Lead Claims Specialist

Old Republic Excess & Surplus; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Republic Excess & Surplus seeks a Lead Claims Specialist to drive the build-out and testing of the ORES claims systems and to oversee complex general liability claims nationwide. You will lead coverage strategy, manage end-to-end claims, and mentor more junior staff while collaborating with underwriting, actuarial, and legal teams.

The role requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and willingness to travel for mediations, trials, and meetings across the United States.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of general liability claims handling experience.
• Experience with TPA oversight and multiple state licenses.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for complex general liability claims and oversight of coverage decisions.
• Manage claims from inception to resolution per Best Claims Practices and guidelines.
• Lead coverage review, investigate, analyze damages, reserve levels, and settlements.
• Coordinate defense, negotiate settlements, and manage reinsurers and counsel.
• Mentor junior staff and share knowledge to improve claims handling.

Skills

TPA oversight

Stakeholder communication

Tools

Power BI

Microsoft Office

Job description

Old Republic is a leading specialty insurer that operates diverse property & casualty and title insurance companies. Founded in 1923 and a member of the Fortune 500, we are a leader in underwriting and risk management services for business partners across the United States and Canada. Our specialized operating companies are experts in their fields, enabling us to provide tailored solutions that set us apart.

Position Overview:

The Lead Claims Specialist plays a key role in supporting the build-out and testing of the ORES claims operating system(s) and, following implementation, leads the management and TPA oversight of complex general liability claims. This role is responsible for full-lifecycle claims management, optimizing financial outcomes, resolving complex coverage issues, serving as a subject-matter expert and mentor, and collaborating with internal stakeholders to support operational excellence.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as a subject matter expert for complex general liability claims, providing strategic direction and guidance on coverage, exposure, and resolution strategy.
• Manage claims assigned from inception to resolution in accordance with Best Claims Practices and Claim Handling Guidelines, regulations, and internal performance objectives on all assigned claims.
• Provide end-to-end claims management, including proactive acknowledgement of claims; comprehensive coverage review and draft coverage position letters; direct and conduct investigations; perform factual, legal, and financial analysis and/or incident response; evaluate damages and exposure, establish and maintain accurate reserves; ensure timely diary management, document claim file; lead negotiations and settlement strategy; manage defense and coverage counsel, request claim financial authority, authorize and process claim payments, and coordinate reinsurance reporting and recoveries.
• Identify, assess, and **escalate** significant claims and/or complex coverage issues to management.
• Investigate and pursue liability and coverage risk transfer to other parties and insurance carriers.
• Lead and oversee litigation strategy in collaboration with legal counsel including defense and coverage, prepare internal litigation reports as needed.
• Analyze claims data, trends, and metrics to support informed decision‑making, portfolio management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Present claims analyses, trends, and outcomes to internal stakeholders, including underwriting, actuarial, reinsurance, and senior leadership.
• Enhance organizational efficiency by analyzing complex business challenges, defining actionable requirements, and implementing strategic solutions that strengthen operational performance.
• Actively mentor and coach earlier‑career claims staff through case consultation, file reviews, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Champion a culture of quality, accountability, and operational excellence across the claims function.
• Travel as needed for mediations, trials, conferences, client meetings, and other claim‑related activities nationwide.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant general liability claims handling experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with TPA oversight.
• NYLL experience is preferred but not required.
• Maintain and obtain state insurance adjuster licenses, including but not limited to NY, TX, FL, CA, and GA.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Power BI, required.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills with both business and technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• Self‑directed learner with the ability to mentor others, adapt to shifting priorities, and perform effectively under pressure

ORI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ORI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.