Chief Claims Officer - Tampa, FL (33601)

Company Details W. R. Berkley Corporation is establishing a new operating unit, Berkley Edge . Berkley Edge offers solutions for hard-to-place and distressed risks for both professional and casualty lines of business. Edge will focus on small to mid-sized risks through a wholesale only distribution model. Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation has grown from a small investment management firm into one of the largest commercial lines property and casualty insurers in the United States. Along the way, we have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange, seen our revenue soar well past $10 billion, and become a well-respected Fortune 500 Company. This position will be located in the Tampa/St Petersburg Florida area. We are open to talent in the Richmond, VA, but heavier travel will be required to Tampa/St Petersburg, FL area. The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. #LI-ND1 #LI-Hybrid Responsibilities The Chief Claims Officer (CCO) is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for setting strategic directions and overseeing the organization's claims operations. This role ensures that all claims are handled efficiently, fairly, and in full compliance with regulatory standards. The CCO drives operational excellence, cost management, and customer satisfaction, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in claims processes and technologies. This leader collaborates closely with underwriting, legal, finance, and customer service teams to align claims practices with broader organizational goals. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in claims management, exceptional leadership skills, and a forward-thinking approach to evolving industry trends and customer expectations. Develop and execute the overall claims strategy aligned with the organization's goals and regulatory requirements. Develop and implement claims best practices for proper and consistent claim performance, compliance and achievement of business goals. Establish clear reserving standards and ensure that those standards are continually met. Establish and monitor performance metrics to drive efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing claims team across multiple lines of business. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth. Identify claims with significant exposure and take a more active role coordinating a strategy for an appropriate resolution. Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to manage litigation and mitigate risk exposure. Collaborate with underwriting on form development and provide a feedback loop on current claims. Partner with underwriting, actuarial, finance, and product teams to align claims practices with business objectives. Report regularly on claims performance, trends, and strategic initiatives. Leverage data analytics to identify trends, improve decision-making, and optimize claims outcomes. Drive the use of predictive modeling and AI tools to enhance claims accuracy and fraud detection. Manage relationships with legal counsel, and other external partners. Negotiate rates and contracts and ensure service-level agreements are met. Lead transformation initiatives to modernize claims operations, including digital innovation and automation. Help set up the overall claims system and reporting for start-up company. Liaison with parent company, WR Berkley, on significant individual claims and trends identified in the overall portfolio. Participate in quarterly performance calls with parent company in anticipation of earnings releases. Qualifications 15+ years of experience in commercial claims, with a strong background in casualty and professional liability. 5+ years senior leadership experience. Deep understanding of claims handling complex commercial lines, particularly in casualty and professional liability. Experience managing litigation, regulatory compliance, and high-severity claims. Strategic thinker with a track record of aligning claims operations with broader business and underwriting strategies. Experience participating in executive leadership teams and contributing to company-wide strategic planning. Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate and manage well at all levels of the organization. High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation. Passion for innovation and continuous improvement, particularly in leveraging technology to enhance claims outcomes and efficiency. Technical proficiency is required. College degree or equivalent work experience with demonstrated involvement in insurance industry education. Insurance designations are a plus. Additional Company Details We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting agencies or firms. The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees. 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.