Department: Claims
Reports To: Chief Legal Officer
Position Summary:The Claims Director leads the Claims Department and oversees the investigation, evaluation, negotiation, and resolution of cargo, property damage, and related claims. This role provides strategic leadership for claims operations, team performance, process improvement, and complex claim resolution while partnering with internal and external stakeholders to minimize risk, maximize recovery opportunities, and ensure exceptional customer service.
Key Responsibilities:The following duties represent the essential functions of this role. They are intended to describe the general nature of the position and may change based on business needs. Employees may be required to perform additional duties as assigned.
- Lead and oversee the Claims Department, including Claims Managers, Specialists, Analysts, and other assigned personnel
- Manage the investigation, evaluation, negotiation, and resolution of cargo, property damage, and related claims, serving as the primary escalation point for complex, high-value, or sensitive matters
- Review and analyze contracts, bills of lading, invoices, insurance policies, carrier agreements, claim documentation, and supporting records to evaluate liability, contractual obligations, coverage, recovery opportunities, settlement strategies, and business risk
- Approve claim settlements and denials within authority limits and coordinate escalations as necessary
- Negotiate with carriers, customers, brokers, insurers, inspectors, and vendors to achieve timely, cost-effective claim resolutions
- Ensure accurate claim documentation, reporting, file maintenance, status tracking, and
recordkeeping while monitoring claim aging, workload distribution, exposures, recoveries, trends, and departmental performance metrics - Develop and maintain claims reporting, dashboards, analytics, KPIs, and operational insights for leadership while identifying trends related to cargo loss, shortages, damages, carrier performance, customer disputes, documentation gaps, and claim outcomes
- Implement process improvements to reduce claim exposure, strengthen documentation, improve recoveries, and increase operational efficiency
- Develop and maintain claims policies, procedures, training materials, best practices, and standardoperating procedures
- Partner with Sales, Operations, Legal, Finance, and leadership to resolve claims issues, improve business processes, and support cargo protection, claims prevention, and risk mitigation initiatives
- Hire, train, coach, mentor, and develop Claims Department employees while managing performance, workload allocation, accountability, and succession planning
- Maintain a professional, customer-focused, and business-minded approach while protecting and promoting the company's reputation
- Perform other duties as assigned
Education & Experience:- High school diploma or GED required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Risk Management, Insurance, Logistics, Supply Chain, Legal Studies, or a related field preferred
- Ten (10) or more years of cargo claims, transportation claims, logistics, freight brokerage, motor carrier, insurance, or related claims experience required
- Advanced experience handling complex, high-value, escalated, or sensitive cargo and property damage claims required
- Three (3) or more years of leadership experience managing claims professionals required; five (5) or more years preferred
- Experience developing claims reporting, analytics, dashboards, KPIs, and operational recommendations required
- Experience using claims management systems, transportation management systems, ERP systems, or related business software required
- Experience working cross-functionally with Legal, Sales, Operations, Finance, insurance representatives, carriers, and customers preferred
Core Competencies:- Claims leadership and team development
- Claims investigation, resolution, and risk assessment
- Strategic decision-making and negotiation
- Reporting, analytics, and process improvement
- Customer relationship Management
- Communication, collaboration, and organizational leadership
Mega Awesome Perks:- Medical, dental, vision, and life and disability insurance
- 401(K) matching
- Birthday celebrations
- Health and wellness initiative including gym membership
- Annual parties
- PTO and Flex holidays
- Company sponsored outings
Compensation Range: $125,000 - $150,000
Physical & Cognitive Requirements:The following requirements are representative of those needed to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made.
Physical Requirements:- Ability to see, hear, and communicate clearly
- Ability to use hands and fingers for computer, phone, and clerical tasks
- Ability to work at a computer workstation for extended periods
- Ability to travel occasionally as business needs require
Cognitive Requirements:- Reading comprehension of complex contracts, claims files, and legal documents
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Judgment and decision-making skills
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to interpret financial information, contractual obligations, and operational data
Work Environment:- Office-based position
- Works independently and collaboratively with others
- Frequent communication with employees, customers, carriers, insurance representatives, legal counsel, and executive leadership
- Use of claims management systems, transportation management systems, reporting tools, and standard office equipment
- Fast-paced environment requiring effective prioritization and decision-making.
Confidentiality:Employees may access confidential information (e.g., customer data, pricing, operations, financials, systems) and must not use or share it outside their job duties without authorization. Violations may result in disciplinary action, up to termination.
The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. This description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role. Employees may be required to perform additional duties or responsibilities as assigned by management in order to meet business needs.