AVP Surety Claims

Polikov Recruitment Solutions; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Polikov Recruitment Solutions is seeking an AVP, Surety Claims in Cincinnati, OH to shape and lead the Surety Claims function. You will guide complex claims, manage two direct reports, and influence strategy, reserves, and recovery with underwriters and outside counsel.

The role emphasizes leadership, advanced Surety knowledge, and the ability to drive integrated claims and underwriting objectives at the organizational level.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Surety Claims, Surety law, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of Surety bond forms, coverage, claims law, and litigation.
• Experience leading and mentoring teams.
• Ability to align claims strategy with underwriting and business goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continue building the Surety Claims function and infrastructure.
• Manage, coach, and develop two direct reports.
• Oversee complex Surety claims and mediations/trials when needed.
• Develop reserves and recovery strategies with indemnitors and third parties.
• Collaborate with underwriting leadership to align on strategy and performance.
• Oversee litigation management and outside counsel relationships.
• Review and improve claims processes for efficiency and consistency.
• Define culture, standards, and long-term direction of the organization.

Skills

Surety claims

Leadership

Litigation management

Negotiation

Underwriting collaboration

Strategic planning

Travel flexibility

Education

J.D. preferred

Job description

We are partnering with a highly rated specialty insurance organization to identify an AVP, Surety Claims who will have the opportunity to help build and shape its Surety Claims operation.

This is an opportunity for an experienced Surety Claims professional or Surety attorney who wants more than simply inheriting an established department. The individual joining the organization will have significant influence over how the claims function develops, including claim's philosophy, processes, team development, litigation management, recovery strategy, and collaboration with the underwriting organization.

The AVP will lead two direct reports while remaining involved in the oversight and handling of complex Surety claims. The position will also have direct visibility with the President of the Surety Division, who built their own career in Surety Claims and as a Surety attorney.

For someone who wants to put their fingerprints on a developing Surety organization and continue growing into broader leadership responsibility, there is considerable runway here.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Lead and continue building the Surety Claims function and overall claims infrastructure.
• Manage, coach, and develop two direct reports.
• Provide oversight and direct handling of complex Surety claims.
• Oversee claim investigations involving coverage, liability, damages, evaluation, resolution, and recovery.
• Establish and manage reserves in accordance with established reserving protocols and authority procedures.
• Develop and execute recovery strategies involving indemnitors, obligees, and other third parties.
• Manage outside counsel, consultants, and third-party vendors while maintaining appropriate control over litigation expenses and ALAE.
• Participate in mediations, settlement conferences, and trials when appropriate.
• Serve as the claims contact for applicable reinsurance matters.
• Partner with the Surety underwriting organization and provide claims insight and underwriting support when needed.
• Review existing claims processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and overall claims performance.
• Help establish the culture, standards, and long-term direction of a growing Surety Claims organization.

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of experience within Surety Claims, Surety law, or a closely related legal/Surety environment with significant exposure to claims handling and litigation.
• Strong understanding of Surety bond forms, coverage, claims law, litigation, and recovery.
• Experience pursuing recoveries from indemnitors, obligees, and third parties.
• Previous leadership, team management, or mentoring experience.
• Ability to evaluate complex claims while also operating at a broader strategic level.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing outside counsel and litigation strategy.
• Ability to work collaboratively with underwriting leadership.
• J.D. preferred, but not required.
• Ability to travel as needed.

For someone who has developed strong technical Surety Claims expertise and is looking for the opportunity to build, lead, and potentially grow into broader responsibility, this could be a compelling next step.