Claims Manager - SDI

Chicago, IL | Hartford, CT | Exton, PA | New York, NY | Morristown, NJ| Boston, MA | USA

As the SDI Claims Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading a team that handles high-exposure Subcontractor Default Insurance (SDI) claims for some of the largest construction contractors in the industry. This position reports to the Head of Construction, Environmental Pollution & Energy Claims, with whom you will collaborate to develop and implement the group's strategy for claim handling and best practices. You will oversee a dedicated team of claims specialists and construction consultants in technical claims handling, proof-of-loss reviews, exceptional client service, and business-segment support, while fostering a culture of performance excellence and continuous improvement.

What you'll be doing

What will your essential responsibilities include?

• Oversee colleagues and claim processes related to coverage, exposure evaluation, reserving, proof of loss reviews, and resolution of SDI claims in accordance with AXA XL's Global Claims Handling Principles, service standards, and applicable regulations.
• Manage audits and ensure Financial Internal Controls (FIC) compliance across the claims team.
• Develop and deliver claim analytics and data insights to Underwriting, Actuarial, and Risk Engineering.
• Collaborate with Underwriting and Risk Engineering on claim issues and trends; capture lessons learned; support policy/endorsement language reviews; and provide data-driven insights to inform underwriting decisions and portfolio strategy.
• Provide superior customer service to policyholders and brokers, ensuring the same high customer service standards are upheld by all colleagues.
• Partner with team members, counsel and insureds to pursue subrogation opportunities in an effective and cost-efficient manner.
• Identify strategic and tactical needs that can be solved through technology, process improvements, or training. Maintain close supervision of vendor management and expense control within the unit.
• Lead and develop the claims team through ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and targeted career development.

You will report to the Head of Construction, Environmental Pollution & Energy Claims, Americas.

What you will BRING

We're looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

• Advanced experience managing and supervising Subcontractor Default Insurance claims; proven ability to negotiate and settle large and complex files.
• Demonstrated experience managing claims handlers; proven ability to develop employee talent, manage performance, and maintain engagement.
• Strong analytical skills with sound judgment; takes initiative and can work collaboratively.
• Commitment to exceptional customer service, including professionalism and diplomacy in broker and insured relations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, collaboration, presentation, and influencing skills; able to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels; thrives in a fast-paced environment and manages multiple concurrent responsibilities.
• Demonstrates impeccable ethics, integrity, and the highest standards of professionalism.
• Bachelor's degree required; Juris Doctor (JD) preferred

Total Rewards
AXA XL's Reward program is designed to take care of what matters most to you, covering the full picture of your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial security. It provides competitive compensation and personalized, inclusive benefits that evolve as you do.
We're committed to rewarding your contribution for the long term, so you can be your best self today and look forward to the future with confidence.
Sustainability
At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called "Roots of resilience", focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations.
Our Pillars:

• Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society - are essential to our future. We're committed to protecting and restoring nature - from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard - by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
• Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far-reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions.
• Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We're training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
• AXA Hearts in Action: We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL's "Hearts in Action" programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day - the Global Day of Giving.

For more information, please see Sustainability at AXA XL.
The U.S. base salary range for this position is USD 139,300-219,300 .
Actual pay will be determined based upon the individual's skills, experience and location. We strive for market alignment and internal equity with our colleagues' pay.
At AXA XL, we know how important physical, mental, and financial health are to our employees, which is why we are proud to offer benefits such as a competitive retirement savings plan, health and wellness programs, and many other benefits. We also believe in fostering our colleagues' development and offer a wide range of learning opportunities for colleagues to hone their professional skills and to position themselves for the next step of their careers. For more details about AXA XL's benefits offerings, please visit US Benefits at a Glance 2026.