Insurance Specialist

Wakefern Food Corp.; Edison (NJ); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vibrant Food Centric Culture

Competitive Salary and Paid Time Off

Fitness Reimbursement and Well-Being

Corporate Training and Development U

Collaborative team environment

401K

Matching Gifts and Community Volunteer

Job summary

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States, located in Edison, NJ. The Insurance Specialist supports the Risk Management Division, managing surety bonds, COIs, and renewals while coordinating property risk programs and data collection for underwriting.

The role emphasizes AI enablement and cross-functional collaboration within a hybrid work model. Qualified candidates typically have 1–3 years of insurance experience, strong communication and organizational

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of insurance experience preferred.
• Experience working with brokers and carriers a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Organizational skills and ability to multitask.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Proactive mindset with a desire to learn and take on new challenges.
• Strong technical skills and adaptability to new technologies.
• Willingness to travel to stores within the trading area and a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate requests for new surety bonds and determine renewal or cancellation needs.
• Oversee property insurance risk assessment visits and corrective actions.
• Manage COI requests and RMIS platforms for Wakefern, Members, and third parties.
• Support underwriting data collection for insurance applications and renewals.
• Maintain mandated policies in Origami and monitor compliance.
• Serve as the Risk Management AI lead and share best practices.

Skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Learning mindset

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Fairway Market®, Gourmet Garage®, DiBruno Bros. ®, and Morton Williams ® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best in class procurement practices.

About You

Your contribution:

The Insurance Specialist is responsible for supporting the risk management and insurance team in the day-to-day operations of the Risk Management Division. Primary responsibilities include:

• Management of Wakefern’s surety bond program
• Oversight of the Property Risk Assessment program
• Serve as the division AI Ambassador
• Coordination of the COI (Certificate of Insurance program)
• Assistance with the collection of insurance underwriting data for insurance renewals
• Management of all evidence of insurance documentation including:
• Certificates of Insurance (COI),
• Workers compensation posting notices, and
• Insurance manuals
• Collection, review, and maintenance of all Member mandated insurance policies
• Use of various technology systems to successfully perform duties

This position is located in Edison, NJ.

What you will do:

Surety & Financial Guarantee Management

• Coordinate requests for new surety bonds and determine which bonds should be procured, renewed, or canceled
• Review surety invoices to validate rates and premium are accurate
• Assist Members with surety bond inquiries

Property & Engineering Risk Programs

• Oversee Wakefern’s property insurance Risk Assessment program, including scheduling/attending visits, communicating results, and ensuring corrective action plans are implemented
• Coordinate and manage the Jurisdictional Boiler & Machinery inspection process to ensure inspections, certifications, and deficiency remediation are completed

Certificates of Insurance (COI) Management

• Process daily COI requests for Wakefern, Members, and third parties
• Manage transportation and vendor COIs through Coupa and RMIS platforms
• Provide support during data migration projects to transition certificates to a new platform

Insurance Operations & Renewals Support

• Assist with the collection of underwriting data for insurance applications (including outreach and data consolidation)
• Initiate coordination with brokers prior to renewals for distribution of COIs, auto ID cards, WC postings, etc.
• Work with brokers post-renewal to prepare insurance manuals

Compliance, Policy Management & RMIS (Origami)

• Request, review, and maintain mandated insurance policies in Origami; identify noncompliance, produce summary reports, and elevate as necessary
• Maintain and update Wakefern and Member location data in Origami

Technology & Innovation (AI Enablement)

• Serve as the Risk Management AI lead, guiding adoption of AI tools, sharing best practices, and driving early Copilot use cases
• Report on recent AI developments at scheduled staff meetings

What we’re looking for:

• Minimum 1-3 years of insurance experience preferred
• Experience working with brokers and carriers a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Organizational skills and ability to multitask
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Proactive mindset with a desire to learn and take on new challenges
• Strong technical skills (proficient in Microsoft Office)
• Ability to adapt to new technologies
• Willingness to travel to stores within our trading area
• Valid driver’s license

How you will work:

• Ability to work a hybrid schedule as established by the company to work four days onsite with the option to work a fifth day at home
• Travel to various Wakefern and retail locations, as needed.

How you will succeed:

Core Competencies

• Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two-way communication.
• Build Relationships: Creates cross-functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships.
• Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work.
• Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology.
• Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth.
• Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals.

Company Perks:

• Vibrant Food Centric Culture
• Competitive Salary and Paid Time Off
• Fitness Reimbursement and Well-Being Program
• Corporate Training and Development University
• Collaborative team environment
• 401K
• Matching Gifts and Community Volunteer Involvement

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $58,000 - $72,000. Placement in the range depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations.

Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match & annual company contribution, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.