berkley Agribusiness team member must have the courage to challenge the status quo, collaboratively working with our clients to find creative property and casualty insurance solutions that drive them to succeed. We depend on our ability to listen to our clients — and our experience to help them make fact-based decisions that help their businesses thrive.

Company Details

Berkley Agribusiness works with ambitious agribusiness and food industry clients to help them own their futures. Our culture is built on the belief that everyone has the power to create the future they deserve. Every Berkley Agribusiness team member must have the courage to challenge the status quo, collaboratively working with our clients to find creative property and casualty insurance solutions that drive them to succeed. We depend on our ability to listen to our clients — and our experience to help them make fact-based decisions that help their businesses thrive.

Berkley Agribusiness is part of the W. R. Berkley Corporation (WRBC). Founded in 1967, WRBC is one of the nation’s premier commercial lines property casualty insurance providers. WRBC’s international business operates in selected regions throughout the world, including Europe, South America, Australia, and Asia.

Learn more about how Berkley Agribusiness can help you Create Your Future at berkleyag.com

Responsibilities

The AVP, Casualty Claims provides strategic leadership and oversight for the commercial Agribusiness Casualty Claims organization, including general liability, auto liability, and auto physical damage claims. This role is responsible for claims operations, severity and litigation management, quality assurance, compliance, and talent development. The AVP partners with claims leadership, underwriting, and product management to drive effective claims outcomes, support product development, mitigate risk, and ensure alignment with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Casualty Claims function, establishing and executing strategies that support organizational goals.
• Oversee complex, high-severity, and litigated casualty claims, providing direction on coverage, liability, reserving, settlement, and defense strategies.
• Manage litigation activities, including oversight of defense counsel, legal strategy, and claim resolution efforts.
• Monitor claims performance, quality, and operational metrics, driving continuous improvement and accountability across the team.
• Provide technical expertise and collaborate with underwriting and product management on coverage language, policy development, and risk management initiatives.
• Lead talent acquisition, coaching, development, and performance management for claims staff.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company standards, and reinsurance reporting obligations.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to enhance profitability, improve customer outcomes, and support strategic business initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Insurance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of progressive commercial property and casualty claims experience, including complex casualty and litigation management.
• Proven leadership experience with a strong ability to develop, mentor, and retain talent.
• Advanced knowledge of claims operations, coverage analysis, litigation management, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ability to travel as needed.

Additional Company Details

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting agencies or firms.

Sponsorship Details

Sponsorship not Offered for this Role