Salary : $127,878.40 - $177,132.80 Annually
Location : Santa Ana
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 8304MA-0526-017 (O)
Department: County Executive Office
Division/Service Area: CEO - Property & Casualty Risk ISF
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

CAREER DESCRIPTION
Liability Claims Manager
(Risk Manager, Senior)

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Risk Manager, Senior positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Monday, June 22nd, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. (PST).

THE OPPORTUNITY
The County Executive Office (CEO)/ Risk Management is seeking an experienced and strategic professional to serve as the Liability Claims Manager.
This management position is responsible for directing and overseeing the County's liability claims administration program, including the management of litigated and non-litigated liability claims, oversight of outside legal counsel, claims investigations, settlement negotiations, and risk mitigation strategies.
The Liability Claims Manager serves as a key member of the Office of Risk Management leadership team and provides guidance and consultation regarding claims trends, litigation exposure, regulatory compliance, and operational risk.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Directing and overseeing the County's liability claims administration program, including litigated and non-litigated claims as well as subrogation
• Supervising liability claims staff and providing leadership, training, performance management, and professional development.
• Managing and coordinating litigation activities with Board of Supervisors, County's insurers, and outside defense counsel.
• Evaluating liability exposure, damages, settlement strategies, and claims reserves.
• Developing and implementing policies, procedures, quality control standards, and operational improvements related to liability claims administration.
• Monitoring claims trends, legislative changes, and case law developments impacting public entity liability. Preparing reports, recommendations, and presentations for executive leadership and the Board of Supervisors. Collaborating with County departments and stakeholders to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Overseeing claims databases, reporting systems, and documentation processes to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
• Assisting with risk assessments related to existing and proposed County operations and services

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Risk Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field, along with at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience related to liability claims management, litigation oversight, and claims administration.
At least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience leading professional staff and complex operational programs is highly desirable.

An Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Claims (AIC), or equivalent industry designation is preferred but not required.

In addition, the ideal candidate will possess extensive experience and knowledge in the following core competencies:

Technical Knowledge | Technical Experience

• Extensive knowledge of liability claims administration practices, investigation procedures, settlement techniques, and litigation management.
• Experience managing public entity liability claims programs within self-insured environments.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and government codes related to California public entity tort liability.
• Experience evaluating liability exposure, establishing claims reserves, and negotiating settlements.
• Ability to analyze claims trends, litigation risks, and operational exposures to develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Experience coordinating with outside legal counsel, third-party administrators, and County departments regarding complex claims and litigation matters.
• Knowledge of claims databases, reporting systems, and quality control standards.
• Understanding of budgeting principles, risk financing concepts, and operational compliance requirements.

Problem Solving | Decision Making Skills

• Researches, analyzes, and applies operational and claims-related data to support informed decision-making.
• Evaluates complex liability, litigation, and operational issues while developing effective solutions and recommendations.
• Identifies opportunities for operational improvement and implements innovative strategies that improve efficiency and claims outcomes.
• Exercises sound judgment and strategic thinking while balancing competing priorities and organizational objectives.

Oral | Written Communication Skills

• Communicates complex information clearly, concisely, and persuasively both verbally and in writing.
• Effectively collaborates with executive leadership, County departments, legal counsel, external stakeholders, and the public.
• Prepares and delivers reports, presentations, policy recommendations, and executive briefings involving sensitive or complex matters.
• Builds collaborative relationships while demonstrating professionalism, diplomacy, transparency, and sound judgment.

Leadership Skills

• Proven success leading liability claims operations and managing competing priorities within a complex organization.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing professional staff and promoting accountability and operational excellence.
• Ability to foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and results-oriented work environment.
• Experience implementing operational improvements and continuous process enhancement initiatives.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to build consensus and maintain effective working relationships across departments and stakeholder groups.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSPlease click for details on this classification, including the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions.

RECRUITMENT PROCESSHuman Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%)Applicants will be interviewed and rated by an oral interview panel of job knowledge experts. Each applicant's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the applicant's qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Eligible ListOnce the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedure listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.

Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please clickto review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATIONEmail is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.

Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSClick here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Aniko Ruha at or (714)-834-7370.
01

INSTRUCTIONS: The information you provide on this questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your level of expertise during the selection process. Be as specific as possible and include all information requested. If you do not have experience in an area, please answer "N/A". Statements such as "see application" or "see resume," will not be accepted in lieu of a response. All employers referenced on this questionnaire must be listed on your application. Do you understand these instructions?

• Yes

02

Please select from the following options which best describes your background and education:

• One (1) year of experience as a Risk Manager or its equivalent with the County of Orange.
• Two (2) years of experience as a Risk Administrator or its equivalent with the County of Orange.
• Five (5) years of professional risk management programs experience related to assignment; must include two (2) years of lead/supervisory experience.
• Four (4) years of professional risk management programs experience related to assignment; must include two (2) years of lead/supervisory experience AND I possess a Bachelor's degree in occupational health, safety engineering, insurance/risk management, business administration, or related field.
• Three (3) years of professional risk management programs experience related to assignment; must include two (2) years of lead/supervisory experience AND I possess a Master's degree in occupational health, safety engineering, insurance/risk management, business administration, or related field.

03

Based on your response to question #2, if you are substituting relevant education for the required experience as defined in the Risk Management Deputy Director minimum qualifications, you are acknowledging that you attached a copy of your unofficial transcripts to your application. Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S).

• am substituting relevant education for the required experience and I have attached my unofficial transcript to my application.
• I do not possess an applicable education or this does not apply.

04

Do you possess an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and/or an Associate in Claims (AIC) designation? If so, please indicate which designation(s) you hold and ensure a copy is attached to your application.

• Associate in Risk Management (ARM)
• Associate in Claims (AIC)
• I possess both ARM and AIC.
• I do not possess either designation

05

Please describe your experience involving liability