Claims Manager - Motor Vehicle Insurance

Placements24; United States; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave + PTO

Professional development

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a rapidly expanding SA insurer in finding a seasoned Claims Manager for its Motor Vehicle Insurance division based in Welkom. You will oversee end-to-end motor claims operations, drive performance improvements, and manage a team of claims professionals.

This hybrid role balances in-office strategic leadership with remote task execution, emphasizing customer service, collaboration with underwriting and actuarial teams, and ongoing process optimization.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in the insurance industry with 5+ years in leadership within motor claims.
• In-depth knowledge of motor vehicle insurance products, processes and laws.
• Proven ability to motivate and develop a claims team.
• Strong financial management and cost-control capabilities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead motor vehicle claims team with direction, support and performance management.
• Oversee end-to-end claims processing from notification to settlement.
• Develop strategies to optimize efficiency and control costs.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
• Manage relationships with third-party service providers such as repairers.
• Handle escalated and complex claims requiring senior intervention.
• Train and mentor adjusters and assessors for development.
• Collaborate with underwriting and actuarial teams on trends and risk.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Claims handling

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Short-Term Insurance (NQF5/6)

Tools

Claims management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding insurance group, is seeking a seasoned and strategic Claims Manager to lead their Motor Vehicle Insurance division in Welkom, Free State. This pivotal role involves overseeing all aspects of motor claims operations, ensuring efficient processing, cost containment, and superior customer service. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of motor insurance claims, and a proven ability to manage teams and drive performance improvements. This hybrid position offers a blend of in-office strategic planning and team management in Welkom with the flexibility of remote work for specific tasks, promoting a balanced and productive work environment. You will be instrumental in upholding the company’s reputation for excellence in claims handling.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and lead the motor vehicle claims team, providing direction, support, and performance management.
• Oversee the end-to-end claims process, from first notification of loss to final settlement, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
• Develop and implement claims handling strategies to optimize operational efficiency and control costs.
• Monitor claims performance metrics and KPIs, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage relationships with third-party service providers, such as repairers and assessors.
• Handle escalated claims and complex cases requiring senior intervention.
• Train and mentor claims adjusters and assessors, fostering their professional development.
• Contribute to the development of new claims products and services.
• Maintain a strong focus on customer satisfaction and continuous service improvement.
• Collaborate with underwriting and actuarial departments to provide insight into claims trends and risk management.
• Participate in the hybrid work model, balancing office-based leadership with remote operational tasks as needed.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in the insurance industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership or managerial role within motor vehicle claims.
• In-depth knowledge of motor vehicle insurance products, claims processes, and relevant legislation in South Africa.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate a claims team to achieve high performance standards.
• Strong understanding of financial management and cost control principles within claims operations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in claims management systems and standard office applications.
• Relevant insurance qualifications (e.g., NQF level 5/6 in Short-Term Insurance) are essential.
• Experience with hybrid work models and a strong ability to manage remote and in-office teams effectively.
• Commitment to ethical conduct and customer-centric service delivery.
• Residency or willingness to work from the Welkom, Free State area for the required office presence.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Significant annual leave and other paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• Leadership role with significant strategic input.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.
• Be part of a reputable and growing insurance organization.
• Contribute to shaping the future of motor claims management.