POSITION PURPOSE:

Lead the company's risk management and insurance function across procurement, claims, and analytics. Own insurance placement and renewals, drive premium strategy using actuarial data, and evaluate and manage aspects of a disciplined claims program (primarily for GL and Workers' Compensation) that reduces cost and cycle time. Act as the central point for complex claims, partnering with brokers, carriers, and internal teams to reach timely, reasonable resolutions while building a data-driven incident prevention program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Insurance Procurement & Strategy

• Structure and place insurance programs (GL, Property, Auto, Workers' Compensation; EPLI, D&O, Cyber, Crime loss, Business Interruption, Foodborne Illness).
• Evaluate quotes, and work with EPL's insurance broker to negotiate terms, limits, retentions, and premiums for savings and coverage improvement.
• Use actuarial analysis and loss data to set insurance program design and renewal strategy.
• Manage broker relationships; escalate carrier performance issues to broker for resolution.
• Improve profit margins for the company by lowering incident rate and the cost of insurance.
• Manage subrogation loss for the company as necessary.

Claims Program Management

• Provide insurance coverage and claims support for EPLI, D&O, business interruption, foodborne illness, and crime claims as needed.
• Oversee end-to-end claims handling for GL, Property, Auto, and aspects of Workers' Compensation as necessary.
• Manage incoming incidents, claims, or other potential actions against the company. Handle high-exposure guest incident/liability matters on a "first-call" basis in an effort to reduce the number of serious claims while restoring guest faith in the EPL brand.
• Input new employee claims/incidents, set-up and maintain physical claim files and manage all claim file correspondence.
• Act as Subject Matter Expert on claim issues; drive investigations, obtain and/or provide coverage analysis, manage reserves, and help set and execute settlement strategy.
• Push claims toward timely, reasonable resolution; monitor SLAs, cycle times, and outcomes.
• Manage TPAs, carriers, counsel, and internal stakeholders.
• Attend claim reviews with broker and TPA's to reinforce EPL's expectations and claim philosophy, monitor high exposure claims, manage file reserves, and generate written recommendations for optimal claims handling by the TPA.
• Establish and maintain vendor relationships and measure performance of third party service providers.
• Manage third-party invoicing.

Analytics & Prevention

• Analyze loss trends, reviews loss run data, identify hazards, and recommend corrective actions.
• Build dashboards and regular reporting on frequency, severity, reserves, and recovery.
• Translate insights into training, SOP updates, and safety initiatives that reduce incidents.
• Partner with Legal, HR, Operations, and Finance on incident response, litigation support, budgeting processes and tracking, and incident/claims reporting.
• Own claims intake, tracking, and data integrity across systems.
• Standardize workflows, documentation, and audit controls.
• Effectively manage continuous improvement of post-loss claims management.
• Liaison with internal field operations management to report on claim trends; review and consult regarding claim reserve levels, provides training for field operations regarding the claim process.

• Other activities, duties or responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS - EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required.

Education/Work Experience:

• BA degree required, preferably in business administration, risk management, or a related field. 5-8+ years in risk management, insurance, or claims (restaurant, retail, or multi-site industry preferred).

License/Certifications:

• Certification with ARM, CPCU or other like associations preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven experience placing and negotiating insurance programs and premiums.
• Strong working knowledge of GL, Property, Auto, Workers' Compensation; familiarity with EPLI, D&O, Crime, and Business Interruption.
• Experience with actuarial concepts, loss modeling, and data-driven decision-making.
• Track record managing claims with carriers/TPAs and driving cost-effective resolution.
• Skilled negotiator with brokers and carriers; able to challenge positions and secure favorable outcomes.
• Proficient with claims management systems and data tools (e.g., Excel, BI dashboards).
• Clear communicator to and with cross-functional partners; organized and detail-oriented.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset and skills; meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize and plan work assignments and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.
• High level of proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office Suite applications, customized database applications, and internet research tools.
• Adept at managing and prioritizing competing time sensitive requests while working well in a team atmosphere.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the company.

The pay range identified is the hourly or salary rate El Pollo Loco expects to pay for the posted position. This range does not include any benefits or bonus opportunities that might be available for the position based on position and eligibility criteria. Individual pay will vary based on a variety of factors including years of experience, industry experience, education, geography, etc.

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