Western National is seeking an experienced Surety and Construction Claims Specialist to be an integral part of our growing business. Key responsibilities of this role are to investigate, evaluate, negotiate, and resolve construction defect property damage and Surety Bond claims. The individual in this position will have the opportunity to build key relationships, manage civil litigation, and serve as a technical resource to our Surety business partners. With a commitment to unparalleled customer service, the Claims Specialist will ensure a first-class service experience.

• Handles moderate to complex property damage liability claims within settlement authority.
• Handles Surety Bond claims from notice to completion.
• Ensures customer service excellence.
• Investigates and reviews policy forms, facts, and documents related to claims to make appropriate decisions on claims resolution; recognizes claim files exposures, and escalates appropriately.
• Establishes and reviews proper reserves for each claim based upon thorough investigation, evaluation, and experience; maintains appropriate reports to ensure status of claims are clearly documented at all times.
• Serves as technical consultant and subject matter expert to business partners and other claims representatives.
• Manages Surety and commercial general liability litigation.
• Infrequent travel when necessary to meet with claimants and/or counsel.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned (i.e., multi-line claims).

• Three or more years of Liability Claims experience, preferably in Construction Defect Experience with Surety Bond claims or a willingness to obtain Associate of Fidelity and Surety Bond (AFSB) designation.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in complex claims in specialty areas.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and understand applicable state laws, regulations, policies, and practices in all states.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills with ability to draft appropriate coverage position correspondence.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with coordinating outside counsel.
• Proven analytical, tracking, and monitoring skills.
• Ability to collect and analyze data, identify trends, establish facts, and recommend solutions.
• Bachelor’s degree or law degree is preferred, combination of education and experience in lieu of degree is acceptable.
• Proficient use of various core systems, office and computer equipment, and software packages.
• Ability to travel as needed to investigate or negotiate individual claims.

CULTURE AND TOTAL REWARDS:

Currently ranked as the 37th 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 including the Wellness by Design Platinum +Green award from Hennepin County and is a mspWellness Champion. Western National was also named a Star Tribune Top Workplace in 2021 and 2022. The company is also consistently recognized as a Ward’s 50 property-and-casualty insurance company for its outstanding financial results.

Western National has long been known as “The Relationship Company®,” and caring for our employees is a part of that relationship commitment. Western National values connectiveness, empowerment, and accountability. Western National offers competitive pay, advancement opportunities, a generous benefits package, a robust wellbeing program, and a commitment to a healthy work/life balance. These attributes are just some of the reasons why nearly half of our employees choose to stay on the Western National team for ten years or more!

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

• Medical insurance Plan options
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Flex Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) Plan (plus company match)
• Wellbeing Program
• Onsite Fitness Studio
• Paid volunteer time
• Time Off – including vacation and holiday pay
• 100% company-paid tuition reimbursement for approved job-relevant coursework and access to The Institutes (Risk & Insurance Education)
• Discounts on personal auto and homeowner's insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Profit-sharing bonus
• Other standard employee benefits – including dental insurance, vision benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, and more.

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

Western National provides equal 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.