Manager, Material Damage Field Operations

 

Candidate can live in California, Washington or New England

 

Summary:

 

This is a Regional Field Material Damage Manager role responsible for the states of California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Ohio, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and possibly some territory in Massachusetts.  This role oversees a team of appraisers, supervisors, specialized units, and independent appraisal partners. The successful candidate will ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and high-quality customer service across a broad geographic region.

 

Responsibilities:

 

• Work closely with the Western Region Leadership team and be the face for Material Damage working with our ACMIC efforts.
• Provide claims technical direction and assistance to staff members, keeping in mind appropriate state laws, rules and/or regulations.
• Hire, train, and develop staff; playing an active role in career path development. Oversee the overall appraisal activities and allocate resources to ensure staffing levels are appropriate (staff and IA) to meet customer service needs.
• Oversee Material Damage activities including salvage, glass, rental, and fleet inspections.
• Maintain rapport with the Marketing Department, AAA agencies, and independent agency force through field contacts and other communications.
• Pursue the development of an Autobody preferred shop program.
• Explore new methods of working with body shops to further expedite the appraisal and repair process and ensure that all programs are cost effective.
• Coordinate with Regional Claim Center management, communications with the various AAA clubs/independent agents in the region.
• Research vendor fees, maintain and further develop appraisal firms including Heavy Equipment and Stated Value Experts.
• Represent the corporation at regulatory hearings and meetings and individual lawsuits.
• Duties may also include work on special programs including but not limited to the Early Tow Program and Catastrophe Duty.
• Continue to develop new cost-effective programs to enhance current business practices, such as P.D.R. Programs and Early Tow Program.
• Represent the Material Damage Department on interdepartmental project teams and committees, including participation in large loss committee meetings.

 

Skills/Abilities:

 

• Proven analytical, problem solving, and decision-making abilities particularly in the area of Claim Material Damage.
• Superior oral and written communication and facilitator skills, excellent technical, analytical, excellent customer service skills, and organizational skills.
• A pro-active, positive approach and strong ability to problem-solve and to make sound business decisions are part of regular activities.
• Ability to direct activities intended to enhance organizational efficiencies and service levels, by providing genuine leadership and guidance and fostering confidence is a must.
• Public speaking skills for both information presentations and training programs.
• Ability to coach, direct, and develop individuals to achieve individual, departmental, and company goals.
• Advanced mentoring skills would be recommended.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at multiple locations in a fast-paced multitask environment is required.
• Frequent contact with other departments and companies as well as industry and political process meetings that will require tact, persuasiveness, and the ability to negotiate will is preferred.
• Ability to provide back-up for management in areas across the country may be required.
• Ability to use and apply various software products including but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, vehicle estimating programs, and property estimating programs.
• Ability to develop and execute Catastrophe Response Plan is desirable.
• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and influencing skills.
• Strong business and other decision-making skills as well as the ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, display strong planning skills, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Possess a thorough understanding of automobile policies.
• Availability to represent the company in legal proceedings, regulatory hearings and meetings, individual lawsuits, and mediations, and industry conferences.

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or professional level of knowledge in a specialized field, or equivalent related experience preferred.
• 9 - 11 years or Master's Degree equivalent plus 7 - 9 years.
• 10 or more years of insurance