Manager, STD & Absence Management Claims - Remote

Symetra; United States; Remote; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Hybrid/remote work options

Job summary

Symetra seeks a Manager, STD & Absence Claims to lead a team responsible for short-term disability and absence management claims.

You will coach a high-performing team, use data to drive improvements, and ensure compliant claim administration while collaborating with internal stakeholders.

This role emphasizes leadership, analytics, and process optimization to deliver excellent customer experiences and business results.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Short-Term Disability and Absence Management claims.
• Previous people leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, and talent development.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using reporting and trend analysis to inform decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of an organization.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; Power BI experience is a plus.
• Experience with ClaimVantage, Salesforce, and/or FINEOS preferred.
• CLMS certification is a plus.
• Willingness to travel occasionally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of STD and Absence claims professionals to achieve quality, service, productivity, and customer experience goals.
• Use reporting, analytics, and trend data to identify opportunities for operational improvement and drive performance outcomes.
• Monitor workflows, workloads, and claim decisions to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant claim administration.
• Conduct audits and quality reviews, providing meaningful coaching and feedback to support team development.
• Partner with legal, sales, implementation, and other internal stakeholders to resolve complex cases and deliver exceptional service.
• Serve as a technical resource on STD, leave management, ERISA, state regulations, and claims practices.
• Balance customer advocacy with effective risk management and sound claim decision-making.
• Support broker and customer inquiries, finalist meetings, and education efforts related to claim philosophy and processes.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive team culture where employees can grow and succeed.
• Lead or participate in strategic initiatives and continuous improvement projects that enhance team effectiveness and customer outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Analytics

Communication

Collaboration

Project management

Change management

Travel readiness

Training & coaching

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Power BI

Salesforce

ClaimVantage

FINEOS

Job description

Symetra is seeking a Manager, STD & Absence Claims to lead a team of case managers responsible for short-term disability and absence management claims.About the roleIn this role, you'll combine people leadership, operational oversight, and technical expertise to deliver exceptional customer experiences while ensuring quality, compliance, and business results. You'll coach and develop a high-performing team, leverage data and reporting to drive continuous improvement, and help shape strategies that support organizational growth and evolving customer needs.If you're a collaborative leader who enjoys developing talent, improving operations, and solving complex claims challenges, we'd love to hear from you.What you will doLead, coach, and develop a team of STD and Absence claims professionals to achieve quality, service, productivity, and customer experience goals.Use reporting, analytics, and trend data to identify opportunities for operational improvement and drive performance outcomes.Monitor workflows, workloads, and claim decisions to ensure timely , accurate , and compliant claim administration.Conduct audits and quality reviews, providing meaningful coaching and feedback to support team development.Partner with legal, sales, implementation, and other internal stakeholders to resolve complex cases and deliver exceptional service.Serve as a technical resource on STD, leave management, ERISA, state regulations, and claims practices.Balance customer advocacy with effective risk management and sound claim decision-making.Support broker and customer inquiries, finalist meetings, and education efforts related to claim philosophy and processes.Foster a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive team culture where employees can grow and succeed.Lead or participate in strategic initiatives and continuous improvement projects that enhance team effectiveness and customer outcomes.Why Work at SymetraHere’s what some of our employees have to say about why they work at Symetra :“What I was searching for was a company that genuinely valued my voice—and I found that at Symetra. I truly enjoy working one-on-one with our customers, especially when they’re going through life’s toughest moments. Being able to offer support and hear their relief and gratitude when we help— it’s deeply meaningful. That’s what makes me proud to be part of the Symetra team.” - Lilly H., Claims Team Lead“I chose Symetra because I heard it was a pro-employee company—and it’s absolutely true . The work environment is supportive, the people are great, and the benefits are generous. Symetra truly cares about its employees. The relaxed atmosphere and opportunities to learn and grow—both within your role and beyond—make it a great place to build your career.” - Alicia L., Claims ExaminerWhat we offer youBenefits and PerksWe don’t take a “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to our employees. Our programs are designed to make your life better both at work and at home.Flexible full-time or hybrid telecommuting arrangementsPlan for your future with our 401(k) plan and take advantage of immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%Paid time away including vacation and sick time, flex days and ten paid holidaysGive back to your community and double your impact through our company matchingWant more details? Check out our Symetra Benefits OverviewCompensationSalary Range: $ 72,700 - $ 121,100 plu s eligibility for annual bonus programWho You AreHigh school diploma required ; bachelor's degree preferred.5+ years of experience in Short-Term Disability and Absence Management claims.Previous people leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, and talent development required .Strong analytical skills with experience using reporting and trend analysis to inform decisions and improve performance.Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of an organization.Comfortable presenting to internal and external audiences and building trusted business relationships.Proven success leading change, driving process improvements, and managing multiple priorities.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; Power BI experience is a plus.Experience with ClaimVantage , Salesforce, and/or FINEOS preferred.CLMS certification is a plus.Customer-focused leader with strong conflict resolution, negotiation, and decision-making skills.Willingness to travel occasionally as needed.Travel:Required Training & Professional DevelopmentAll newly hired people leaders with direct reports are required to complete a comprehensive leadership development program within their first year. This program includes both virtual and in-person training. The in-person sessions will take place at Symetra’s corporate headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. Symetra covers all travel and accommodation expenses.Reasonable AccommodationsSymetra is committed to providing equitable access to all job-related responsibilities, including required travel. If reasonable accommodations are needed for travel, Symetra’s HR department will work to provide appropriate solutions in alignment with individual needs and company policies.We empower inclusionAt Symetra, we aspire to be the most inclusive insurance company in the country. We're building a place where every employee feels valued, respected, and has opportunities to contribute.Inclusion is about recognizing our assumptions, considering multiple perspective, and removing barriers. We accept and celebrate diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives, because lifting each other up fuels thought and builds a stronger, more innovative company. We invite you to learn more about our efforts here.Creating a world where more people have access to financial freedomSymetra is a national financial services company dedicated to helping people achieve their financial goals and feel confident about the future. In our daily work, we're guided by the principles of Value, Transparency and Sustainability. This means we provide products and services people need at a competitive price, we communicate clearly and openly so people understand what they're buying, and we design products-and operate our company-to stand the test of time. We're committed to showing up for our communities, lifting up our employees, and standing up for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Join our team and help us create a world where more people have access to financial freedom.For more information about our careers visit: https://symetra.eightfold.ai/careersWork AuthorizationEmployer work visa sponsorship and support are not provided for this role. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at hire and must maintain authorization to work in the United States throughout their employment with our company.Please review Symetra's Remote Network Minimum Requirements:As a remote-first organization committed to providing a positive experience for both employees and customers, Symetra has the following standards for employees' internet connection:Minimum Internet Speed:100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, in alignment with the FCC's definition of \"broadband.\"Internet Type:Fiber, Cable (e.g., Comcast, Spectrum), or DSL.Not Permissible:Satellite (e.g., Starlink), cellular broadband (hotspot or otherwise), any other wireless technology, or wired dial-up.When applying to jobs at Symetra you'll be asked to test your internet speed and confirm that your internet connection meets or exceeds Symetra's standard as outlined above.Identity VerificationSymetra is committed to fair and secure hiring practices. For all roles, candidates will be required (after the initial phone screen) to be on video for all interviews. Symetra will take affirmative steps at key points in the process to verify that a candidate is not seeking employment fraudulently, e.g. through use of a false identity.Failure to comply with verification procedures may result in:Disqualification from the recruitment processWithdrawal of a job offerTermination of employment and other criminal and/or civil remedies, if fraud is discovered