Manager, Central Claims

Buffalo, NY

Hybrid Work Schedule

Merchants Insurance Group, a Northeast leader in Property and Casualty Insurance, has an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for a Manager, Central Claims to join our collaborative and dynamic Claims team in our Corporate Headquarters located in Buffalo, NY.

The Manager, Central Claims is responsible for leading and mentoring a team of talented claim leaders and professionals handling a variety of property and casualty claims. The Central Claims Manager provides direction and training to the Central Claims Operations Unit with the objectives of minimizing the indemnity and expense impact to the Company in accordance with the Claims Department and Corporate goals. Assists in establishing actions that will positively impact the current and long-range Company objectives, plans and policies. Ensures adequate case reserve levels, equitable claim settlements, expense control and discharge of policyholders' liabilities in a timely and efficient fashion all in compliance with applicable State regulations and company performance standards.

Merchants Insurance Group, rated A- (Excellent) with a positive outlook by the A.M. Best Company, is proud to be one of Buffalo Business First's Best Places to Work in Western New York (2023, 2024), a Fast Track company (2019-2024), and a Top Private Company (2019-2024). Merchants has been granted Ward's 50 designation as a top-performing property-casualty insurance company for four consecutive years. In October 2024, Newsweek and Statista included Merchants Insurance Group on their first-ever America's Most Reliable Companies list, which highlights organizations that other companies can feel confident doing business with in 2025. Of 1,500 B2B companies evaluated, Merchants was one of only 300 companies to make the list.

Merchants offers its colleagues a Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule requires 8 full days per month in the office, with the option to work the remaining days at home or in the office. This exciting Hybrid Work benefit offers colleagues a flexible work schedule with the ability to remain connected with their Merchants team and colleagues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Responsible for managing claim units responsible for several claim technical disciplines, including but may not be limited to auto physical damage claims, Workers' Compensation claims, PIP/No-Fault claims, property claims and customer service teams.
Responsible for managing general claim office processes and functions including first notice of loss (FNOL) intake, payment processing, mail and correspondence management, supplies and equipment for the department, and other operational processes.
Ensures minimization of claim impact on combined ratios and other company level financial metrics. Analyzes results, including all claim key performance indicators and takes corrective action as necessary to improve results.
Maintains appropriate reserves in all areas of responsibility.
Ensures the timely, efficient and equitable discharge of company and policyholder liabilities in compliance with established Standards of Performance and State regulatory requirements. Participates in the design and implementation of departmental processes and procedures and claim handling Standards of Performance.
Conducts claim file reviews as necessary to ensure internal and regulatory compliance and as a diagnostic tool to improve business results.

Qualifications & Skills:

Qualified candidates will have a 4 year degree or equivalent work related experience.
10+ years claims management experience and 10 years claims technical experience.
High level of claims technical knowledge.
Proficient with state and federal laws affecting claims handling.
Prior supervisory or management experience is required.
Knowledge of local industry developments and trends.
Microsoft Office knowledge as well as the ability to work with internal company systems (WINS, ImageRight etc.).
Exceptional organization, verbal and written communication skills are highly desirable.

Merchants Insurance Group Pay information:

Merchants Insurance Group offers a competitive pay scale. The actual compensation will be determined based upon experience and other factors permitted by law. The pay range for this position is $110,000 - $160,000.

Merchants Insurance Group Benefits:

Welcoming and positive work environment.
Hybrid work schedule.
Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule will require 8 full days per month in the office, with the option to work the remaining days per month at home or in the office.
Competitive pay scale.
Generous paid time off package.
Full Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, 401(k) employer match amount is 100% up to 6% of your annual contributions. You are immediately 100% vested in the employer match dollars.
Outstanding company bonus program.
Tuition Reimbursement.

And many more exciting company benefits!! EOE