Vela Insurance Services provides specialized Excess and Surplus Lines Casualty and Professional Liability insurance solutions in the following market segments: Construction, Specialty Casualty, & Professional Liability.  We offer national service and local knowledge to our exclusive wholesale broker network and the businesses they serve.

The Claims Manager will supervise and direct work of claims team responsible for the handling of the NY labor law and construction claims.  This role will monitor conformance of claims personnel to industry and company standards, procedures, and objectives, plus be responsible and accountable for departmental results. 

The role may be based in our Atlanta, GA or Scottsdale, AZ offices or surounding states.

• Provide technical oversight and guidance to claim professionals, ensuring consistent execution of complex claim-handling standards and reserving practices.
• Partner closely with claim staff to support early, accurate, and sound reserving practices.
• Ensure strict adherence to Best Practices to drive optimal financial and operational outcomes.
• Serve as a primary decision maker on claim valuation, litigation strategy, and resolution pathways.
• Maintain an active diary on all direct reports’ claim files to promote proactive, timely, and high‑quality claim handling.
• Collaborate with Claim Department leadership to enhance the performance and effectiveness of Vela’s New York Panel Counsel.
• Conduct performance evaluations for direct reports and provide ongoing coaching, development opportunities, and career guidance.
• Support claim professionals in preparing reports and presenting information to senior leadership, underwriting partners, and external stakeholders.
• Foster a strong team culture by promoting collaboration, accountability, and a positive work environment.
• Build and sustain strong customer relationships, delivering exceptional service and communication.
• Work collaboratively across claim teams and other internal departments to support organizational goals and consistency of practice.
• Act as a mentor and resource, contributing to the professional development of both direct reports and broader team members.
• Identify and address procedural, technical, or personnel issues, recommending improvements where appropriate.
• Maintain all required state adjuster licenses and ensure compliance with ongoing regulatory requirements.
• Adhere to statutory regulations, Unfair Claims Practices Acts, and Vela Best Practices in all claim activities.
• Perform additional duties or special projects as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.

Regular and predictable attendance

• Four (4) year college degree, JD preferred
• Industry designations preferred (CRIS, AIC, SCLA, etc.)
• New York adjusters license a plus with applicable adjusters license(s) to include: CA, CT, DE, FL, KY, LA, NH, NM, NC, OK, RI, SC, TX, VT, WV, WY
• Specific knowledge and expertise in New York Labor law and construction related claims is required
• Eight (8) or more years claims handling experience or equivalent experience
• In-depth knowledge of the insurance industry, including legal and regulatory environments.
• Three (3) to Five (5) years of previous managerial experience preferred
• Ability to challenge and develop claim professionals to help them achieve their maximum potential
• Ability to manage remote/ virtual teams
• Ability to travel as requested