Manager, Litigation Operations - Auto Bodily Injury Claims

The Opportunity

We are seeking dedicated Managers for our Claims Auto Bodily Injury Litigation area. This role will directly lead claims litigation case managers that handle litigation for Auto Injury claims.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with direct litigation for 3rd Party bodily injury and experience leading claims and / or litigation teams.

In this role you will lead a team of assigned litigation professionals (direct handlers of active litigation against members) responsible for workflow and administration of litigated cases, the development of employee technical skills and business acumen, and for evaluating employee performance.

You will advise on litigated cases and be accountable for ensuring the delivery of a concierge level of best-in-class member service through setting appropriate expectations, proactive communications, advice, and empathy when defending our members in active lawsuits filed against them.

You will build out litigation and trial strategies for each litigated case in accordance with the overall Claims Litigation Strategy and P&C Claims business objectives.

You will lead execution of operational risk management, portfolio and case level litigation management and the adherence to regulatory compliance training, policies, and procedures.

We offer a flexible work environment that requires an individual to be in the office 4 days per week. This position can be based in one of the following locations : San Antonio, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Colorado Springs, CO, Chesapeake, VA or Tampa, FL.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

What you'll do :

• Ensure risks associated with business activities are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.
• Be accountable for delivering operational litigation results, including appropriate management of external legal expense, assigned defense counsel, case quality, and member service.
• Apply a thorough understanding of trial strategy, case law, and jurisdictional trends, accountable for identification of appropriate strategic resolution track, to include recommendation of cases to proceed through trial.
• Lead a team of claims litigation professionals and be responsible for the assignment of cases to litigation managers and to defense counsel and for ensuring quality, accuracy, and timeliness as they handle litigation based on applicable USAA Auto, Property and Small Business Insurance contracts.
• Using data analytics, in partnership with actuary and analytics team and Claims Operations leaders, report on team health to drive business results, handle litigation risk exposure, and assist leadership to resolve appropriate oversight and alignment with business objectives.
• Within authority limit, independently analyze and help support, investigate, negotiate, and resolve the highest severity and / or the most complex claims.

Analyze team members proposed litigation strategies, including determinations of Requests for Authority, and reviews, create action plans for and participates in case authority and strategy conferences on litigated cases.

• Management of USAA Staff Counsel and Panel Counsel and internal business partners to develop appropriate strategic litigation plans for’ the teams’ portfolio of cases and / or in individual cases as warranted through all stages of litigation to include partnering with counsel on impact of new case laws, emerging jurisdictional trends, and the legal environment.
• Be accountable for reviewing, auditing, and approving legal expenses and fees and escalate as appropriate.
• Responsible for ensuring litigation documentation records are current, timely, and completed across the team.
• Responsible for developing, communicating, and training of new and revised policies and procedures that enable team members to be compliant with USAA standards, meet or exceed functional goals and objectives while providing excellent member service.
• Build, develop, and lead a team through ongoing execution of recruiting, development, retention, coaching and support, performance management, and managerial activities.

What you have :

• Bachelor’s degree; OR 4 years of related experience (in addition to the minimum years of experience required) may be substituted in lieu of degree.
• 6 years of operational or military experience, to include a minimum of 4 years of P&C experience in complex casualty claims handling.
• 2 years direct claims litigation handling.
• 2 years of direct team lead, supervisory, or management experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing litigation strategy, negotiating, and settling complex P&C claims (to include large loss auto, property & commercial), and minimizing litigation exposure.
• Demonstrated knowledge of P&C policies, application of case law and state laws and regulations to include regulatory compliance related to claims and claims litigation by venue and jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and successful relationships with vendor law firms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to include communications to executive management.
• Acquisition and maintenance of applicable insurance adjuster license within 6 months time in role.

What sets you apart :

• 2+ years directly leading litigation strategy for 3rd party injury to include : auto large loss bodily injury (BI) / uninsured motorist (UIM)
• Direct leadership experience, preferably over a Claims Auto Injury or Litigation team
• Experience applying advanced knowledge to partner with Claims Operations and provide guidance for complex claim settlements that mitigate risk of litigation
• Experience developing and delivering targeted coaching at all levels within the Litigation and Injury Operations area for more effective lawsuit avoidance and litigation strategies
• Demonstrated experience proving guidance to team members on escaladed complex claims issues
• US military experience through military service or a military spouse / domestic partner

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.

What we offer :

Compensation : USAA has an effective process for assessing market data and establishing ranges to ensure we remain competitive.

You are paid within the salary range based on your experience and market data of the position. The actual salary for this role may vary by location.

The salary range for this position is : $99,160 - $189,530.

Employees may be eligible for pay incentives based on overall corporate and individual performance and at the discretion of the USAA Board of Directors.

Benefits : At USAA our employees enjoy best-in-class benefits to support their physical, financial, and emotional wellness.

These benefits include comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k), pension, life insurance, parental benefits, adoption assistance, paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours, and various wellness programs.

Additionally, our career path planning and continuing education assists employees with their professional goals.