SIU Director

01460 Continental Casualty Company; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

CNA is seeking a senior leader to head the internal fraud investigations unit, directing both internal resources and external providers to optimize performance. The role involves strategic decision-making, vendor management, and cross‑functional collaboration to advance business goals.

Ideal candidates will have a long track record in fraud investigations, with strong leadership, negotiation, and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent; advanced degree preferred.
• Professional fraud certification (CFE, CIFI, FCLS, or similar) preferred.
• At least 10 years directing investigations in fraud, law enforcement, or related fields.
• Experience supervising others is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall operational activities and budget for fraud investigations.
• Direct internal and external service providers to maximize unit performance.
• Develop and execute strategic and operational initiatives aligned with goals.
• Ensure vendor services comply with policy, contracts, and fiduciary guidelines.
• Oversee staff development, performance, and communications.
• Represent CNA at industry associations and events.
• Participate in special investigations or high‑complexity matters.

Skills

Team leadership

Claims knowledge

Underwriting investigations

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Ambiguity handling

Creative thinking

Proactive mindset

Microsoft Office

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Fraud certification (CFE/CIFI/FCLS/FCLA)

Job description

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential. Leads and directs activities of internal special investigations unit and SIU vendor service providers. Accountable for managing and driving business results through oversight of teams responsible for suspected fraud. In conjunction with senior management, works within the limits of authority on matters requiring a high degree of technical knowledge and expertise. Has line of business, regional, industry segment, or company-wide scope of responsibility.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines: Leads the overall operational activities, budgetary, and financial responsibilities of fraud investigations unit by directing the services provided by both internal resources and external service providers to maximize unit performance. Participates in the development and execution of strategic and operational initiatives based on departmental and corporate goals and objectives. Ensures vendor services are performed in accordance with corporate policy, contract provisions, fiduciary guidelines, and service agreements by participating in the negotiations, monitoring, and evaluating vendor performance. Makes informed strategic and operational business decisions by identifying and analyzing trends and improvement opportunities through the effective use of resources, tools, and metrics. Responsible for the ongoing management of staff by attracting talent, setting clear direction, providing appropriate guidance, managing performance, recognizing contributions, and developing capabilities. Maintains transparent communication by appropriately communicating organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, email and regular interpersonal communication; works to build consensus. Ensures quality by establishing and overseeing best practices, and ensuring the development and delivery of training as needed. Maintains and shares industry knowledge by keeping current on law, trends, and issues. Represents the company at industry associations and representing the company at insurance fraud or related industry associations and events. May participate in special projects including investigations or surveillance on high complexity matters.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• 1. Ability to effectively lead, coach and develop an investigations group consisting of multiple layers, and effectively manage external service providers.
• 2. Technical and business management acumen; advanced claims investigations and resolution skills; advanced knowledge of insurance and claims handling principles, practices, and procedures.
• 3. Technical and business management acumen; advanced underwriting investigation and risk assessment skills; advanced knowledge of underwriting principles, practices, procedures, and insurance operations.
• 4. Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills with the ability to effectively interact with internal and external business partners at all levels.
• 5. Excellent analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and teams.
• 6. Ability to deal effectively with ambiguous situations and issues.
• 7. Creative thinker; embraces diverse and innovative ideas to solve problems.
• 8. Proven ability to achieve results by taking a proactive long‑term view of business goals and objectives.
• 9. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and business software.
• 10. Acts with a sense of urgency to advance priorities of the organization.
• 11. Helps others to excel through collaboration and building strong relationships.
• 12. Raises expectations of self and others by continuously learning and broadening industry and technical skills.

Education and Experience

• 1. Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience; advanced degree highly desired.
• 2. Professional certification or designation related to fraud investigations strongly preferred (e.g., CFE, CIFI, FCLS, FCLA, or similar).
• 3. Minimum of ten (10) years of experience conducting or directing investigations in the area of a) insurance fraud, b) law enforcement, c) civil or criminal litigation, or d) similar field.
• 4. Experience managing or supervising others preferred. #LI-SM1 #LI-HYBRID

In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $97,000 to $189,000 annually. Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location.

CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com.

CNA utilizes AI-enabled technology during the recruiting process. For more information, please visit our careers page.

CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail]

At CNA, we are focused on success, individually and collectively. We pride ourselves on promoting a culture that challenges and engages people. We strive to connect people, departments and business areas, to function as a team, and to serve our customers and communities with professionalism and respect. Our dedication to employee engagement, continuous learning and the open exchange of ideas is the cornerstone of our business. These ideals, combined with our focus on the customer, enable us to explore new market opportunities and build on our success. Our values, culture and financial strength are what differentiates us from other employers and make CNA the place you want to work. At CNA, we are committed to advancing a culture of inclusion – one that attracts talent from all walks of life, foster respect and collaboration, and enables all of our colleagues to do their best work. At CNA, we have a long standing commitment to the diverse communities in which we live and work. We actively make a difference for the greater good through partnerships, sustainability, initiatives, and working together for a better tomorrow. Corporate Social Responsibility is not one person, or one department, it's the entire enterprise coming together to make the world a better place.