At Berkley Program Specialists, we are dedicated exclusively to program business and excel at partnering with program administrators who possess significant underwriting expertise for homogeneous, niche classes of business.

 

We enjoy the strength and stability that comes with being a Berkley Company and underwrite our programs through our member insurance companies, which are A+ (Superior), Financial Size Category XV, by A.M. Best.

We are seeking an experienced claims professional to join our growing Claims organization as a Senior Claims Specialist in Naperville, IL or Lexington, KY. This position offers the opportunity to handle complex commercial general liability and auto liability claims while working within a collaborative, customer-focused environment. 

 

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in casualty claims handling, demonstrated progression in responsibility throughout their career, and the ability to independently manage high-exposure litigated and non-litigated claims.   This role may also handle first party crime and cyber claims. 

 

This position is an excellent opportunity for an established senior claims professional or a high-performing claims adjuster ready to take the next step in their career.

 

Key Functions/Duties of Position: Describe the overall job responsibilities

 

Manage Complex Claims:

• Independently manage a diverse portfolio of general liability and auto liability claims from first notice through resolution of varying complexities.  
• Evaluate liability, damages, coverage, and litigation exposure to develop effective resolution strategies.
• Establish and maintain appropriate claim reserves.
• Lead settlement negotiations and drive favorable claim outcomes.

Apply Technical Expertise: 

• Analyze policy coverages, including all policy terms, exclusions, endorsements, to identify potential coverage issues on general liability and auto liability policies.  
• Draft clear and effective coverage position letters, reservation of rights letters, and coverage determinations.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of emerging legal and claim trends impacting books of business.
• Review additional insured and contractual indemnification tenders to determine policy response.

Lead Litigation Strategy:

• Direct defense counsel on litigation and settlement strategy.
• Monitor legal spend and case budgets.
• Partner with attorneys and experts to achieve efficient and effective claim resolutions.

Collaborate Across the Organization:

• Build strong relationships with insureds, brokers, underwriters, and business partners.
• Serve as a trusted technical resource within the claims organization.
• Mentor and support less experienced claim professionals.

Deliver Outstanding Customer Service:

• Communicate complex claim and coverage issues clearly and confidently.
• Provide responsive and professional service during challenging claim situations.
• Help strengthen long-term relationships with both internal and external business partners and stakeholders. 

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure all claims activities comply with internal guidelines, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
• Maintain accurate and timely claim file documentation and reporting.
• Participate in audits, peer reviews, claim reviews and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• AIC, SCLA, CRIS or other similar industry designations preferred.
• Minimum seven (7) years of commercial claims handling experience, including General Liability and/or Auto Liability claims.
• Demonstrated career progression with increasing levels of responsibility and claim complexity.
• Experience handling litigated casualty claims.
• Strong knowledge of insurance coverage, investigation techniques, liability analysis, and claim resolution strategies.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to independently manage a complex claim inventory.
• Applicable adjusters license(s) to include: CA, CT, DE, FL, KY, LA, NH, NM, NC, OK, RI, SC, TX, VT, WV, WY  (Will need to be able to obtain any required adjuster licenses currently not held within the first 6 months of employment.)
• Experience handling first-party property claims.  (Preferred, but not required)

The position can be based in either Naperville, IL or Lexington, KY, in-office four days per week.

We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting firms.

The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees which for this role includes:

Base Salary Range: $115,000 - 140,000.

The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.

This role is eligible to participate in the annual discretionary bonus program.

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Wellness, Paid Time Off, 401(k) and Profit-Sharing plans.

Sponsorship not Offered for this Role