Vice President, Claims

Founded in 1898, Mutual of Enumclaw is a people-first insurer rooted in community, recognized as Washington’s Best Company to Work For for the 13th consecutive year, and proudly serving individuals, families, farms, and businesses through local independent agents across the West.

The VP, Claims, is responsible for leading the claims department in delivering a superior and valuable claims experience that supports the company’s strategic objectives. This role involves formulating and executing strategic priorities, operational objectives, and performance metrics for claims management. The Vice President of Claims will leverage advanced analytics, technology, and best practices to optimize claim outcomes, drive efficiency, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. ​

Location:The successful candidate will work in a hybrid capacity between our Home Office in Enumclaw, WA, and remotely. Candidate must live within driving distance of our Home Office and have high-speed internet (internet speed test required).

*Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience. Compensation is only one part of our entire total rewards package. To see some of the benefits and perks we offer, please click here.

Responsibilities:

• Provide vision and leadership to the Claims Team in alignment with the company’s strategic direction.
• Cultivate a departmental culture that excels in communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive the development, implementation, and continuous planning, organizing, and leading of all claims programs, metrics, processes, results, and initiatives.
• Lead, direct, and have full management accountability for claims staff, with an emphasis on talent management and succession planning, in accordance with corporate strategic direction.
• Collaborate with underwriting, risk control, actuarial, and other claims partners to ensure knowledge sharing on the latest trends, market changes, legal updates, and loss reserving. Regularly report on loss trends and exposures to internal and external business partners.
• Provide innovative solutions to complex business issues that span across lines of business. Identify and evaluate implications for the existing claims operating model.
• Leverage people, technology, and processes to drive innovation within the department.
• Drive a superior customer experience and continuous improvement through the development and implementation of corporate initiatives involving human capital, processes, and technology.
• Identify and implement best practices in all operating units for proper and consistent claims performance, compliance, and achievement of financial goals.
• Partner across business lines (Product, Underwriting, Marketing, and IT) to achieve business results in a cost-effective manner.
• Attract, develop, and retain claims professionals who consistently demonstrate technical expertise, maturity, and a professional commitment to excellence.
• Ensure all claims operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Utilize data analytics to drive decision-making and improve claims outcomes.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, industry associations, and customers, to represent the company's interests and maintain positive relationships.
• Promote continuous learning and professional development within the claims team to stay current with industry best practices and emerging trends.
• Integrate advanced technologies, such as AI and machine learning, to enhance claims processing and efficiency.
• Manage the financial aspects of the claims department, including budgeting and cost control, to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Utilize customer satisfaction metrics to measure and improve the claims experience continuously.

Required Skills/Abilities:  

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for audiences at all levels within and outside the organization.
• Strong business acumen, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Proven leadership and team management experience with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
• Proficiency with advanced claims technology, data analytics, and digital tools.
• Strong focus on customer satisfaction and enhancing the customer experience.
• Experience with change management and leading organizational transformation projects.
• Knowledge of risk management practices related to claims handling.
• Experience managing relationships with third-party vendors and service providers.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and staying updated with industry trends and best practices.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in insurance, Business Administration, or an associated field, coupled with relevant management experience required.
• AIC, CPCU, and other insurance industry designation(s) or certification(s) preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant Property/Casualty experience in a claims management or leadership role.
• Natural curiosity and advanced strategic/analytic skills.
• Knowledge of and adherence to the state laws and regulations governing the handling of property and casualty claims.
• Experience implementing new claims processes, improving efficiency, controlling costs, and managing a multimillion-dollar budget.

Physical Requirements:  

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, including video conferencing.
• 10% travel may be required.