The Korte Company, a nationwide design-build construction firm, is seeking a Risk Manager to join our team in Highland, IL, St. Louis, MO, or Las Vegas, NV (remote/virtual considered for the right candidate). This position is responsible for building and leading The Korte Company's enterprise risk management function - overseeing insurance programs, contract risk, claims management, subcontractor prequalification, and compliance across all company operations. The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of construction insurance experience from a carrier, broker, or general/sub-contractor risk manager perspective, and experience creating or managing captive insurance entities would be a distinct advantage.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Leads the evolution of the company's corporate risk strategy, integrating new structures and existing capabilities to maximize risk retention efficiency
- Identify, assess, and monitor project and corporate risk exposures across all phases of construction projects.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of risk management professionals, setting priorities, managing workloads, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Report directly to the CFO, providing regular updates on risk program performance, claims activity, and emerging exposures at the enterprise level.
- Develop and implement companywide risk management policies, procedures, and best practices in partnership with operations, legal, safety, and finance teams.
- Review contracts, subcontracts, and project terms to identify and mitigate financial, legal, and operational risks.
- Lead and manage the Subcontractor Default Insurance (SDI) program in coordination with the company's insurance broker and carrier.
- Oversee the company's surety and bonding program, including bid, performance, and payment bonds across all active projects and project pursuits.
- Lead insurance claim management efforts including workers' compensation, general liability, builder's risk, professional and subcontractor claims; support incident investigations and drive corrective actions to reduce future exposure.
- Coordinate subcontractor prequalification and risk evaluation processes; monitor compliance with contractual obligations, licensing requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Analyze project schedules, budgets, and delivery methods to identify areas of exposure; support dispute resolution, claim avoidance strategies, and documentation management.
- Track and report risk-related metrics, trends, and recommendations to leadership; maintain relationships with insurance brokers, carriers, sureties, attorneys, and third-party consultants.
- Provide training and guidance to project teams on risk management procedures and contractual awareness; stay current on industry trends, regulations, and best practices.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The characteristics listed below are representative of those sought to perform this job successfully.
- Strong understanding of commercial and industrial construction processes, contracts, and project delivery methods.
- Knowledge of construction-related insurance programs, bonding, claims management, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Ability to interpret construction contracts, legal documents, and insurance language.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills with high attention to detail.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.
- Ability to travel occasionally to jobsites or company offices, and to trade conferences.
EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE
Qualified applicants will have:
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business Administration, Risk Management, Finance, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 10+ years of experience in construction insurance or risk management, with a background from a carrier, broker, or owner/risk manager perspective, and at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
- Experience working for a general contractor, insurance carrier, or insurance brokerage within the construction sector strongly preferred.
- Experience reviewing contracts, managing claims, and supporting insurance or compliance programs preferred.
- Experience creating and managing captive insurance entities is highly desirable.
- Professional certifications are a plus; CRIS (Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist) is most relevant, followed by CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) and ARM (Associate in Risk Management).
This position is eligible for our competitive pay and benefits package including annual discretionary bonus subject to company and individual performance. Additional comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, FSA/HRA, life, disability, 401(k), parental leave, phone allowance, vacation, sick time and company paid holidays. Role and compensation decisions are dependent on a variety of factors including education, qualifications, experience, skills, training, certifications, location, etc. Only fully qualified candidates should apply. No phone calls, direct mailings or drop-in inquiries allowed.