Sr. Litigation & Claims Administrator

PetSmart Store Support Group, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

PetSmart Store Support Group, Inc. is seeking a Risk Management professional based at the Phoenix Home Office.

This role directs work of outside vendors and claims professionals to efficiently resolve self-insured general liability claims and litigation matters across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The successful candidate will partner with the in-house Litigation Attorney, assess claims values, coordinate discovery, and prepare documentation and reports on portfolio results.

Responsibilities

• Direct work of outside vendors including law firms and third-party claim administrators to efficiently resolve PetSmart’s self-insured general liability claims and litigation matters across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
• Assess claims values and exposure and facilitate early settlement and resolution of claims and cases.
• Coordinate discovery requests, including identifying document custodians and managing collection/retention of documents; conduct witness interviews.
• Draft and review pleadings and related documents; manage the general liability outside counsel network.
• Prepare reports summarizing business results of the litigation portfolio and occasionally manage special projects.

Job description

About the Team

The Legal & Corporate Affairs team is responsible for safeguarding the company’s reputation, ensuring we are operating with integrity and in line with our strategic initiatives. The Legal team provides high-quality legal services, ensures legal compliance and mitigates risks. The Corporate Communications team works to execute strategic and effective communication efforts that drive brand awareness, preference and reputation with internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the Corporate Social Responsibility & Belonging teams support the company’s environmental and social commitments with a strong focus on pets, people and the planet. The collective team supports the overall success and positive reputation of the company.

About the Location

Collaborative Work Environment: At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

About the Job

This position requires broad working knowledge and experience in liability and insurance claim valuation, management, and resolution. The successful candidate should have a proven track record of taking on additional responsibilities typically handled by attorneys, paralegals and insurance claims specialists. This position also regularly facilitates efficiencies to streamline and improve business and department processes.

The position, which is part of the Risk Management Department, is responsible for directing work of outside vendors including law firms and third-party claim administrators to efficiently resolve PetSmart’s self-insured general liability claims and litigation matters across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The position also works very closely with and has accountabilities to the in‑house Litigation Attorney on litigated matters. This position does not have direct reports but is responsible for directing the work of outside counsel and the third‑party claims administrator. This position may represent PetSmart at mediations as determined by the Litigation Attorney; determines claims values and exposure, facilitates early settlement and resolution of claims and cases; coordinates discovery requests, including the identification of document custodians, the management of document collection and retention, conducting interviews of PetSmart witnesses, third party witnesses, and physicians; inspects property damages, prepares damages estimates, reviews and drafts documents and pleadings; recommends adjustments in reserve levels; manages general liability outside counsel network; prepares reports summarizing business results of our litigation portfolio; and occasionally manages special projects. The position is expected to work in close partnership with PetSmart’s third‑