Who are we?

Western National Insurance Group is a private mutual insurance company with over 120 years of experience serving customers' property-and-casualty insurance needs in the Midwestern, Northwestern, and Southwestern United States. Known as “The Relationship Company®,” we define success as a measure of the relationships we’ve built over time. In everything that we do, we know that delivering a friendly and helpful interaction makes for a better experience for everyone involved. That’s the power of “nice”. At Western National, nice is something we work to bring to every person and organization with whom we partner and serve.

Does this opportunity interest you?

Western National is seeking a Legal Liability Claims Manager to join our team! 

The individual in this role will have the opportunity to oversee the administration of claims activities for the Legal Liability unit by meeting expected service levels with policyholders and / or agents and maintaining appropriate records and documentation. The Legal Liability unit at Western National handles a wide variety of third- and first-party claims, under both commercial and personal lines policies in our operating states. The individual in this role will provide daily management to their assigned team through staffing, performance management, and training and development. 

What are the responsibilities and opportunities of this role?

• Ensures assigned direct reports provide prompt, courteous claims service and comply with sound claims handling techniques in accordance with established claims standards, service levels, and quality standards.
• Monitors, oversees, and audits to ensure claims are handled in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and takes prompt action to resolve all complaints / discrepancies. 
• Holds direct reports accountable for claims handling standards and proactive claims handling approaches, along with ensuring development and progress of team members. 
• Informs management of any significant issues which may escalate and require higher level attention.
• Manages the workload of assigned unit to ensure claims processing is distributed equitably across all team members and that pending claims are attended to in a timely manner.
• Coaches, directs, and develops individuals to achieve individual, departmental, and company goals.
• Takes accountability for team performance and results.
• Interprets and executes policies and guidelines.
• Participates in professional industry groups and advancements to communicate, develop, and incorporate best practices into the claims business and shares new information, best practices, and processes.
• Applies knowledge and experience to help solve problems of broad scope and complexity.
• Identifies and analyzes patterns from partial and / or conflicting data and can find solutions.
• Contacts staff, other departments, and external organizations or parties frequently.
• Communicates with persuasion and negotiation, involving creation and delivery of varying messages and information types.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned. 

What are the must-have qualifications for a candidate?

• 5-7+ years of directly related claims handling / supervision and litigated case management experience working with all levels of claims complexity under both commercial and personal lines policies, including, but not limited to, the following lines of coverage: Commercial Auto, Commercial Liability, Umbrella, Commercial General Liability, Homeowners, and Personal Auto. 
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of applicable state laws, regulations, policies, and practices.
• Prior supervisory / management experience with demonstrated ability to coach, direct, and develop individuals.
• Ability to multitask and solve complex problems.
• Proficient use of various core systems, office and computer equipment, and software packages.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or other related field of study or equivalent experience in lieu of degree.

What will our ideal candidate have?

• Ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Sound judgment and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong organization and facilitation skills.
• CPCU or like industry certification strongly preferred.

Compensation overview

The targeted hiring range for this role is $100,320-$137,940, annually. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on the job-related knowledge, skills, credentials, and experience of each candidate as well as other factors such as the scope and location of the role. Candidates looking for compensation outside of the posted range are

encouraged to apply and will be considered based on their individual qualifications and/or may be considered for other positions.

Culture and Total Rewards

Western National has long been known as “The Relationship Company®” and caring for our employees is part of that relationship commitment. We value connectiveness, empowerment, and accountability, and we believe that our employees are our biggest asset. 

Currently ranked as the 41st largest private company by revenue in Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal), Western National has earned accolades year-over-year as an employer of choice and garnered multiple awards for wellness in the workplace. Western National has also been named a Top Workplace by the Star Tribune for the past four consecutive years. In addition, the Group is consistently recognized as a Ward’s 50 property-and-casualty insurance company for its outstanding financial results.

Western National offers full-time employees a significant Total Rewards Package, including:

• Medical insurance plan options and other standard employee benefits, including dental insurance, vision benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, and more!
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) Plan (participants are eligible for 100% matching on the first 6% of their contributions)
• Wellbeing Program, including onsite fitness studio
• Paid Time Off – including holiday, vacation, and volunteer
• 100% company-paid tuition reimbursement for approved job-relevant coursework and access to The Institutes (Risk and insurance education)
• Paid parental leave
• Bonus opportunities

Western National believes in supporting balance between work and life by providing a flexible work environment, which includes a variety of hybrid and remote work arrangements designed to balance individual, job, department, and company needs. 

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Western National provides 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.